{"id":1777,"date":"2018-05-07T07:18:24","date_gmt":"2018-05-07T07:18:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=1777"},"modified":"2021-03-16T18:51:17","modified_gmt":"2021-03-16T18:51:17","slug":"10-turmeric-side-effects-to-look-out-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/10-turmeric-side-effects-to-look-out-for\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Turmeric Side Effects to Look Out For"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Turmeric is a flowering plant related to the ginger family. This golden-colored spice is sometimes referred to as Indian saffron and grows natively in the lands of Central America and Southeast Asia. The roots of the plant are dried and ground into spice for use in curry dishes. The bright yellow color of the spice inspired its use as a commercial dye; turmeric will readily stain your hands and cooking utensils yellow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The active ingredient in turmeric, known as curcumin, has potent anti-inflammatory properties, spurring its use in dietary products and supplements. Tea powders, curcumin capsules, and extracts are all available online for supplemental purposes. Curcumin is known as Ayurvedic medicine, an age-old medicinal practice that uses homeopathic remedies to cure illness and ailments of the human body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though turmeric, and its active ingredient curcumin, have a host of beneficial health properties, there is a dark side to using the spice as well. Here are 10 turmeric side effects to look out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Iron Deficiency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A lack of iron <\/a>is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world, with women and children most exposed to the developing the deficiency. Vegan or vegetarian diets along with overconsumption of coffee and herbal teas are thought to be major contributing factors to iron deficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plant flavonoids, such as tannins, bind to iron molecules, enlarging them to a size where the intestinal tract can’t absorb them. Turmeric is rich in both flavonoids and tannins that could potentially bind to iron molecules and prevent their absorption.
Theoretically, this effect increases the chance of developing anemia in individuals that consume substantial amounts of turmeric in their diet. Studies in lab animals show that turmeric does, in fact, create an iron deficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, human studies on the compounds found in turmeric show that the effect does not transfer to humans. Polyphenols have a positive impact on the body, and nutritional science is yet to prove a link between excess turmeric consumption and anemia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Increased Bleeding Risk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coagulopathy is a blood clotting<\/a> disorder affecting less than 1% of the world\u2019s population. Also known as \u201cVon Willebrand disease.\u201d This condition and \u201chemophilia,\u201d another rare bleeding disorder, disrupt the normal clotting of blood after an external injury. People living with these blood disorders should avoid consuming turmeric as it has anti-platelet or blood-thinning properties that may affect coagulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strangely enough, turmeric is applied topically to stop the bleeding of cuts or fresh wounds. Therefore, it could contain procoagulant properties as well. However, nutritional science has yet to prove evidence of this phenomenon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speak to your doctor regarding turmeric or curcumin, and how it will affect your body. It\u2019s important to do this task before you begin supplementing your diet with the compound. Your doctor will run a full blood and hormone panel to determine if you are living with any blood disorders that could be adversely affected by turmeric or curcumin supplementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. GERD and Other Stomach Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stomach discomfort is the most common side-effect of consuming too much turmeric<\/a>. Turmeric is acidic and eating it on an empty stomach will likely lead to gastric inflammation that results in bloating and gas. This fact is ironic considering that turmeric treats the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders and diseases such as Crohn\u2019s and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High doses of turmeric exceeding 12 grams can cause gastric side-effects in some users. It’s best to ease yourself into turmeric or curcumin supplementation, slowly raising the amount until you reach your maximum dosage without experiencing any side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The acidity of turmeric may also trigger acid reflux, avoid taking turmeric with just water, it is best absorbed with oils and healthy fats. Start with a \u00bc teaspoon of turmeric powder mixed in a glass of water or tea and drink it down after you have finished a meal. Increase the dose by a \u00bc teaspoon a day until you reach an effective dose that doesn\u2019t create stomach issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Gallstones and Gallbladder Contractions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cholesterol or bilirubin deposits formed in the gallbladder are known as gallstones<\/a>. The function of the gallbladder is to produce enzymes to aid in digestion. Gallstones contain bilirubin, bile salts, or cholesterol and can be tiny, or the size of a plum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gallstones form