Turmeric Side Effects: Potential Risks & Precautions

The bright golden yellow spice is a treat for your health. Packed with antiviral, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties, this root can be also used fresh, dried or in the powdered form to enhance the flavor and color of the dishes. It can ease arthritis, combat cold, and keep away Alzheimer’s disease. That is quite something for the humble turmeric! However, there is a certain set of side effects associated with turmeric as well. While these are rare, understanding them can come handy at some point of time.

Top 10 Side Effects Of Turmeric:

Here are the top 10 side effects of turmeric spice:

1. Causes Stomach Upset:

There are certain people who are sensitive to spices, including turmeric. If you are one among those, then you might probably experience a little irritation in your tummy. It can either be in the form of cramps or flatulence. Either way, the con is painful. It could probably be due to the use of this spice in large amounts. In such cases, restricting the quantity of intake could provide relief. Or, you could just go slow!

2. Triggers Heartburns:

When used in large amounts, this golden spice root is known to trigger acidity, heartburns, or both. This, if left untreated for a prolonged time, can actually cause Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Even worse, your digestive system can suffer irrecoverable damages.

3. Leads To Vomiting:

Studies suggest that people who use turmeric in the form of supplements or powder in high amounts [above 2000 milligrams a day], are known to experience vomiting. The extent of this side effect varies from person to person.

4. Affects Stool Elimination:

While turmeric powder is touted to be an effective home remedy for an upset stomach, using this in excessive quantities can leave you with an uncomfortable tummy. This, in turn, could leave you constipated or you might find yourself visiting the restroom frequently due to loose stool. Just cut down the amount of this spice you use to ease these conditions.

5. Leads To Bleeding:

Turmeric is one of the best known anti-clotting herbal remedies. People suffering from bleeding disorders should stay safe while using this spice as it is known to induce mild bleeding. Such people might even find blood while they vomit and/or while passing stool.

6. Damages Liver:

Various studies conducted on animals suggest that turmeric has potential negative impacts on the liver. While there is no proof of the same on humans, it is better to stay safe than worry after you fall prey!

7. Causes Hypoglycemia:

Turmeric powder is good for diabetic people, but be cautious while using this. This yellow spice is known to possess powerful blood sugar lowering properties. And an extremely low level of blood sugar could trigger hypoglycemia, especially when used along with medications for diabetes.

8. Hinders Anti-cancer Treatment:

The antioxidant nature of this spice hinders the effects of chemotherapy, which in fact is known to be effective in easing and combating cancer. While reasons are yet to unrevealed, you could check with your doctor.

9. Harms Blood Corpuscles:

Using turmeric in excessive quantities can damage white and red blood corpuscles.

10. Affects Pregnancy:

While it is not clear, studies suggest that using this spice has a negative impact on your pregnancy. The uterine stimulating property of this spice can induce premature contractions of the uterus, vaginal bleeding, or even miscarriage.

11. Negatively Interacts With Other Drugs:

Studies suggest that turmeric can have a negative relation with drugs, such as warfarin and aspirin. It is also known to impact the performance of certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. It also affects the functioning of anti-diabetic drugs.

Tips To Avoid Side Effects Of Turmeric:

The above outlined negative impacts of turmeric really can make you queasy. However, that does not imply that you should refrain from using this spice as such. While the side effects of this yellow hued spice are rare, you could sill be at its risk. So, to stay safe, all you have to do is to restrict the usage. Start with smaller quantities and let your body get used to it. Once the body accepts turmeric, you could probably increase the amount gradually.

Here are a few tips that you could keep in mind, if you wish to use turmeric.

• It doesn’t matter how you are using turmeric. First and foremost, try to find out if you are allergic to it. You can just take a pinch of turmeric, apply the same on your elbow or any place where it will not be washed off or wiped off, carelessly. Leave it there for some hours. If you do not develop any rashes, itching, or redness, then you could probably go ahead with this spice.
• Avoid including this golden spice in your food for at least 3 to 4 weeks, if there is an upcoming surgery. Turmeric is known to be a powerful anti-clotting agent. Plus, it interacts negatively with blood thinning drugs, such as warfarin. This could probably delay your recovery.
• People on anti-coagulant or anti-platelet medication should avoid using this drug.
• People with blood clotting issues should stay away from turmeric.
• Diabetics should avoid turmeric as it negatively interacts with anti-diabetic medication, triggering hypoglycemia.
• If you are allergic to ginger, then the chances that you are allergic to turmeric is high. So act cautiously.
• People with renal stones and a block in the bile duct are also advised to avoid this spice.
• Do not start using turmeric until you recover, if you have gallstones.
• You could be suffering from the side effects of turmeric because your body is not digesting the spice. To avoid this, you can add turmeric to water, boil it, and then use it after 10 minutes. Another way of handling this is to use turmeric with oil or black pepper powder to allow better absorption by the body. This is not applicable for turmeric supplements available in the form of capsules as the pipperine coating will ensure proper absorption.
• Always store turmeric – powder, root, or capsules – in an airtight container to keep it moisture-free to reap its health benefits and avoid the side effects.

Turmeric is manna from heaven, if used correctly! So play safe and stay healthy!

Have you experienced any side effects after using turmeric? Share your experiences with us in the comments section below.