Medications That Shouldn't be Taken With Turmeric

If you’re wondering what medications should not be taken with turmeric, then this blog is exactly for you.

Turmeric has become increasingly popular as a tasty ingredient as well as a nutritional supplement that may be used to treat a broad range of illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, arthritis, and even heartburn.

However, if you want to know how to use turmeric for medicinal use, you ought to be informed that its primary active component, the main active ingredient curcumin, may interact unfavorably with several drugs.

The blood is thinned by turmeric. Therefore, you should really not take turmeric supplements or Javanese turmeric root if you are taking diabetes medications or any other medications since they may reduce the effectiveness of the other drugs or potentially raise the danger of hemorrhaging and scarring.

1. Do Medications Interact with Turmeric?

A common ingredient in many Eastern cuisines is turmeric. Blood-thinning drugs, antacids, and diabetic medications are all recognized to interact alongside turmeric.

Turmeric is better known in the West because of turmeric milk. Regular consumption of turmeric via food is usually regarded as safe. But if you take supplements of turmeric because of its antioxidant benefits, consult your doctor beforehand.

2. What Medications Should Not be Taken with Turmeric?

The following medications have been observed to interact with turmeric and should not be taken with turmeric.

2.1. Blood Thinning Medications

Alone, turmeric has a minor clotting effect. It helps lessen blood clots, but using it with other blood-thinning medications makes it risky. When used with blood-thinning medications, turmeric can enhance its effects and raise the likelihood of internal bleeding problems.

Blood thinning medications should not be taken with turmeric include:

Lovenox
Fragmin
Naprosyn
Ibuprofen
Diclofenac
Plavix
Aspirin
Warfarin
Heparin

Additionally, turmeric with other blood thinning medications might prevent your system from properly absorbing antacids and iron supplements.

2.2. Medications that Lower Blood Sugar Levels

The use of turmeric naturally decreases levels of blood sugar.

When used with diabetic medications that also result in low blood sugar, turmeric may result in hypoglycemia by further lowering blood levels.

A number of adverse consequences, such as trembling, anxiety, impaired vision, delirium, and generally diminished cognitive function, may result from this.

2.3. Antacids

Stomach acid is spontaneously normalized by turmeric. Nevertheless, when used with medications that lower acid-base balance, such as Prilosec, Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac, it may result in certain unfavorable side effects.

Turmeric boosts the body’s production of gastric acid when used in conjunction with certain medications. This might harm the esophagus and result in emaciation, bloating, and stomach discomfort.

In addition, those with the following circumstances should reduce their intake of turmeric:

Those who have a higher chance of developing kidney problems, bile duct issues, or gallstones.
Also, one should be aware that turmeric may hinder the absorption of nutrients if one already has an iron deficit or are predisposed to one.
Just keep in mind that if a patient has a serious medical condition, is pregnant, nursing, or is on certain drugs, excessive dosages of turmeric might not be recommended.

3. Who Should Not Use Supplements Containing Turmeric or Curcumin?

If you have any of the following medical problems, you should refrain from consuming turmeric:

Anemia: Turmeric supplements shouldn’t be used with iron supplementation since they might prevent iron from being absorbed.
Pregnancy: During pregnancy, turmeric might cause miscarriages by acting as just a uterine stimulator and causing contractions.
Gallbladder Issues: Turmeric may aggravate gallstones, cholangitis (bile duct inflammation), bile duct blockage, and other biliary illnesses, as well as gallbladder issues.
Blood Clotting Issues: Turmeric might slow down blood clotting. Even if they aren’t using any other blood thinners, those with bleeding problems should stay away from turmeric. It’s also advised to cease taking turmeric supplementation at least two weeks before a scheduled operation since turmeric might increase the risk of bleeding both during and after surgery.

4. What Potential Negative Consequences May Turmeric Have?

Turmeric is typically harmless when eaten briefly and may be used topically on the skin except if you have an allergy to it or if you don’t have any of the health issues listed above.

Occasionally, turmeric may have negative consequences such as:

Vertigo,
Diarrhea
Vomiting,
Nausea,
Stomachache.

Short-term usage of turmeric is probably safe. Most of the time, turmeric just has mild negative impacts. These side effects occur more frequently at higher doses. However, greater dosages of turmeric are generally when these adverse effects happen.

5. What Dosage of Turmeric Can You Take Daily?

While frequently using turmeric in food is OK, you should exercise caution while taking it as a health supplement because it probably contains more curcumin.

While pills can hold up to 95% curcumin supplements, turmeric spices only comprise roughly 3% of that substance.

