If you are taking turmeric as a supplement or in powder form, then the key to enjoying its health benefits lies in taking the right way and right amount.
Taking it in the purest form and at the right time is really effective to get its medicinal properties. But of late, the topic is a bit controversial as few researchers have come with side-effects of turmeric too.
So, are you interested in knowing how should you take turmeric to avoid its side-effects?
In this article, you are going to discover a few of the side-effects of the turmeric. However, you will face the side-effects only and only if you take it in the wrong way and wrong time.
Otherwise, turmeric is a highly beneficial herb for the mind, body, and soul.
Table of Contents
How Much Quantity Of Turmeric Should Be Taken To Avoid Its Side-Effects?
Turmeric supplements are considered safe and till now no adverse side effects have been reported at the low doses. Several studies suggest taking in a week you shouldn’t take more than 490mg of turmeric as it is the safest amount.
This suggests that if you take a teaspoon of turmeric a day it won’t cause any side-effects. However, in another study done using turmeric where it was taken to treat a medical condition, it was seen 1000-1500mg of turmeric taken daily for about 3-4 weeks is safe.
However, when taking turmeric in capsule or supplement form be cautious to check the amount if turmeric present in it.
It is common to get an adverse reaction to anything when taken in high dose. The best recommended for is to take turmeric in its natural form and in moderate quantities to acquire its health benefits.
Side-Effects Of Turmeric
When you consume too much turmeric or you develop an allergic reaction to the spice, you might show face a few side-effects.
Below, is a list of side-effects of turmeric.
1. Turmeric Can Upset Stomach
Experts suggest turmeric supports digestive health but when taken in a large amount it can cause serious stomach irritation.
In a study, it was seen people who were using turmeric for treatment of cancer have to drop out as it caused digestion issues. It’s seen that it can enhance the gastric acid production in your stomach which further affects digestion.
You might suffer from digestive issues like bloating, acid reflux, diarrhea, and flatulence if your daily dose exceeds.
How To Prevent This Side-Effect Of Turmeric?
Don’t exceed your dose to more than 1000mg a day. After you get a stomach upset discontinue the use of turmeric for few days so that your stomach enzymes come back to their normal position. After a week you can start off again with low doses of turmeric.
2. Turmeric Can Increase Risk Of Bleeding
Turmeric, when taken regularly in high dose can slow blood clotting. This sounds more threatening for people who suffer from bleeding disorders.
For them taking turmeric can increase internal or external bleeding. In addition to this turmeric can also react with a few medications and cause more bleeding.
How To Prevent This Side-Effect Of Turmeric?
If you suffer from chronic bleeding disorder refrain from using turmeric. In addition to this, if you are taking any medications always consult the doctor before taking turmeric as a daily supplement.
3. Turmeric Can Cause Gall Bladder Issues
If you have gallstone or any gall obstruction it’s not advised to take turmeric as a supplement. Turmeric has high amounts of oxalate in it.
Oxalate is a compound that can increase gallstones. So, it is better to not take it when suffering from such issues,
How To Prevent This Side-Effect Of Turmeric?
The best way to prevent is to stop the use of turmeric if you have gall issues. However, once your condition is better and your issues are resolved then you can again continue with its use but in significantly fewer amounts.
4. Turmeric Can Cause Skin Rash Or Itching
Turmeric can produce an allergic reaction if you are allergic to it. It has an active compound curcumin that can act as an allergen t few individuals.
A few people have faced dermatitis and urticaria with turmeric. In addition to this, it can also cause a skin rash, skin outbreak, itching, or difficulty breathing. This allergic reaction can develop due to consumption or contact.
It is seen that people who are allergic to ginger can be allergic to turmeric to as they both belong to the same family. More off, if you are allergic to yellow food coloring you might be allergic to turmeric too.
How To Prevent This Side-Effect Of Turmeric?
You can not prevent it in any way, the only way is to discontinue the use.
5. Turmeric Can Increase Menstrual Flow
For some individuals, turmeric can increase the blood flow during periods. It can happen as turmeric has uterine stimulating feature.
So, it can cause more contraction in the uterine lining and thus more bleeding. A study was done on postmenopausal women, the outcome suggested that turmeric supplements caused uterine bleeding for them too due to excessive contractions of uterus walls.
How To Prevent This Side-Effect Of Turmeric?
