Do you regularly consume turmeric and don’t know what contraindications and side effects it presents? The truth is that we must be careful with excessive consumption of it.
More and more people are choosing turmeric as a condiment or spice to add to their dishes. The truth is that it is a tremendously powerful spice, not only because of the different benefits it offers, but also because of its great aromatic power and its somewhat spicy flavor.
Highly valued in Indian cuisine, where it is very common and popular, scientifically known by the name of Curcuma longa. As you probably know, it is an easily distinguishable condiment due to its characteristic yellow-orange color. A tone that, incidentally, is mainly due to the presence of curcumin, a compound called curcuminoid which not only gives it its tone but also the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities that this spice offers us.
Regarding the different benefits that turmeric offers us, it is a particularly useful condiment for the liver, helping it naturally to eliminate toxins and harmful substances accumulated in this organ. For example, it is useful in case of jaundice and cirrhosis.
On the other hand, it is an excellent natural remedy for the treatment of bronchitis and nasal congestion, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help when cleaning and purifying the lungs. It is also an excellent option when it comes to protecting ourselves against cardiovascular diseases, by helping to better digest fats.
When consuming it, there are different options, and it is not only necessary to add it to our cooking recipes. With it you can make what is popularly known as golden paste, which basically consists of a kind of turmeric paste that is usually added to hot milk, and which offers interesting health qualities.
But although it is a wonderful condiment for health, and excellent in our kitchen, we must bear in mind something very important: an abusive consumption of turmeric can cause health problems in some people.
What are the effects of abusive or excessive consumption of turmeric?
Consumed at recommended doses, turmeric does not usually cause problems. However, it is precisely when that amount increases that problems can arise. The most common are the following:
- Gallbladder: In case of gallbladder problems or conditions, turmeric can make them worse. Therefore, its consumption is not recommended in case of bile duct obstruction or biliary colic.
- Biliary colic: As we mentioned before, the consumption of turmeric is not recommended in case of biliary colic. But, in addition, we must bear in mind that turmeric, due to its choleretic, cholagogue and cholecystokinetic qualities, can cause biliary colic or stones.
What are the main contraindications of turmeric?
The consumption of turmeric is not recommended in case of suffering some of the conditions that we indicate in the following lines:
- Biliary colic: If you suffer from stones in the gallbladder (stones), or obstructions in the bile ducts, the consumption of turmeric is not recommended, since it can cause an increase in colic.
- Liver diseases: Although turmeric is an interesting natural condiment for its liver benefits, the truth is that it is not suitable for all liver diseases. For example, its consumption is not recommended in case of severe liver disease. Therefore, it is essential to consult your doctor first.
- Allergies: Turmeric rhizome or powder can cause allergies in some people. In this sense, it can also cause contact dermatitis.
In addition, we must bear in mind that in case of pregnancy the regular consumption of turmeric is not recommended, since it can have an emmenagogue effect, favoring and increasing menstruation. Regarding breastfeeding, its consumption is not recommended since there is not sufficient certainty that it may or may not affect breastfeeding.