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), a daily curcumin supplement consumption of no over than 1.4 mg/lb of body weight should be taken. The majority of turmeric preparations suggest taking 500 mg each day.

Before using any other herbal supplements containing curcumin or turmeric, nevertheless, you need to consult your doctor because no one specific dosage is effective for everybody. Your general health, any current medical issues, and the purpose you are consuming the supplementation will all affect the medicinal amounts for you.

6. What Advantages Does Consuming Turmeric Each Day Provide for Your Health?

Cancer treatment may benefit from drinking a curcumin latte or tea. It could lessen the likelihood of metastasis in people with cancer, according to some studies.

Additionally, turmeric tea could aid in preventing harmful brain illnesses. According to certain studies, the chemical curcumin can lessen the depletion of synaptic markers and the amyloid accumulation associated with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. The prevention of strokes is another benefit of curcumin.
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has therapeutic and medicinal benefits. It is advantageous due to this. The curcumin extract maybe 5 to 8 times as helpful as vitamin E, according to research.
Specific pain receptors within the body, notably those located in the shoulders, chest, and abdomen, have been discovered to be affected by turmeric. This suggests that it could lessen the excruciating agony brought on by menstrual cramps, IBS, and freezing shoulder.
The anti-inflammatory properties of the turmeric compound curcumin make it a useful treatment for the symptoms and indications of gout and arthritis.
Omega-3 fatty acids and Curcumin were combined by researchers as a therapy, which decreased the synthesis of the protein tumor necrosis factor (TNF). TNF stimulates neurons, neuroinflammation, and pain when it is not suppressed. It is among the headache’s causes. Turmeric tea’s anti-inflammatory qualities may stop it from occurring.
Turmeric supports increased immunity. Turmeric’s curcumin has antibacterial qualities that make it a natural antiseptic and prevent bacterial infection of wounds, contains curcumin. It could be helpful, particularly while getting over a cold and cough. Using turmeric tea to raise immunity may aid in preventing illnesses. Additionally, it works on boils and acne.
According to research, turmeric’s curcumin component helps control blood levels. Curcumin may aid in controlling blood levels, which may aid in fat reduction. Additionally, curcumin increases metabolism, increasing calorie expenditure.
Turmeric promotes antiplatelet function that really can help avoid blocked arteries by enhancing the flow of blood into and out of the heart. Antioxidant-rich, it aids in controlling levels of cholesterol. Additionally, it reduces any cardiac enlargement and benefits the heart’s well-being.
Turmeric curcumin has been demonstrated to enhance the flow of blood through to the liver, enhance liver detoxification, and restore degraded liver cells. Additionally, it can boost bile formation and regulate the number of intestinal bacteria present in the body, providing digestive tract health.
Turmeric is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols, which are known to shield the body from harmful radicals which can change cellular DNA. Additionally, it helps the body heal from the damage that environmental toxins cause.
Certain lung problems can be treated with turmeric. This is effective as curcumin lowers inflammation, which is a major contributor to lung issues. Lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, and Asthma, are a few of these ailments.

7. Heath Benefits of Turmeric

It has long been utilized as medication in nations like India to address conditions including respiratory difficulties. Turmeric has lately grown in favor of a superfood that, among other things, combats cancer and depression. Learn what benefits and drawbacks turmeric has for your wellness.

7.1. Acne

Several people claim that taking turmeric or using a turmeric facial mask on the skin can benefit them. The reported anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of turmeric may support this notion.

7.2. Headache

Given that ginger, which is linked to turmeric, is a commonly used natural headache remedy, it should not be surprising that turmeric is recommended as a headache remedy, especially for migraines. Despite widespread praise online, there isn’t much evidence that curcumin could prevent or relieve headaches, but one study does indicate it might be used in a novel way.

7.3. Cancer

Turmeric has already been proven in animal tests and laboratories for inhibiting tumor cell development, improving detoxifying enzymes efficiency, and several others.

What those studies truly can’t tell us, however, is what the effects of consuming turmeric would be on one’s health. Additionally, there is a chance that turmeric might interact negatively with some chemotherapy drugs.

7.4. Arthritis

It has been proven that turmeric has the ability to lessen stiffness, stiffness, and inflammation. More research is needed before turmeric is commonly used by researchers as a treatment for arthritis.

To help your body absorb natural curcumin, take your curcumin with black pepper if you decide to try this one for your knee discomfort.

