You have probably already heard of the spice or even the plant called turmeric. It is an essential part of many households and kitchens, whether in the form of a spice or in capsules. Although turmeric has many benefits for our health, there are also groups of people who should avoid using it or at least use it with caution. So, who are these people?
Who should not use turmeric?
Turmeric contains several active alkaloids. People with the following conditions and issues should therefore avoid it or use it cautiously:
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Gallbladder problems: Turmeric may worsen gallbladder problems due to its ability to increase bile secretion. Therefore, people should avoid using supplements containing turmeric if they have, for example, gallstones or bile duct obstruction.
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Bleeding disorders and the use of blood-thinning medications: Turmeric slows blood clotting, which increases the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. This is especially important for those using injectable blood-thinning medications.
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Diabetes: Curcumin, a chemical compound found in turmeric, may lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Doctors advise people with diabetes to be cautious because curcumin can drastically lower their blood sugar levels.
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Infertility: Turmeric may cause infertility in men as its use can lower their testosterone levels and subsequently reduce sperm motility. Therefore, men trying to conceive should use turmeric with caution.
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Iron deficiency: High amounts of turmeric can interfere with iron absorption in the body. People with iron deficiency should therefore use turmeric cautiously and be aware of this risk.
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Liver disease: There are some concerns that turmeric could damage the liver, especially in people with liver disease. It is recommended not to use turmeric supplements if you have liver issues.
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Pregnancy: Although it is not explicitly forbidden to use turmeric during pregnancy, it is better to avoid it during this stage or use only small amounts as a spice in food. Turmeric may stimulate uterine contractions, thus theoretically increasing the risk of premature birth. In breastfeeding women, turmeric may affect the taste of the milk, which could influence the baby’s preference for breastfeeding.
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Low blood pressure: Turmeric is known to lower blood pressure. This can be beneficial for people with high blood pressure, but for those with low blood pressure, it can be a problem. If you are taking medications to raise blood pressure or already have hypotension, turmeric could lead to excessively low pressure, causing dizziness or fainting.
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Turmeric may worsen stomach problems, such as GERD. People with GERD should monitor exacerbation of symptoms when using turmeric. It may worsen heartburn or cause stomach irritation, which is uncomfortable for these patients.
How to do it safely?
If you belong to any of the groups mentioned above, it is always a good idea to consult the use of turmeric with your doctor. It is not that you should completely avoid it, but rather how to dose it properly and in what forms to consume it. If in doubt, it is always better to err on the side of caution and start with smaller doses.
Turmeric can be a great helper for health, but it is important to realize that every body is different. What is beneficial for one person may not be suitable for another.
