Turmeric is frequently promoted as a natural remedy for a number of illnesses. Since it is a natural chemical with fewer adverse effects, many people consider it an alternative to drugs and other treatments.
Despite the fact that all of these arguments are legitimate, many individuals undervalue the health benefits of turmeric. According to research, taking large amounts of turmeric or taking it with other medications can have some very negative effects.
Turmeric: What is it?
The ground-up root of the turmeric plant is typically referred to as “turmeric” by people. Turmeric was first utilized almost 4,000 years ago in India, where it was used in ceremonial and medicinal contexts in addition to as a culinary spice. Turmeric has been shown in numerous studies to offer a wide range of health benefits, despite the fact that many of its purported advantages lack scientific support.
The active component of turmeric, curcumin, is responsible for the majority of its health advantages. Researchers have discovered that curcumin has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-thrombotic (lowers blood clots) properties based on their thorough research on the substance.
People frequently use turmeric as an alternative to or in conjunction with other medications that they use to treat their illnesses because of all of these advantageous qualities. They frequently take this action to prevent the problems and adverse effects that come with taking large amounts of prescription medications.
However, because turmeric can cause a number of unpleasant and serious side effects, the same qualities that make it so beneficial also make it risky to take in combination with other medications.
Side Effects of Turmeric
Turmeric is dangerous when taken with certain medications since it contains many of the same ingredients that make it so useful. For instance, using turmeric with blood-thinning medications can be risky because to its anti-thrombotic properties, which can prevent blood clots. Combining these medications with turmeric can intensify their effects and raise your risk of bleeding. Aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), and warfarin (Coumadin) are examples of blood thinners.
Additionally, turmeric conflicts with medications that lower stomach acid. It will actually cause your body to produce more stomach acid if taken with these medications. This can harm your esophagus in addition to causing nausea, bloating, and stomach pain. However, it’s crucial to remember that there are two distinct pharmacological types that lower stomach acid.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center AltMed page, using both turmeric and the traditional pharmaceutical medication together may increase the production of stomach acid. Omeprazole (Losec, Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix), and dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) are proton pump inhibitors that block the stomach’s proton pumps. H2 blockers such as famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet), nizatidine (Axid), and ranitidine (Zantac) block histamine receptors in stomach cells that produce acid.
When used with diabetic medications (which lower blood sugar), turmeric may be harmful. Turmeric increases the risk of low blood sugar by intensifying the effects of these medications. Numerous adverse effects, such as shakiness, anxiety, impaired vision, delirium, and generalized cognitive decline, may result from this.
Some people may also experience adverse responses from turmeric, which can include rashes or hives, as well as anaphylaxis and shortness of breath. It is recommended that you either cut back on your turmeric intake or look for a suitable, natural substitute if you are on any pharmaceuticals or medications or if ingesting turmeric causes allergic reactions.
Having stated that…
By no means is the aforementioned list all-inclusive. Side effects will inevitably differ from person to person when you combine the quantity of medications recommended with each person’s distinct chemical composition. If you found this material useful, please let us know in the comments area.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of expert medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any queries concerning your current medicine or medical condition, you should always consult your doctor or another trained health expert. Nothing you read here should induce you to disregard expert medical advice or put off getting help or treatment.
