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Turmeric is generally safe for most people when used as a culinary spice in typical amounts. But consuming large amounts of it, or taking it or its active compound, curcumin, as a supplement, may have negative health effects.
1. Turmeric or Curcumin May Interact With Some Drugs and Supplements
Talk to a healthcare provider before using large amounts of turmeric or taking turmeric or curcumin supplements, especially if taking medications or supplements, including:
- Aspirin, antiplatelet drugs, and anticoagulants: Curcumin can affect blood clotting, and combining it with aspirin, antiplatelet drugs such as Plavix (clopidogrel), or anticoagulants such as warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding.
- Insulin or Glucotrol (glipizide): Curcumin affects proteins involved in insulin release and could lower blood sugar. If you are taking medications that lower blood sugar, the combined effect may result in hypoglycemia.
- Blood pressure medications Norvasc (amlodipine) and Cozaar (losartan): Turmeric can affect the absorption or breakdown of these drugs, leading to higher levels of them in the blood.
2. Taking Too Much Can Harm the Liver
Turmeric supplements have been linked to a growing number of liver injuries:
- The risk is especially seen in supplements that combine turmeric or curcumin with piperine, a substance found in black pepper.
- Piperine increases curcumin absorption, which can lead to toxic levels depending on the supplement's strength.
Supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety and effectiveness in the same way medications are. The strength and content of supplements may not reflect what is on the label. Talk to a healthcare provider before taking turmeric or curcumin supplements.
3. You May Experience Side Effects
Turmeric or curcumin supplements may produce side effects, including:
- Digestive effects: These may include nausea, abdominal pain, or diarrhea.
- Kidney effects: If you are on a low-oxalate diet for kidney stones, avoid turmeric supplements, as they contain oxalates.
- Gallbladder effects: If you have gallstones, curcumin supplements may make it harder to clear them.
- Skin reactions: Allergic skin reactions have been seen when people touch powdered curcumin or use turmeric powder in massages.
- Bleeding: If you are at risk of bleeding or will be having surgery, talk to a healthcare provider about curcumin supplements.
- Low blood sugar: Curcumin can lower blood sugar levels.
Read the original article on Verywell Health