If you are taking turmeric as a supplement, you have to discontinue it. Nevertheless, you can take it in powder form as the dosage is less in this form. Try consuming turmeric as a spice and limit yourself to 1/4 teaspoon daily.
6. Turmeric Can Cause Iron Deficiency
Turmeric can bind to iron as its a phenolic compound. Studies suggested in the intestine it can bind to iron and inhibits its absorption which would ultimately lead to iron deficiency.
How To Prevent This Side-Effect Of Turmeric?
If you already have iron deficiency avoid turmeric. If not but you feel you might have it it is best to check your iron levels before consuming turmeric.
7. Turmeric May Lower Blood Pressure
Turmeric although is beneficial for people with cardiovascular problem or high blood pressure issues.
However, it might lower your blood pressure significantly with high quantity use. A few cases were seen were turmeric lowered the blood pressure significantly when combined with few medications.
How To Prevent This Side-Effect Of Turmeric?
If you are on blood pressure medications avoid taking turmeric in a supplement form. Rather taking it in the powdered form as a spice can be an option.
8. Turmeric May Cause Kidney Stones
High doses of turmeric might increase the risk of kidney stones. It is because it contains a high amount of phenolic compound oxalate.
The oxalate in it can bind to the calcium in your body and form calcium oxalate. Calcium oxalate is responsible for forming kidney stones.
How To Prevent This Side-Effect Of Turmeric?
If you have kidney stones or you have a tendency to get it it is better to refrain from the use of turmeric. However, you can use it as a spice in your curries.
9. Turmeric For Pregnant And Breastfeeding Women
Health professionals suggest turmeric is absolutely safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women when used as a spice in food. However, when taken as a supplement or in capsule form can cause serious implications in pregnant women.
For breastfeeding women, the studies do not show any concerns but high doses supplement might affect the digestive functioning of the breastfed infants.
How To Prevent This Side-Effect Of Turmeric?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding it is the best to refrain from taking turmeric in supplement or capsule form during this period.
It is because these are the crucial periods of life and it is better to avoid during this period. Nevertheless, you can use it once your pregnancy and breastfeeding phase is over.
10. Turmeric May Cause Nausea/Vomiting
Mild nausea is possible but only if you have taken a high dose of turmeric. In any case, turmeric cannot cause vomiting. However, if you have taken the contaminated form or if you have masked it with vomiting causing ingredient, it might cause vomiting.
How To Prevent This Side-Effect Of Turmeric?
Mild nausea generally goes on its own after three to four doses. However, if it continues to try substituting the brand and going for the purest organic form of turmeric.
11. Turmeric May Thin Your Blood
Turmeric has blood purifying properties so it might make you bleed easily by preventing blood clotting an thinning of the blood. Studies do not know the exact reason behind it.
How To Prevent This Side-Effect Of Turmeric?
If you are taking blood-thinning drugs like warfarin you should not consume turmeric supplements or capsule. Rather you can go for the natural form of turmeric and can consume it around 1/4 teaspoon a day.
12. Turmeric Can Increase Headache
Till now it is not known why high doses of turmeric worsen or give a severe headache. Nevertheless, many individuals have reported a severe headache after taking a high dose of turmeric.
How To Prevent This Side-Effect Of Turmeric?
If you suffer from a severe headache, discontinue the use of turmeric for few days. After 4-5 days you can again start it with fewer doses.
13. Turmeric Can Lead To Infertility In Men
Turmeric if taken as a regular supplement might lower testosterone levels and reduce the sperm movement. Both these things together can lead to infertility. However, this is seen rarely.
How To Prevent This Side-Effect Of Turmeric?
For this avoid excessive use of turmeric especially if you already have sexual issues or problem with fertility.
14. Turmeric Can Hamper Surgery
Turmeric has anti-blood clotting properties so its supplement can cause complications during the surgery like excessive bleeding.
How To Prevent This Side-Effect Of Turmeric?
It is better to avoid using turmeric two weeks before any kind of surgery and also till the recovery period.
Final Talk
Turmeric, the golden spice gives you an array of medicinal properties to keep you healthy and fit. However, for this, the right amount and right way are desired. You might develop a few side-effects with overdose or excessive use.
Thus, always be cautious when using turmeric for treating a medical condition. Check the dosage amount, the form, and the brand carefully before taking it.
Nevertheless, its always advised speaking to a doctor before choosing turmeric for an alternative treatment.
