Turmeric is one of the most used spices in Asian cuisine. This yellow spice has been hailed for its healing properties for centuries. A turmeric latte is touted for its myriad health benefits. Turmeric contains several anti-inflammatory compounds collectively called curcuminoids. It is used as a natural remedy for several conditions, including aches and pains, fever, arthritis, itching and managing high cholesterol. Turmeric, however, may do more harm than good if a person has certain health conditions or is taking certain medications. This is specifically true if turmeric is taken as a supplement in a tablet or lozenge form (which has a higher concentration of curcuminoids). Hence, consult a doctor before trying any herbal or natural products including turmeric.
If taking any blood pressure medicines, ask the doctor to know if turmeric can be taken as well. The turmeric may cause the levels of some blood pressure medications to spike. This is because turmeric lowers the activity of an enzyme system called P450 3A4 or CYP3A4 in the liver. This, in turn, increases the effects and side effects of blood pressure medications, such as
- Calcium channel blockers (including diltiazem, nicardipine and verapamil)
- Angiotensin II receptor antagonists (such as losartan)
Furthermore, cells have certain pumps (called P glycoprotein pumps) that transport some blood pressure medications (such as diltiazem and verapamil). Turmeric retards this movement of the drug inside the cell, which leads to an increased blood concentration of the drug. This may increase the risk of the side effects of the medication.
Can any other health supplements interfere with the blood pressure medications?
Several medications with varying mechanisms of action are available to manage blood pressure. While on any of these medications, a doctor’s approval is a must before taking any natural remedies or supplements along with them. Some of the other herbal supplements that may be dangerous along with medications for high blood pressure are:
- Ginseng: This ancient herb is popular for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Certain studies have suggested that ginseng may cause changes in blood pressure as well (raise or lower it). Hence, avoid the herb if there are blood pressure concerns or if taking medications for high blood pressure.
- Bitter orange: It is native to Asia and is popular for its alleged role in promoting weight loss and improving athletic performance although no evidence exists to support either. This supplement has been banned by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) due to its role in increasing the heart rate and blood pressure and the potential to cause cardiovascular side effects, such as heart attack and stroke.
- Ephedra: This is another alleged weight-loss supplement that has been banned in the United States. It has several safety concerns, such as raising the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, seizures and heart attack.
- Ma-huang: It is a Chinese supplement that contains ephedra and has similar safety concerns, such as a higher risk of high blood pressure, stroke, seizures and heart attack.
- St. John's wort: It is a flowering plant that has been used for centuries for managing mental health conditions, including depression. It increases metabolism. This may cause a faster metabolism of blood pressure medications, thereby decreasing their therapeutic effect. This may increase blood pressure.
- Yohimbine: It is a supplement derived from an African evergreen tree. It has been used in the past for treating erectile dysfunction. It has several safety concerns, including the ability to raise blood pressure. Thus, it may counter the effect of blood pressure medications.
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Does Turmeric Interact With Any Medications?
Turmeric is a staple in many cuisines in eastern parts of the world. Turmeric is known to interact with blood-thinning medications, diabetes medications and antacids.
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The yellow-orange spice turmeric may be trendy with the wellness crowd. But is it truly a super food? Here's what it can -- and can't -- do for your health.
Is Turmeric Good for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory joint condition. There is no evidence of effectiveness of turmeric in people with ankylosing spondylitis. However, it seems to work to reduce the pain and severity of signs and symptoms in people with arthritis.metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)
Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL) is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent drug, which blocks the action of the sympathetic nervous system (a portion of the involuntary nervous system). Metoprolol is prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart pain (angina), heart rhythm disorders, and some neurological conditions. Side effects include fever, impotence, sore throat, nausea, depression, insomnia, constipation, memory loss, and high blood pressure.
What Are the Health Benefits of Turmeric?
Turmeric is a root closely related to ginger, sometimes referred to as Indian saffron. Health benefits of turmeric may include improvements in type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, certain cancers, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, liver disease and depression.
What Is Turmeric Tea Good For?
A vital constituent of turmeric, called curcumin, makes the tea beneficial. Turmeric tea is prepared by steeping the turmeric root in warm water. Research suggests that curcumin is five to eight times more beneficial than vitamin E.Which Medications Should Not Be Taken With Turmeric?
Turmeric is a blood thinner. So if you are on other blood-thinning medications, you shouldn’t take turmeric or turmeric supplements as doing so may increase your risk of bleeding and bruising or even make the other medications less effective.
Who Should Not Use Turmeric?
Turmeric is a spice mainly used in Asian cuisine. It has antiseptic and antioxidant benefits. People who should not take turmeric include those with gallbladder problems, bleeding disorders, diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), infertility, iron deficiency, liver disease, hormone-sensitive conditions and arrhythmia. Pregnant women and those who are going to undergo surgery should not use turmeric.