Turmeric is used as an essential spice and medicine in Indian cuisine and Ayurvedic medicine. Many benefits of this spice have also been described in Ayurveda. It contains a compound called curcumin, which is the most effective compound of turmeric. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, so drinking turmeric milk is recommended after an injury. However, if turmeric is consumed in excess, it can harm the health of the liver and kidneys. If you eat turmeric, then first know about its side effects and recommended dosage.
When does it have a bad effect on the kidneys?
According to research by the National Institute of Medicine, turmeric contains oxalate, which if consumed in excess can increase the amount of oxalate in urine, which can increase the risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones. This problem can be more serious in people who have previously had kidney stone problems. Another report suggests that oxalate nephropathy (kidney damage) has been reported in some people when long-term use of high doses of turmeric or curcumin supplements in combination with other medications or medical conditions.
When does liver get affected badly?
According to research by the National Institute of Medicine, turmeric has been found to be generally safe in a normal diet and is sometimes beneficial for liver inflammation. However, in recent years, people have started taking higher doses of turmeric or curcumin supplements. According to the report, drug-induced acute liver injury, liver failure and sometimes hepato-renal syndrome have also been seen in these people within 1-4 months. These problems are further aggravated when turmeric contains piperine (black pepper extract), which significantly increases absorption.
Safe dosage and safety of turmeric
WHO recommends limiting daily curcumin intake to 0–3 mg per kg body weight. For example, if someone weighs 60–70 kg, they should not take more than about 200 mg of curcumin per day. Talking about the Indian diet, a typical Indian diet provides only 60–100 mg of curcumin from 2–2.5 g of turmeric.
If you do not have any serious kidney/liver disease, it is generally safe to take ½ or 1 teaspoon of turmeric (about 2–3 g) daily when cooking. People who already have kidney disease, kidney stones, liver disease (fatty liver, hepatitis, etc.), gallbladder stones, or are taking medications like blood thinners, immunosuppressants, tacrolimus, etc., should not take turmeric in more than the prescribed quantity without consulting a doctor. If symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, extreme fatigue, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, or sudden kidney problems occur after taking turmeric/curcumin supplements, a doctor should be consulted immediately.