Turmeric is a natural compound that has been used as a spice on kitchen shelves. Many cultures have used processed turmeric as a dye because of its vivid yellow color. Turmeric is suggested for treating several medical issues. Besides its health advantages, it may cause some serious side effects for your health too. So be careful while using it.
Key Points
- High doses of turmeric consumption may increase the risk of gallbladder problems, gastrointestinal issues, increased risk of excessive bleeding, and male infertility, and may cause extremely low blood pressure.
- Consume it sparingly to avoid its negative effects. According to some reports, people should take 400–600 mg (three times) of turmeric daily.
Constituents of Turmeric
Turmeric is obtained from a plant, also known as Indian saffron or the golden spice native to Asia and Central America. The major component of turmeric constitutes natural antioxidants which are given as.
- Volatile oil
- Turmerone
- Curcuminoids
- Curcumin demethoxycurcumin
- 5′-methoxy curcumin
- Dihydrocurcumin
Did you know – Turmeric dates back nearly 4000 years and is a prominent part of Vedic culture. While it originated in India, it was also grown in China by 700 AD, East Africa by 800 AD, and West Africa by 1200 AD.
Also read – Turmeric: The Natural Antibiotic!
What is the recommended dosage of Turmeric?
- According to some reports, individuals should take 400 to 600 mg (three times) of turmeric daily.
- If someone consumes more than this dose, it may cause significant negative consequences for a healthy body.
Did You Know? 80 percent of the world’s production of turmeric comes from India. Tamil Nadu’s Erode, often known as “yellow city” or “turmeric city,” is the world’s largest producer and trading hub for turmeric.
Side Effects Of Turmeric To Know
Now let’s discuss the side effects of turmeric, which you should know to take care of your health.
1. Increase the risk of gallbladder issues
Oxalate, a chemical that can raise the chance of developing gallstones, is in considerable amounts in turmeric.
- According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, participants who had taken turmeric had higher amounts of oxalate in their urine than those in the control group.
- When turmeric pills of 20–40 mg were administered in the experimental group, there were reports of more frequent gallbladder contractions.
- Doctors advised staying away from turmeric supplements if you have gallbladder problems.
You can take help from a nutritionist to adjust turmeric effectively in your daily diet plan.
Have a look at the Health Benefits Of Turmeric
2- May lead to gastrointestinal problems
- According to research, taking turmeric in large doses over a lengthy period has been reported to induce gastrointestinal difficulties.
- Make sure you just take the suggested dose of turmeric supplement for adults (400 mg to 3 grams), as taking more than that can cause stomach issues.
- Studies also show that its high dose may lead to indigestion and heartburn.
If you are currently facing these problems then we suggest going to a gastroenterologist without any delay.
3- Enhance the risk of excessive bleeding
- Blood coagulation is slowed down by turmeric, which increases the risk of bleeding and bruising in people with bleeding disorders.
- According to research, turmeric’s curcumin prevents the platelets from clumping together.
- If you are taking any medications for bleeding disorders or have bleeding disorders, you should stop taking turmeric.
- Turmeric may also interact with several other drugs to cause excessive bleeding. You can take expert advice from a doctor regarding this.
Beware – Avoid taking turmeric for one to two weeks before surgery if you are scheduled for surgery. The reason for this is turmeric’s propensity to prevent blood clotting.
4- Increase the risk of kidney stones
- Due to the presence of oxalates, too much turmeric might raise the risk of kidney stones.
- These oxalates can combine with calcium to create calcium oxalate, an insoluble compound that is primarily responsible for kidney stones.
- It is best to avoid turmeric if you have renal issues because, according to one study, it causes a higher urinary oxalate excretion.
If you are looking for an expert for the effective treatment of kidney stones, look at this link, and book an appointment right now.
5- Contributes to infertility in males
- Men who consume a lot of turmeric-containing products or drugs may experience changes in their testosterone levels and sperm mobility, which may result in infertility, according to several studies.
- The curcumin substance of turmeric interferes with the androgen signaling pathway, and in this way, it causes a decrease in the production of testosterone levels in males.
You may also read 11 Health Miracles of Turmeric
6- May lead to liver damage
- According to different research, people who are diagnosed with liver conditions should try to avoid turmeric in very high amounts as it may cause liver damage.
- Moreover, turmeric supplements have been linked with increased liver injuries reported by many experts.
7- May cause iron deficiency
Among 10 serious side effects, iron deficiency is among the top as it can lead to immense weakness.
- Studies have proven Some of the turmeric chemicals bind to iron.
- This can cause a decline in the body’s capacity to absorb iron from food. This situation will result in iron deficiency anemia.
- To prevent this situation, you must take turmeric in its recommended dosages.
7- Results in nausea and diarrhea
- Due to the curcumin’s potential to irritate the gastrointestinal tract, nausea and diarrhea are two symptoms linked to turmeric supplementation, according to studies.
- If you experience nausea after taking turmeric, stop using it immediately because some people can experience it even at modest dosages.
Moreover, you may take a consultation with a doctor to get medicines to deal with these symptoms.
8- Severe allergic reactions
- Due to skin contact with turmeric, curcumin can cause contact allergies, like contact dermatitis and urticaria (hives).
- According to a study, turmeric’s kumkum and curcumin compounds are linked with causing these skin allergies.
- Furthermore, turmeric allergy is also possible if you are allergic to yellow food coloring.
To treat this allergy on your skin, we suggest you go for a dermatologist right now.
9- May cause blood pressure to be extremely low
Turmeric can result in a drastic change in blood pressure. Low blood pressure can result in fainting and weakness.
- According to studies, high amounts of turmeric can drop blood pressure too low, and it can be harmful.
- You must exercise caution when using turmeric when taking blood pressure drugs too.
10- Turmeric can also cause low blood sugar level
- The compounds of turmeric can cause hypoglycemia, especially when you are taking diabetes medications, according to experts.
- In such circumstances, a high dose of turmeric can have harmful effects.
Caution- Don’t take turmeric supplements for diabetes without concerning your doctor.
Summary
Due to the many health benefits of turmeric, its negative effects are rarely discussed. However, taking turmeric internally may result in stomach problems, aggravate problems with acidity, and trigger gallbladder contractions.
In addition, excessive consumption of turmeric may raise the risk of bleeding, kidney stones, infertility, and iron deficiency.
So, to avoid its negative effects, consume it in moderation. Apart from this, you may consult a nutritionist to get an effective diet plan regarding the moderate amount of your food.
FAQs
1- Who should not use turmeric?
Those with gallbladder issues, high blood pressure, diabetes, GERD, infertility, iron insufficiency, liver disease, hormone-sensitive ailments, and arrhythmia should avoid overdosing on turmeric.
2- Can turmeric cause heart palpitations?
Turmeric-containing products contain curcumin which has the chemical properties of disrupting cardiac rhythms and may cause heart palpitations.
3- What is the safest way to take turmeric?
It is best to take turmeric with food to aid with absorption. Splitting it into two doses with a gap of 8-12 hours can decrease its negative effects on the body.