7.5. Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by chronic inflammation, and turmeric alone seems to have natural anti-inflammatory qualities. Can turmeric stave off Alzheimer’s? Sorry, but there is currently very little conclusive scientific evidence that taking turmeric would successfully reverse the illness.

7.6. High Cholesterol

On the subject of turmeric’s capacity to maintain heart health, there is conflicting research. While some studies found that turmeric had no effect, others found that it helped lower LDL cholesterol, which is bad cholesterol.

Scientists are currently looking at the possible advantages of turmeric for heart health. Short-term studies have shown that turmeric can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in those who have had major surgery.

7.7. Viral Infections

The next time you’re feeling under the weather, consider sipping some turmeric tea. Just two viruses that curcumin may assist you in combat are the flu and herpes. But the majority of this study was conducted in a laboratory, not on actual subjects.

The odd beverage of tea wouldn’t be such a panacea because turmeric only contains approximately 3% curcumin and your system doesn’t assimilate curcumin very effectively.

7.8. Type 2 – Diabetes

Since curcumin can reduce inflammation and keep blood sugar levels steady, it may be beneficial in the treatment or management of type 2 diabetes.

One research with 240 prediabetic participants found that taking a curcumin supplement for nine months decreased the risk that they would develop diabetes. There’s still much to discover, although most research so far has centered on rather than on people.

7.9. Depression

Turmeric has a variety of nutrients that may improve your health. The most popular of them all is curcumin. Scientists are intrigued by curcumin’s potential to ease anxiety and boost the effectiveness of antidepressants. Research findings, however, have already been conflicting thus far.

7.10. Digestion

Turmeric is a component of curry powder and is used because it enhances the taste of food. Turmeric, however, may also aid in the absorption of this kind of meal. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric can benefit intestinal health. The Ayurvedic system of medicine treats digestive issues.

7.11. Liver Function

Turmeric has recently attracted attention because of its anti-oxidant effects. Turmeric’s antioxidant activities seem to be so potent that they could prevent the liver from becoming harmed by pollutants. This could be great news for people who take strong drugs for diabetes or for any other conditions that can affect the liver if used for an extended period of time.

7.12. Relives Pain

Numerous people share their personal anecdotal experiences with turmeric as a painkiller, including medical experts. It is also said that the spice reduces arthritic pain.

According to research, turmeric appears to be beneficial for treating knee arthritis, according to one reliable source. It also appears to be useful for managing pain. Regardless of the fact that dose recommendations for turmeric tend to vary, those who participated in the study took 800 mg of turmeric each day in tablet form.

8. Bad Impacts of Turmeric

8.1. It Could Make You Feel Ill

The same elements of turmeric that support healthy digestion can upset the stomach when taken in excess amounts. Since their digestion was just so badly impacted, some participants in trials investigating the utilization of curcumin for cancer therapy had to discontinue.

While some individuals find this to be helpful for their digestion, others might truly suffer from it.

8.2 It Causes Blood Thinning

Turmeric’s purifying properties may potentially increase your risk of bleeding. It’s not obvious why this happens. The way turmeric acts in human blood is probably a contributing cause to other turmeric benefits, like lowered cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

If you use blood thinners like Coumadin, avoid consuming large doses of turmeric.

8.3. It Could Cause Contractions

You may have heard that eating meals with a curry taste may cause labor. Despite there isn’t a lot of proof to back up this claim, research suggests that turmeric may aid with PMS symptoms. Thus, there may be some truth to the old wives’ stories.

Women who are pregnant should avoid consuming supplements containing turmeric due to its blood-thinning properties alone. It shouldn’t be a problem to use minimal quantities of turmeric as little more than a spice in dishes.

Final Words

It appears to have health benefits to include turmeric in your diet. In addition to many other benefits, this golden powder can aid in digestion, pain reduction, and immune system health. However, some people might decide against consuming turmeric due to some of its negative effects.

Like any other complementary medication, consult your doctor before taking turmeric to treat any health condition you may be experiencing. Online retailers provide a wide selection of supplements containing curcumin or turmeric, many of which have received glowing reviews from customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Who should avoid using turmeric or curcumin?

People with arrhythmia, hormone-sensitive ailments, liver illness, iron deficiency, diabetes, blood disorders, and gallbladder issues, are among the situations in which people shouldn’t use turmeric.

Q2. Does turmeric actually thin the blood?

Yes, indeed turmeric thins the blood.

Q3. Does blood clots be prevented with turmeric?

Yes, turmeric prevents blood clots. In order to prevent the formation of clots, turmeric acts to suppress the clotting factors that are part of the coagulation cascade.