8 Turmeric Side Effects if Consumed Excessively

Despite being known as the rhizomes with myriad of benefits a surprising negative side effects still exist when it’s consumed excessively. Not only is it used as a spice seasoning, turmeric has also been used as traditional herb drinks for a long time.

   

From generation to generation, turmeric is believed to be able to solve a lot of problems and diseases. For example, it’s used as an herbal drink before childbirth and sometimes as a pain reliever from menstruation. Lots of modern research have shown that turmeric is indeed a spice with many benefits, making the use of it becoming more and more prominent in society.

Especially since the spread of Covid-19, turmeric and other herbs was in high demand in the market. But did you know that despite its many benefits, an excessive consumption of turmeric is still not good?

This is because turmeric has a lot of active substances in it. Here are some of the side effects that we should pay attention to, as summarized by theAsianparent:

Some of the side effects of excessive turmeric consumption

1.            Digestive irritation

The first negative side effect of turmeric is that it can cause irritation for your digestive systems. Despite known as having a substance that boosts human’s digestive health, an excessive dosage can cause irritation instead because turmeric will stimulate the stomach to produces excess acid.

2.            Headache and nausea

Another turmeric side effect is in the form of headache and nausea. This side effect can happen when it’s consumed in high dosage, for example over 450 milligrams each day.

3.            Low blood sugar levels.

Curcumin, the active substance in turmeric can reduce your blood sugar level for diabetic. Thus, those that aren’t diabetic should be careful when consuming turmeric as it can cause the blood sugar in your body to drop into a dangerous threshold.

4.            Side effect in the form of impotency

If consumed orally by a man, turmeric can lower the amount of testosterone and sperm produced by the body. This can potentially cause impotency. So, for the couples that’s planning for pregnancy should limit the amount of turmeric consumed.

5.            Side effect in the form of anemia

Consuming turmeric in high dosage can hinder iron absorption in the body. Meanwhile iron is needed for the body metabolism in the order to prevent anemia. If someone is anemic or suffering from low blood levels, it’s best to not consume turmeric too much.

6.            Potentially dangerous side effect for the liver

Turmeric contains 2% of oxalate. This substance can cause gallstones if consumed excessively. Gallstones itself can cause pain and discomfort.

7.            Causes contraction

Another side effect of turmeric is that it’s believed to cause contraction. This can increase the risks of premature childbirth. Although there’s not many scientific proofs regarding this matter, turmeric consumption on pregnant woman should still be limited. This is because turmeric can dilute blood in a person. Consumption of supplements and or herbs made from turmeric is very not recommended. But, a small amount of turmeric as a seasoning spice should proves no problem.

8.            Aggravate gluten intolerance symptoms

Commercially sold turmeric powder have also been found to contain additional ingredients such as cassava flour, wheat, barley, and rye. To those suffering from celiac where they’re intolerant to gluten, the addition of flour, barley, and rye can surely trigger negative side effects.

The conclusion about turmeric’s side effects

Turmeric is actually quite safe when consumed directly (not in the form of supplements, etc.) and especially when it’s freshly acquired and only used for short-term benefits. Turmeric products that contain 8gr of curcumin is still safe to be consumed daily in the period of 2 months. Furthermore, the consumption of 3gr of turmeric is still relatively safe if it only lasts for 3 months.

The consumption of turmeric is generally relatively safe. Those that show stomach-ache, headache and other side effects are only the people that consumed it in excessive dosage. Now, who should limit their turmeric consumption?

The answer is those that has a disease or another condition. They should consult with their doctor before deciding on consuming turmeric. Some of those people are:

•             People with biliary disease

•             Diabetes mellitus patients

•             People with blood-related disease or coagulation

•             Anemic people

•             Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD)

•             Endometriosis

•             Breast cancer, womb cancer and ovarian cancer

•             Pregnant and breastfeeding woman.

☕ note

If you are in a long-term medication, make sure to talk to your doctor first beforehand. Despite its many benefits, there are still some nasty side effects if we’re not careful. So, make sure to only consume it regularly, and not excessively.

Home