Turmeric is generally considered safe. Although there have been no reported side effects, some people have experienced nausea or diarrhea after taking higher doses of turmeric. Ask your doctor before you start turmeric/curcumin as preventive or supportive therapy. Discuss potential side effects, medication interactions, and risks.
Research shows that an oral turmeric supplement may be one of the best ways to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Curcuminoids can help reduce beta-amyloid plaque buildup on the brain and reduce neuroinflammation, two of the key biomarkers linked to Alzheimer’s development.
Turmeric is a wonderful addition to any food that needs a golden hue. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which can be beneficial for your health.
Turmeric is also used in Ayurveda to treat arthritis and Chinese traditional medicine. However, research has shown that turmeric extract can reduce the pain of osteoarthritis. More research is necessary.
Turmeric is an anti-oxidant. Antioxidants may decrease the effects of cancer medication. Check with your healthcare provider if you're taking cancer medication before you start taking turmeric.
While the risk of side effects is low and drug interactions are unlikely, stop taking turmeric if you notice ill effects. Turmeric may cause bloating, and there is a theoretical concern that it may interact with blood-clotting medications. Also avoid it if you have gallbladder disease.
Turmeric also may be helpful when used along with medication for managing cholesterol levels. Research shows that curcumin is safe and may protect those at risk for heart disease by lowering certain levels of cholesterol, though more study is needed to look at how much and what type is effective.
Turmeric could slow blood clotting. Combining turmeric with medication that slows blood clotting can increase the risk for bleeding and bruising.
When combined with medications to lower cholesterol, turmeric may prove beneficial. Although research has shown curcumin to be safe, it may help reduce the risk of heart disease in those who have high cholesterol. However, more research is required to determine how effective and how much.
Curcumin's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and pain relieving properties are what have been most effective in migraines and headache relief. Although the exact mechanism is not known, it seems that turmeric may reduce inflammation-related pain and inhibit oxidative stress.
Turmeric could increase the body's ability to absorb norfloxacin. The effects and side effects of norfloxacin could be increased by taking turmeric along with norfloxacin.
Turmeric has antioxidant properties. Some worry that antioxidants could reduce the effectiveness of certain drugs used to treat cancer. Talk to your doctor if you are currently taking medication for cancer before taking turmeric.