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Turmeric is an ancient spice that is used in Asian food for many centuries. It is also used in the Ayurvedic medicine and offer a great range of health benefits to the human body. Turmeric is a perennial shrub that grows in Indian states having tropical weather. It is one of the most effective nutritional supplements available in the Asian market. Along with adding taste to the food, the Turmeric has incredible healing properties that make it a useful spice in the kitchen.

Generally, the people talk about the benefits offered by this spice. However, in reality, there are many side effects of turmeric that we often neglect. There is no doubt that this spice can offer many health benefits, but taking high doses can cause some serious side effects. If someone has gallstones or bile obstructions, then they should completely avoid turmeric. Additionally, the people taking Aspirin should consult with a doctor before taking turmeric. In this article, we will cover some of the main side effects of the turmeric spice and how you can avoid them:

Upset Stomach

It is one of the most common side effects that people have with the turmeric. Individuals who have a sensitivity to turmeric or other similar spices, then there is a chance for them to experience a little irritation in the stomach. They may get gassy or experience cramping if they take turmeric in larger amounts. The reason behind these kinds of turmeric side effects may be the greater quantities of this spice will inflame the stomach’s lining.

How to Prevent

However, if they take the turmeric regularly, then there is a strong possibility that your body will adapt to this space and these types of conditions will stop rising.

Additionally, the individuals should ensure that they take the turmeric within the dosage that is recommended.

They can also try a supplement that can use the enteric coating and absorb the nutrients in the small intestine.

Gallbladder Issues

There is a great amount of oxalate in the turmeric that can increase the danger of gallstones. Oxalate is a chemical substance found in a huge variety of foods. According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the levels of oxalate in urine increases significantly by taking turmeric. Even supplements having 20- 40 mg of turmeric had led to increasing in the contractions of the gallbladder.

How to Prevent

It is one of the long-term side effects of turmeric that can only prevent by stopping the dosage of this spice. So if someone has gallbladder issues or taking medication for this, they should stop taking turmeric.

Decrease in absorption

If someone takes turmeric orally, then there is a chance that it may not get absorbed. It consists of some essential compounds that can only digest if cooked properly. So for the person taking this orally, it can become difficult for those compounds to absorb.

How to Prevent

This side effect can be avoided by taking multivitamin supplements that contain piperine as one of the active ingredients. The absorption of turmeric is promoted by the Piperine that allows the individual to enjoy all the health benefits.

Yellow Tint on Skin

Yellow Tint is one of the common side effects of turmeric powder on face. It is a well-known fact that the turmeric is a great ingredient for the skin as the people can make apply a face mask of turmeric every week. It results in absorbing the dirt and pollution from the skin and gives a glow to the face. However, there are some side effects of turmeric root on the skin and yellow tint is one of them. The people who have a fair skin and use this spice as a paste, then it may leave their skin yellow even after washing with water. It is not a health problem, but having a yellow face can make difficult for someone to step out of the house.

How to Prevent

The prevention depends on the amount of turmeric used and how long it kept on the skin. There is a need to consult a doctor if the skin remains yellow for more than a few days.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Ladies

If you are a pregnant lady, then you need to take extra precaution while taking turmeric. According to a research by the University of Maryland Medical Center, the turmeric is only safe for the pregnant ladies until it is used as a spice in the food. Considering long term side effects of turmeric, it is strongly recommended to avoid turmeric during pregnancy. Additionally, if you are allergic to turmeric, then we strongly suggest you avoid it during pregnancy.

We all know that pregnancy is a very important phase of every woman’s life and that’s why it is best to stay away from the turmeric during that time. Researchers have rarely studied the role of turmeric in the breastfeeding women and it is not known completely that its active compounds pass to the baby through breast milk.

How to Prevent

There is no proper method to avoid the turmeric side effects during pregnancy and breastfeeding. So, avoiding turmeric will be the best solution in that case.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions are one of the frequently recorded side effects of turmeric spice among the people. There are dermatitis and urticaria reported in certain individuals by having contact with the turmeric. The persons who have allergy with the ginger, then they may have an allergy with turmeric too, as we all know turmeric belongs to the family of ginger. Additionally, there can be allergic reactions with turmeric if the persona is allergic to yellow food coloring.

The people allergic to turmeric may have outbreaks like shortness of breath and rashes. The reactions occur from skin contact as well as ingestion.

How to Prevent

The person having allergy with the yellow food coloring should stay away from the turmeric spice.

Liver Problems

Many researchers have conducted studies on the effect of turmeric on animals and reveal that there is a chance that it may cause some issues with the liver. However, there is no proper evidence regarding the same with the humans. But still, the people should take it in adequate quantity to avoid any side effects of turmeric on the liver.

How to Prevent

The people whose liver is not in good health should avoid big doses of this spice for a prolonged period of time.

Iron Deficiency

There are many studies conducted on the role of turmeric in the iron deficiency and the majority of them suggest that this spice bind to iron. It can decrease the ability of the body for absorbing the iron from the food that ultimately leads to iron deficiency.

How to Prevent

The person who is deficient in iron should completely eliminate it from their diet and at least consult with their doctor on its use. Checking iron levels in the blood prior to including turmeric in the diet are also a good idea.

Diarrhea and Nausea

It is one of the rare turmeric side effects that is witnessed by many people. The individuals who take high doses of turmeric likely to experience sweating, diarrhea, and nausea. The person who experiences diarrhea and nausea should lower the dosage of this spice.

How to Prevent

If the problem of nausea and diarrhea exists for a longer period of time, then the individual should consult with the doctor.

Lowers the blood pressure

This may sound like a benefit to some of the people. However, there can be too many complications caused by lowering the blood pressure. Having bigger doses of turmeric can lower blood pressure and that’s why the people who are taking blood pressure medications must consult with the doctor before taking turmeric.

How to Prevent

The best way to avoid this side effect is to avoid turmeric if the person is on the blood pressure medication.

Precautions for the turmeric dosage

Here are some precautions that should keep in mind if you are looking to avoid the turmeric side effects:

Before taking dosage of turmeric

First of all, you must check out if you are allergic to turmeric or not. It can be done by rubbing some quantity on the elbow and then leave it for a couple of hours. If a rash appears on your body, then avoid the turmeric. If nothing happens to your elbow, then you can use it.

Surgery precautions

If you are undergoing any type of surgery in some days, then it is best to avoid turmeric in your diet. One of the major side effects of turmeric powder related to surgery is that you may bleed a lot more than normal during surgery.

Interaction with drugs

There are many drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin that can interact with the turmeric in a negative way. Please consult with your doctor prior to combining different types of medication with this spice to avoid side effects of turmeric root.

Recommended Dosage

The most effective precaution to avoid the side effects of turmeric spice is that don’t take more than the recommended dosage. The daily dose for the adults is between 400 mg and 600 mg, but it can be increased on a temporary basis for treatment of medical conditions. The dosage of turmeric can only be increased by having a consultation with the doctor. The majority of turmeric side effects can go away on their own if the person stops taking it.

Conclusion

There are lots of precautions that are required to follow while taking turmeric, but there is a need to understand that all of them are with medication and food. However, if someone takes this spice with regular diet, then the Turmeric side effects can be eliminated. Additionally, don’t forget to take more than the recommended dose.

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