Turmeric has lengthy been celebrated in conventional drugs and trendy wellness circles for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Its energetic compound, curcumin, is commonly hailed as a pure treatment for numerous illnesses, from joint ache to digestive points. Nonetheless, latest reviews have raised considerations concerning the security of turmeric dietary supplements, significantly when consumed in excessive doses or mixed with sure enhancers.There have been a number of circumstances the place people skilled extreme liver harm after taking turmeric dietary supplements. These cases underscore the potential dangers related to overconsumption and the significance of understanding how turmeric interacts with the physique.For instance, 54 yr outdated Robert Grafton had been taking a number of pure dietary supplements, together with turmeric however was then identified with a lethal liver illness. “In early March, the previous radiology technologist added one thing new to his routine – a turmeric-based liquid complement. He had seen it marketed for enhancing liver well being on social media. Nonetheless, every week later, Grafton observed his urine had turned darkish, he felt nauseous, misplaced his urge for food and was always itchy,” the DailyMail reported. Checks revealed he has developed drug-induced liver harm. He was taking turmeric drugs that contained 2,250 milligrams of curcumin.“My liver enzymes have been tremendous elevated, my bilirubin (a yellowish pigment produced after crimson blood cell breakdown) was actually excessive – all of the indicators of liver failure. I just about broke down, my spouse as properly. I used to be, at that time, pondering it was liver most cancers, pancreatic most cancers or one thing. It seems I had one thing known as a drug-induced liver harm, which got here from my dietary supplements,” he added.The Drug-Induced Liver Damage Community (DILIN) has reported a number of circumstances of liver harm linked to turmeric dietary supplements. In a study spanning from 2004 to 2022, ten circumstances have been recognized, all occurring after 2011, with a notable improve since 2017. Signs reported embrace fatigue, nausea, darkish urine, and jaundice. In extreme cases, sufferers required hospitalization, and one case resulted in acute liver failure.
How one can use turmeric dietary supplements safely with out affecting the liver?
Turmeric is superb—little doubt about that. It has been used for hundreds of years for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers. However in terms of popping turmeric dietary supplements, particularly in excessive doses, issues can get tough to your liver. So how do you get the advantages with out the dangers? Simple—go sluggish and keep good.First, persist with really useful dosages. Simply because it’s “pure” doesn’t imply extra is best. Most specialists say 500–1,000 mg of curcumin per day is sufficient. Keep away from mega doses until a health care provider tells you in any other case.Second, be careful for black pepper extract (piperine). It boosts absorption massive time, however it will possibly additionally improve the danger of liver points in some individuals—particularly in the event you’re taking drugs.Additionally, take breaks. You don’t have to be on turmeric every single day eternally. Strive utilizing it in cycles and provides your physique a relaxation.And lastly—don’t combine it with alcohol or different dietary supplements which are arduous on the liver. If you happen to’ve received any liver issues or take meds, discuss to your physician first.Turmeric’s nice, however your liver deserves love too. Be good, go straightforward, and let turmeric assist—not harm—you. It is very important discuss to your healthcare supplier, earlier than taking any dietary supplements.
