Why you should not consume more turmeric?

Turmeric( Curcuma longa ) is an essential ingredient in Indian cuisine. There is no denying that turmeric has some incredible health benefits and makes for a great addition to many people’s health regimes. There are so many experimental studies made on turmeric states that it is very safe to take, it become unsafe if it is taken in excess. Turmeric usually doesn’t cause serious side effects , some people can experience mild side effects. High dose of curcumin may cause mild side effects in some people but they are gradually considered safe .

• Stomach upset 
• Nausea 
• Dizziness
• Diarrhoea 

Why you should not consume more turmeric ?

• Turmeric has been found to slow down blood clotting, and this can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in those who have bleeding disorders.
• The curcumin in turmeric has been shown to reduce blood platelet function. 
• Avoid turmeric for one to two weeks before surgery. This is because of turmeric’s tendency to inhibit blood clotting.
• Turmeric could also interact with certain medications.
• Turmeric may also cause heartburn and indigestion.
• Turmeric causes increased risk of Gallstones and Gallbladder Issues.                                                Turmeric contains about 2% of oxalates . At high dose this may contribute to kidney stones . Turmeric is a cholecystokinetic agent , it tend to pump the gall bladder to keep the bile from stagnating . It may help in preventing gallstones from forming in first phase. But if one has already have a gall stone which is obstructing gallbladder , turmeric induces squeezing which will be more painful.
• Turmeric is high in soluble oxalates bind to calcium develop into insoluble oxalate for about 75 % of cases.
• Too much turmeric may aggravate the risk of kidney stones . .
• May Cause Allergic Reactions
• May Cause Iron DeficiencyStudies have shown that some compounds in turmeric bind to iron. This could lead to a decrease in the body’s ability to absorb iron from food, which could lead to iron deficiency.

Factors responsible for the side effects of Turmeric :

• DOSE : High dose of turmeric are more likely to cause side effects than low dose .
• FORM: Turmeric supplements are more likely to cause side effects than spice 
• TIME: Long term use of high dose supplements can be harmful.
• QUALITY : Pure turmeric is considered safe for most people . however turmeric powder may sometimes be adultered with cheap filters , such as wheat starch, food colorant and they even contain lead.

Precautions :

• Discontinue the turmeric supplements 2 weeks prior to surgery to minimize the bleeding risk .
• Avoid or limit the intake of turmeric as spice in case of renal disorders or stones, gout , gall bladder obstruction  as it is high in oxalates .
• Dietary turmeric is safe in pregnancy avoid turmeric supplements in this phase .
• Avoid turmeric supplements in bleeding or clotting disorders as they are blood thinners.

 Health benefits of Turmeric :

• It  is an anti cancerous agent .
• It has immunomodulatory properties .
• It protects the skin.
• It is a natural anti inflammatory agent .
• It has potent natural antioxidants.

Most of the side effects are generally associated when you take turmeric supplements and not when it is included in regular diet .

These mild side effects  are transient and can be minimized by reducing the dose .These side effects are more common at higher doses .

"Siddha A Way Of Life "

"Food Is Medicine; Medicine Is Food "

- R. Rushmi Kruthiga( B.S.M.S ) 

Email:drrushmibsms21@gmail.com