Which Medications Should Not Be Taken With Turmeric?

Turmeric is popular as a flavorful spice and a versatile health supplement. It is used for various conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high cholesterol, heartburn, and even cancer.

However, if you plan to use turmeric for its medicinal benefits, be aware that its main active ingredient, curcumin, may interact negatively with certain medications.

Turmeric functions as a blood thinner. Therefore, if you are already taking blood-thinning medications, avoid taking turmeric or turmeric supplements as it may increase the risk of bleeding, bruising, or reduce the effectiveness of other medications.

Medications that interact with turmeric include:

• Heparin
• Coumadin (Warfarin)
• Aspirin
• Plavix (Clopidogrel)
• Voltaren, Cataflam, and others (Diclofenac)
• Advil, Motrin, and others (Ibuprofen)
• Anaprox, Naprosyn, and others (Naproxen)
• Fragmin (Dalteparin)
• Lovenox (Enoxaparin)

Turmeric can also interfere with the absorption of iron supplements and antacids.

Does turmeric interact with any medications?

Turmeric interacts with blood-thinning medications, diabetes medications, and antacids.

In Eastern cuisines, turmeric is a staple ingredient. In the western world, it is better known for turmeric lattes. Consuming turmeric through food is generally safe. However, if you take turmeric supplements for their antioxidant properties, consult a doctor.

Turmeric interacts with the following medications:

• Blood-thinning medications: Turmeric acts as a mild blood thinner. Combining it with other blood-thinning medications can enhance their effects and increase the risk of internal bleeding. Blood-thinning medications include:
• Diabetes medications: Turmeric lowers blood sugar levels. Combining it with diabetes drugs can further lower blood sugar levels, causing hypoglycemia and associated side effects.
• Antacids: Turmeric normalizes stomach acid. If taken along with drugs that reduce stomach acids, such as Tagamet (cimetidine), Pepcid (famotidine), Zantac (ranitidine), and Prilosec (omeprazole), it may cause undesirable reactions.

Individuals with gallstones or bile duct problems, an increased risk of kidney stones, iron deficiency, or those taking certain medications should limit turmeric in their diet.

QUESTION

Who should avoid taking turmeric (or curcumin) supplements?

Avoid turmeric if you have specific health conditions, including:

• Bleeding problems: Turmeric slows blood clotting. People with bleeding disorders should avoid it, even if not taking other blood thinners. Stop taking curcumin supplements at least 2 weeks before planned surgery to reduce bleeding during and after the procedure.
• Gallbladder problems: Turmeric may worsen gallstones, cholangitis, bile duct obstruction, and other biliary diseases by increasing bile secretion.
• Pregnancy: Turmeric acts as a uterine stimulant, which can induce contractions leading to miscarriage.
• Anemia: Turmeric impairs iron absorption and should not be taken with iron supplements.

What are possible side effects of turmeric?

Turmeric is generally safe when taken short-term and applied topically to the skin, unless allergic to it. Side effects may occur at higher doses.

How much turmeric can you take daily?

While consuming turmeric in foods is generally safe, be cautious when using it as a supplement, as it may have a higher concentration of curcumin. Turmeric spices contain about 3% curcumin, while supplements may contain up to 95% curcumin.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends:

• A daily intake of no more than 1.4 milligrams curcucmin per pound (0-3 mg/kg) of body weight.
• Most turmeric products recommend approximately 500 milligrams daily.

However, the appropriate dosage may vary for each person. Consult your doctor before using herbal supplements containing turmeric or curcumin, considering your overall health, existing conditions, and purpose for taking the supplement.

What are the health benefits of including turmeric in the daily diet?

Turmeric’s healing and health properties are due to its curcumin content. Research suggests that curcumin is more beneficial than vitamin E. Here are some health benefits:

1. Turmeric impacts certain pain receptors, reducing severe pain associated with menstrual cramping, irritable bowel syndrome, and frozen shoulder.
2. Curcumin is an effective anti-inflammatory, providing natural relief for arthritis and gout symptoms.
3. Curcumin in combination with omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which causes headaches and pain.
4. Turmeric boosts immunity through its antimicrobial properties, protects wounds from infection, and aids recovery from coughs and colds. It is beneficial for acne and boils.
5. Curcumin stabilizes blood sugar levels, aiding in fat loss and boosting metabolism.
6. Turmeric improves blood flow to and from the heart, prevents clogged arteries, manages cholesterol levels, and promotes heart health.
7. Curcumin improves liver function, aids liver detoxification, increases bile production, and balances gut bacteria for a healthy digestive system.
8. Turmeric is rich in antioxidants, protecting the body from free radicals and helping heal damage caused by environmental carcinogens.
9. Curcumin may reduce the risk of metastasis in cancer patients and prevent brain diseases like Alzheimer’s.
10. Turmeric treats lung conditions by reducing inflammation, including asthma, lung cancer, COPD, and cystic fibrosis.

References: Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS. Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods. 2017;6(10):92.