10 serious side effects of Turmeric (Disadvantages of Turmeric).
The origin of turmeric can be traced down to South Asia and Central America. The botanical name for turmeric is ‘curcuma longa’, and it is part of the ginger family. It is an old age spice commonly used by the Indians. Otherwise referred to as the Golden spice or Indian saffron, turmeric has mixed colors of both orange and yellow, and can serve a lot of benefits. Asides its use in cooking for flavors and colors (food dye), it also serves as a form of alternative ayurvedic medicine used to relieve pains, heal wounds and reduce inflammations.
There are a lot of health benefits that come with the usage of turmeric, which is majorly attributed to curcumin, a very active substance in turmeric.
What are the Serious Side Effects of Turmeric?
When consumed in moderate proportions, turmeric provides a lot of benefits to health such as reduction of blood cholesterol and pressure, boosting liver function, aiding digestion, and reduction of your risk to having a heart attack. However, when consumed excessively in large doses, can cause side effects, which can be mild in some cases.
Mild side effects of turmeric include:
👉Stomach upset
👉Bloating
👉Flatulence
👉Skin rash
👉Diarrhea
👉Nausea
👉Increased urination
👉Dry mouth
👉Blurry Vision
👉Acid reflux (backward flow of stomach acid into the oesophagus)
👉Headaches
👉Heartburn
👉Indigestion
👉Dizziness
👉Irritation
10 serious side effects of Turmeric (Disadvantages of Turmeric)
In extreme cases, consumption of large amounts of turmeric or consumption for a prolonged period of time can result to serious side effects such as:
1. Risk of Excessive Bleeding: It is believed that turmeric has the potential of reducing the rate at which blood clots, this can lead to an increased risk of people with bleeding problems- bruising or bleeding. Turmeric should not be taken with blood thinners like warfarin.
2. Can cause Gastro-intestinal issues: Although, there is no linkage between turmeric and gastro-intestinal problems, consumption for a long period of time or in excessive amounts can cause gastro-intestinal problems.
3. Reduces Blood Pressure: Turmeric is known to help with blood pressure reduction. For people with a low blood pressure already, consuming turmeric in high proportions can increase your risk of having a lower blood pressure. Having a low blood pressure isn’t a good sign at all, and could indicate hypotension. Don’t take turmeric with blood pressure medications.
4. Risk of Kidney Stones Formation: Oxlate, a substance found in turmeric has the tendency of increasing the risk of kidney stones formation if consumed in high amounts. To those with kidney problems, it is advisable you avoid the use of turmeric.
5. Risk of Gallstones formation of Gallstones issues: More so, this oxlate substance in turmeric has the tendency of increasing the risk of gallstones formation or gall stones issues. Consuming turmeric in large amounts can increase the risk of these gallstones developing.
6. Can cause Uterine Bleeding or Contractions for pregnant women: It is safe to consume turmeric during pregnancy. However, it hasn’t been proven if it’s safe to consume turmeric supplements during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. So, it should be avoided during these periods, as when taken during pregnancy, might be unsafe for both the mother and the foetus; thereby leading to contractions or uterine bleeding.
7. Could affect Fertility: Turmeric has the potential to reduce testosterone levels and sperm motility in men. Therefore, the use of turmeric in high amounts can reduce a man’s ability to impregnate a woman.
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8. Risk of Anaemia: It has been found that turmeric contain compounds that bind to iron. This in turn could lead to iron deficiency or an anaemic condition caused by the reduction of the ability of the body to absorb iron from food.
9. Can cause severe Symptoms in Persons with Celiac disease or Gluten intolerance: If individuals with celiac disease consume turmeric in high quantities, their condition can be aggravated. One of the disadvantages and negative effects of turmeric is that it can cause severe diarrhea in persons with inflatable bowel disease.
10. Can cause Cancer and Neurological damage: Some turmeric powders particularly the commercial ones are not entirely pure, as some could be adulterated that is mixed with other ingredients toxic to human health. So, its important you be cautious when purchasing this spice. An increased risk of cancer and neurological damage has been shown to be associated with the mixture of turmeric powder with toxic ingredients like metanil yellow or wheat starch.
Please note that before a situation becomes serious, you would always see allergic signs or reactions such as swelling of your lips, throat, face, and tongue. You may also have breathing difficulties. Once you see these signs, please go see your healthcare provider or your doctor for immediate treatment.
How to Prevent the Side Effects of Turmeric
Currently there are no official guidelines as per the intake of turmeric intake. In collaboration with WHO and FAO, an acceptable daily intake of turmeric have been recommended. Depending on your body weight, the recommended daily dosage or intake of turmeric is about 1.4 mg per pound or (3mg/kg). Taking amounts more than the stated recommendation above can cause side effects, which could be severe in some cases.
Below are preventive tips or guidelines to follow in order to prevent the side effects of turmeric:
👉Follow the acceptable recommended daily turmeric dosage. Do not exceed the limit for your body weight. For instance an 81 kg man is equivalent to 178 pounds. Therefore, the recommended daily intake of turmeric for this person would be 243mg per day.
Ensure your turmeric products are from reputable sources to avoid getting adulterated ones.
👉Stop the usage of turmeric at least 2 weeks befoe performing any medical or surgical procedures.
👉In cases of usage of turmeric as herbal supplements, it is advisable you follow directions on the product package or label. Don’t use more than what is recommended on the label.
👉You could have an overdose if you use more than one form of turmeric simultaneously. So if you’re going with turmeric powder, stick with it. If its pills or liquids, stick with one form only.
👉To those with bleeding disorders on medications, it is advisable you don’t take turmeric till treated as taking turmeric can interact with some specific medications, and trigger excessive bleeding.
👉Store your turmeric product at room temperature free from heat and moisture.
Do not use turmeric poduct with other health or herbal supplements that can affect clotting of blood. Herbal supplements such as clove, poplar, danshen, capsicum, dandelion, red clover etc should be avoided.
👉Also, ensure your doctor or healthcare providers are aware of your medical conditions (could be cancer, diabetes, bleeding problems, or allergies) to ascertain if it is safe for you to use or consume a turmeric product.
👉Ensure to adhere to the recommended daily dosage intake for turmeric or medical advice given to you by your doctor, this is especially for breast-feeding mothers. It is important you seek your doctor’s advice before usage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, please use or consume turmeric products in moderate quantities. That way, you don’t have to worry about coming down with side effects.
CREDIT:
STELLA-MARIS ACHUMBA
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