Those who have a known allergy to turmeric should not only avoid its consumption, they should also avoid coming into contact with it.
Curcumin can be a contact allergen; there are records of several people who have experienced dermatitis and urticaria due to contact with the spice.
Because turmeric and ginger belong to the same family, a person allergic to ginger is likely to be allergic to turmeric as well.
It has been observed that when turmeric is taken orally (in capsules), it can lower testosterone levels and affect sperm motility. This is believed to reduce fertility in men.
As a precautionary principle, the European Medicines Agency recommends not to take turmeric during pregnancy or breastfeeding, except for food use. So there is no problem in putting a little turmeric in the food, but no cure.
Turmeric has anticoagulant properties, so its consumption, food and therapy, associated with anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment, must be done with the informed advice of a doctor.
Indeed, the anticoagulant effects of turmeric will increase the thinning effects of drugs, which can have serious consequences (bleeding, haemorrhaging, bruising, etc.).
Studies have shown that turmeric may be as effective as atorvastatin, a blood thinner prescribed for its cholesterol-lowering effect.
Among the most common anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs are aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), clopidogrel (Plavix), dipyridamole (Persantine), AVK (anti-vitamin K), ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin) ), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, etc.
Be careful, it is not only drugs that can be anticoagulants, some plants or spices can also have the same properties, among the most common: garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, tonka beans, etc.
Antacids
Antacids are used to decrease stomach acidity, and less often, to heal peptic ulcers.
Turmeric may inhibit the action of antacids and cause some side effects such as bloating, gas, chest pain, nausea, and stomach cramps. The combination could even have the opposite effects of antacids, that is to say, increase acid secretion.
This is especially the case in people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease.
The most common antacids are cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), ranitidine (Zantac), Raniplex, Nizaxi, Omeprazole, Maalox, Rocgel, Xolaam, etc.
Antidiabetics
Turmeric has anti-diabetic properties, so by combining the spice with taking anti-diabetic drugs, their effects are increased, and this can lead to side effects such as hypoglycemia, excessive sweating, tremors, visual disturbances, dizziness, anxiety, etc.
Among the most common antidiabetics are biguanides, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, thiazolidinediones, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, bile acid sequestrants. , etc.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Among all the properties of turmeric, we find its anti-inflammatory virtues, which is also often why it is consumed, so if you take anti-inflammatory drugs, then it can cause an overdose and cause certain undesirable effects.
Indeed, turmeric would be as effective as paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, to relieve any type of inflammation, especially for osteoarthritis, ulcerative colitis, etc.
However, there are studies, including an Italian study, which showed that the combination of turmeric with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory treatment, allowed faster healing. However, if you fall into this category, ask your doctor for advice before taking turmeric.
To conclude, it is always important to remember that just because a product is natural, it doesn’t mean you can do anything.
The effects of spices are very real and effective, which is why you must take precautions and inform yourself before embarking on a cure.
Remember that food use, except in the event of drug interaction or proven contraindication, does not pose a problem.