Turmeric is a bright yellow colored spice from a popular Indian plant known as curcuma longa. It is widely used in cooking and considered as a holistic medicine offering numerous benefits to health. Though it is popular with ancient medical practices, it is yet to be thoroughly proven by science. When you consume turmeric as a health supplement it is more effective compared to pharmaceutical drugs. It does not cause adverse effects to the extent pharmaceutical drugs do, but turmeric also causes minimal side effects. Hence it is important to seek medical advice before planning to use turmeric as a health supplement. This article highlights some of the side effects caused by turmeric when taken as a health supplement for prolonged periods of time.
Stomach related problems
When you use turmeric based health supplements for short periods of time, the chances of side-effects would be extremely low. Nonetheless, when it is consumed for prolonged periods of time, some adverse effects may occur and persist. The prescribed amount of turmeric in supplements, to be taken on a daily basis is in the range of 400 milligrams to 3 grams. When you consume beyond the prescribed amount, it may lead to undesirable effects such as nausea, problems in digestion and gas. Your appetite can also get affected due to this. It may lead to stomach ulcer or something more complicated such as bleeding in the stomach. Whenever you find some uneasiness in the stomach while you are taking turmeric as a healthcare supplement, you should stop immediately and seek medical attention.
Skin related issues
You may develop skin allergies while using turmeric health supplements. The symptoms may look like red rashes or patches on the skin. Sometimes these rashes can even be itchy. People who are allergic to food that is yellow in color or allergic to food containing ginger may develop these side effects too. If rashes do not diminish on its own, then you must check with a physician to treat them as soon as possible.
Interactions with pharmaceutical drugs and other side effects
Since the interactions of other drugs with turmeric is not known in all cases, consuming turmeric supplements without physician advice may increase acid production in the stomach. It is also not advised to have turmeric supplements along with blood thinners and drugs that are taken to treat diabetes. Women who are pregnant and lactating must also consult a medical professional before using turmeric supplements. In some cases it is known to work against reproduction and may cause allergies if you are suffering from endometriosis, or have fibroids in the uterus. Those who have gallstones or obstructions in the bile ducts should avoid curcumin.
To summarize, if you are suffering from any medical condition or taking pharmaceutical drugs, you must check with a physician before you plan to use turmeric as a healthcare supplement to stay safe from allergies and adverse effects.
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