when the gallbladder can\u2019t process excess concentrated bile or bilirubin. The risk factors for developing gallstones include; diabetes, obesity, as well as diets high in trans-saturated fat. Gallstones have the potential to disrupt the flow of bile to the GI tract, producing symptoms of pain, vomiting, and nausea, followed by a yellowing of the skin and eyeballs known as jaundice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medications are used to treat gallstones and break them down so they can freely pass through the gallbladder. Turmeric is effective in treating the symptoms of gallstones, but it can cause gallbladder contractions, initiating the rapid emptying of the organ and potential toxic shock. Gallbladder contractions make turmeric a dubious supplement for anyone living with gallbladder issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Lower Blood Pressure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hypertension <\/a>from excessive environmental stress raises blood pressure to dangerous levels. Individuals that are living with hypertension, also known as the \u201csilent killer,\u201d could benefit from supplementing with turmeric or curcumin products. Turmeric reduces arterial distress by lowering levels of inflammation in blood vessels. This effect results in lower blood pressure and improved circulation, reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack in people living with hypertension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you have low blood pressure already, it\u2019s not recommended that you take a turmeric or curcumin supplement. Dosing turmeric or curcumin while you have a stomach disorder is tantamount to throwing gasoline on a fire, and could result in severe cardiac arrest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before starting any turmeric or curcumin supplementation, visit your doctor for a checkup. Your doctor will test your blood pressure and draw blood to be sent to a pathology lab for testing. The results of the test will let you know the health of your cardiovascular system. If your doctor diagnoses you with low blood pressure, avoid all turmeric supplements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Development of Kidney Stones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Turmeric powder is high in compounds known as \u201coxalates.\u201d There are links between oxalates and the formation of kidney stones. Studies show that turmeric at supplemental doses may increase the risk of developing kidney stones. However, supplementing with curcumin extract does not raise oxalate levels significantly. The 6-hour oxalate absorption window for turmeric means that it could increase kidney stone risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dosage is the primary factor related to oxalate levels that could be damaging to the kidneys. Individuals with healthy oxalate metabolism <\/a>dosing moderate amounts of turmeric (below 5 grams a day) showed no concerning increase in oxalate levels or the initial stages of developing kidney stones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individuals susceptible to oxalates synthesize the compound readily, increasing the likelihood of developing a kidney stone. Therefore, it is not recommended for these individuals to supplement with additional turmeric. Instead, opt for a curcumin extract supplement. The lower levels of oxalates will not disturb the normal function of the kidneys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Turmeric should be avoided by pregnant women or those that are breastfeeding their child. Turmeric has no adverse effects on pregnancy when used to spice up foods, but excessive levels of curcumin or turmeric from supplements may cause pregnancy complications or developmental defects in children that are breastfeeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the present moment, nutritional science doesn\u2019t have enough data on the effects of turmeric and curcumin in pregnant women. Pregnancy is a gift and women should do all they can to ensure the successful birth of a healthy child. Consuming turmeric during pregnancy is a haphazard practice that could end in severe childbirth complications or developmental issues with the child, stay away from turmeric if you are pregnant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also little information available on the effects of children that are breastfeeding. It remains unknown if the oxalates and compounds found in turmeric and curcumin pass through breast milk. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding<\/a>, it\u2019s not worth taking a chance with your child\u2019s health, rather avoid turmeric and curcumin supplements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Nausea, Diarrhea, and Bloating<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nausea <\/a>and diarrhea are two common symptoms associated with turmeric and curcumin supplementation. As discussed, turmeric taken in large doses has the potential to upset the stomach and GI tract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doses exceeding 4 to 5 grams of turmeric a day are associated with the development of gastric issues such as nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, and vomiting. The dosage is the issue with this side-effect. Dosing turmeric at more than 5 grams a day shows no positive effect, in fact, these doses display adverse reactions in the gut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have just started turmeric supplementation for the first time, you can expect a bit of stomach discomfort. It takes time for your GI tract to adjust to turmeric supplementation, and the symptoms of nausea and pain should pass after 3 or 4 days.
