The many medical benefits of turmeric are becoming better-known in the western world after enjoying popularity in the East for centuries.
The main compound in turmeric is curcumin, and it is this that is known for its pain-relieving, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
There is increasing evidence that turmeric has other benefits such as improving digestion and brain health, purifying the blood, and acting as an anti-aging substance. But there might also be some negative side effects of consuming turmeric.
These negative side effects are rare but possible. One potential problem arises if you are taking analgesics such as aspirin or blood thinning medication.
Taking a concentrated form of turmeric such as capsules at the same time might exacerbate the blood thinning capacities of your other medications.
As a result, you might suffer from increased bleeding when cut, or during menstruation, or if you tend to get a bloody nose. High doses of turmeric may also cause slow blood clotting, anemia, nausea, stomach aches, diarrhea, vomiting, and exacerbated GERD symptoms.
If you are on medication, are pregnant, or tend towards a bloody nose, consult your doctor as to how much turmeric is safe for you to take. As a rule of thumb, less than 1,000 mg of turmeric per day seems to be safest.
