13 Serious Side Effects Of Turmeric: When And Why You Should Avoid It?

Turmeric is a relatively safe and beneficial spice. But sometimes people overuse it to get maximum benefits in less time which can cause serious problems.

Excessive use of turmeric can cause-

1. Stomach Problems

   Turmeric can be helpful for digestion. But, if you are using an excess amount of turmeric, it can lead to an upset stomach.

   This might be due to the excessive production of gastric acids. Like any other spice, turmeric also has a healing effect on the body. Ayurveda terms it “garam Taseer”.

   This can lead to immense heat production in the body. People with weak digestion may suffer stomach aches or digestion problems.

2. Allergy

   Turmeric is a good cure for allergies, runny noses, and sinuses. But you cannot ignore the fact that it is possible to be allergic to turmeric.

   Symptoms of an allergy include heavy breathing, and swelling of lips, throat, and face. The skin can become itchy and you may experience rashes.

3. Diarrhea And Nausea

   Since overconsumption of turmeric affects the stomach and it produces extra acid causing acid reflux, it can also show symptoms like diarrhea and nausea.

   People have reported several cases after overconsumption or those having weak digestion.

4. Kidney Stone

   Turmeric consumption can boost the excretion of urinary oxalate^[1]. This has been confirmed by performing tests that turmeric affects the urine by increasing the levels of urinary oxalate.

   This aids in the formation of kidney stones.

5. Excessive Blood Thinning

   Turmeric is a well-known natural blood thinner. But it can show adverse effects on people having bleeding issues and suffering from thrombocytopenia.

   It can cause inhibition of platelet aggregation^[2] which is highly dangerous for people having thin blood and low platelet count.

6. Could Be Harmful To Moms To Be

   Consuming a little amount of turmeric added to food is considered safe and beneficial^[3] for the mother and baby. But, turmeric supplements are not recommended and should be avoided at all costs.

   Dietitians and health experts are not in favor of consumption of the supplements during pregnancy.

7. Interaction With Several Medications

   Turmeric is known to interact with medications and should be avoided by people taking antidepressants and blood thinners.

   It is already known that turmeric is a blood thinner^[4]. People taking the medications already should avoid it because otherwise, it can cause excessive bleeding.

8. Iron Deficiency

   It is reported that high doses of the spice turmeric block the absorption of iron. The percentage of inhibition is reported as between 20-90%.

   People having a lower amount of iron or taking Iron supplements should stay away from turmeric. Otherwise, it can cause iron deficiency^[5].

9. Affects Menstrual Cycle

   Excessive turmeric can cause heavy bleeding due to the heating effect and blood-thinning properties. Turmeric is used to regularise periods, but too much turmeric can be harmful.

   Another study reports an opposite effect^[6] where high levels of curcumin present in turmeric may lower estrogen levels.

10. Liver Damage

    Recent studies have shown a negative impact of turmeric on the liver. Earlier it was considered safe and used traditionally to treat a lot of diseases.^[7]

    But in recent times, some cases of jaundice, poor appetite, and nausea were reported. Hepatocellular damage was the most commonly reported due to the presence of curcumin in turmeric.

11. Unusual Bruising

    Turmeric is rich in antioxidants and also has anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, its regular consumption may slow down the tendency of blood clotting.

    Turmeric could further increase the risk of bruising. It may also trigger excessive bleeding in people with several bleeding disorders.

12. Excessive Bleeding

    Turmeric overconsumption may show its anti-coagulation effects. As a result, it may affect blood clotting and tend to reduce it.

    So, Turmeric consumption could further enhance the blood-thinning process. But unfortunately, this may lead to excessive bleeding and heavy blood loss.

13. Diabetes

    Turmeric may enhance the working of blood sugar medications and affect glucose levels.

    Further, it could lead to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Therefore, a recommendation from a medical professional may be required for considering turmeric for consumption in patients with diabetes.