Continued severe gastric distress could be due to an inferior turmeric powder or contaminated supplement. Always build into your dose to ensure the health of your gastrointestinal system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Allergic Reactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This side-effect can have dangerous reactions that affect the respiratory system, creating shortness of breath and constricted breathing. Curcumin is a contact allergen, meaning that any physical contact with the substance produces an allergic reaction. Some people have stated they experienced urticaria and contact dermatitis <\/a>as a result of contact with turmeric or curcumin supplements. Individuals with allergies to yellow food colorants may also be affected by turmeric supplementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outbreaks such as rashes and other forms of dermatitis are associated with allergic reactions occurring from skin contact and ingestion of turmeric. Turmeric is part of the ginger family; if you have any allergies to ginger, you can expect the same effects for supplementing your diet with turmeric or curcumin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best way to check for turmeric allergy is to rub a small amount of the spice on the inside of your wrist. The sensitive skin in this area will immediately present symptoms of an allergic reaction such as redness in the skin and visible signs of inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Surgery Risk and Interactions with Medication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned previously, turmeric inhibits the body\u2019s ability to clot blood. Anyone supplementing with turmeric or curcumin must cease supplementation for two weeks before any surgical procedure. Turmeric acts as a blood-thinning agent. If you fail to mention your supplementation to your surgeon, your surgery <\/a>could end in disaster, with you bleeding out on the operating table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turmeric also has interactions with certain prescription medications. If you are using any blood-thinning medications, avoid turmeric. Drugs used to reduce stomach acid react negatively to curcumin, and turmeric supplementation and additional turmeric may exasperate your condition. Diabetes medications also interact with turmeric and curcumin, increasing the efficacy of the drug resulting in lowered blood sugar levels that could adversely affect your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turmeric also interacts with particular herbs. Black pepper and ginger are said to improve the absorption of curcumin. However, there is no real science to support this claim. Remember to visit your doctor for approval before you undertake any turmeric or curcumin supplementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Staining<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Turmeric has plenty of uses in traditional medicine, from a potent anti-inflammatory<\/a> to an antiseptic compound for treating wounds and rashes. However, one of the lesser-known methods for this root powder, – is as a commercial dye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may notice that adding turmeric to your food turns it bright yellow, that\u2019s what provides many curry dishes with its unique, bright-yellow appearance. When you’re handling turmeric, its best to use rubber gloves. This strategy prevents the spice from getting onto your fingertips. The resulting stains for the powder can take days to remove from your skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also vital that you avoid using the powder without diluting it in water first. Eating the raw dust will stain your mouth and lips bright yellow, which is embarrassing. Can you imagine showing up at a client meeting with yellow lips and fingers? Your client might think you\u2019re a drug user and cancel the deal. Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of water and drink it down \u2013 try not to let it come in contact with your lips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Infertility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Recent research shows that eating turmeric frequently in its raw form may have some effect on fertility in both men and women. Medical science is at a loss to explain the exact pathways affected by turmeric that result in infertility<\/a>. However, some experts think that it may have something to do with the potent anti-inflammatory properties of the spice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turmeric may reduce inflammation so severely, that it disrupts the production of sperm in men, and prevents fertilized eggs from attaching to the wall of the uterus. However, more research needs to clarify the exact reasons why this side-effect occurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re trying to start a family with your partner, it’s best if you discontinue your use of turmeric in your diet. Add turmeric back into your food, after the birth of your child, and it should not affect breastfeeding children. However, speak to your doctor for advice on the subject, and ask their opinion of whether or not you should introduce the spice into your food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Lead Poisoning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Turmeric is commercially available in your local grocery store as a dried root or a crushed powder. If you have the choice, we recommend that you always opt for the fresh root wherever possible. There are numerous studies that show that powders contain high concentrations of dangerous heavy metals, such as cadmium<\/a>, and lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since most of us use turmeric for its medicinal properties \u2013 that include potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, learning that your turmeric could poison you with heavy metals is concerning. Studies into the addition of lead chromate into turmeric yield shocking results. Lead chromate is also a bright yellow powder form metal, and results of testing show that this metal is present in turmeric powder imported from Bangladesh and India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have to select a turmeric powder because your grocery store doesn\u2019t carry the fresh root, we recommend you look for a local manufacturer or a brand that originates from Central or Southern America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Liver Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some people may have adverse reactions to turmeric in their diet, especially in high concentrations. Individuals dealing with the autoimmune disorder, \u201cautoimmune hepatitis,\u201d experience a condition where the body\u2019s immune system starts to produce white blood cells that attack tissues in the liver, mistaking them for invading pathogens similar to hepatitis<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of this autoimmune disorder include raised levels of liver enzymes that cause liver damage, and could lead to the development of liver cirrhosis. People with this type of disease should avoid using turmeric to treat their symptoms. Studies show that some people with autoimmune hepatitis that use turmeric powder, see an increase in their liver damage symptoms that decline as soon as they stop using the spice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re at risk of this autoimmune disorder, make sure that you inform your doctor of any turmeric or curcumin supplements you\u2019re currently taking. The doctor may ask you to remove them from your diet and return for new blood tests after a week to monitor your progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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