What Are Some Side Effects of Tumeric?

Connie Ma/CC-BY-SA 2.0

Turmeric produces side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach and dizziness in some people, reports WebMD. Additionally, in rare cases, turmeric has produced side effects such as anaphylaxis and contact dermatitis, as stated by Drugs.com

Turmeric slows the blood’s ability to clot in some people. This can be a concern for people with bleeding disorders because it increases their risk of bleeding and bruising. Additionally, extra bleeding can occur during surgery if a patient takes turmeric less than two weeks before undergoing the procedure, states WebMD.

In diabetics, turmeric can lower blood sugar levels and cause them to drop too low as a result of a chemical constituent it contains called curcumin. Since turmeric may decrease the absorption of iron in the body, those who already have deficient levels of iron need to use turmeric with caution, as reported by WebMD. Oral consumption of turmeric also lowers testosterone levels in men, potentially reducing fertility.

Because turmeric causes stomach upset in some people, it may also worsen stomach problems in persons who have gastroesophageal reflux disease. Additionally, turmeric can make gallbladder problems worse and people who have gallstones or blockages in the bile ducts should not use it, according to WebMD.