Turmeric is a natural ingredient that has many beneficial properties. It is used around the world a natural treatment for a variety of illnesses. Since it is natural, it typically has fewer side effects and it is a type of “medical food” that many people use.
Because of the properties of turmeric, it can also lead to negative effects on your health if it is combined with certain medications.
Most people think about the ground-up form of turmeric when referring to this plant. Not only has it been used as a culinary spice, it has been used in ceremonies in India and even as a medication for more than 4000 years.
Studies have consistently shown the health benefits of turmeric, but not all of those studies are backed up scientifically.
The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is thought to be a powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic and antioxidant. There are also many who believe it has anticancer properties as well!
Many people use turmeric along with other medication, either to supplement the medication or as an alternative choice. They often do so to avoid negative effects and complications that sometimes go along with the use of pharmaceuticals.
What you need to know, is that turmeric can be dangerous if it is used with certain types of specific drugs. It could lead to severe and horrible side effects.
At times, the most adventitious properties of any type of medicine, natural or otherwise, could become dangerous if it is used with a pharmaceutical medication. For example, if you use turmeric for its anti-thrombotic property, it could reduce blood clots and endanger your health if you are on blood thinning medications. Those medications would include aspirin and warfarin (Coumadin). In essence, you are getting a double dose of the same blood thinning benefit.
Individuals who use diabetes medications to reduce blood sugar may also need to be careful when taking turmeric. The effect of lower blood sugar may be expanded with the use of turmeric, leading to side effects. Those effects can include blurry vision, impaired cognitive function, anxiety, delirium and shakiness.
In some individuals, turmeric could lead to an allergic reaction. It may be a mild reaction leading to a rash or it could cause shortness of breath and anaphylaxis, which is potentially deadly.
If you take any medication to reduce stomach acid, turmeric can increase the production of stomach acid. The combination of turmeric and those medications could lead to stomach pain, nausea, bloating and damage to the esophagus. Included in the list of those medications are omeprazole, famotidine (Pepcid), Zantac and Tagamet.
If you are using turmeric, either as a regular spice on your food or for its beneficial health properties, you should discuss it with your physician. Your doctor will be able to determine if you can safely take turmeric along with any prescription drugs he prescribes.
Via: Healthy Food House
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