Can excessive intake of turmeric cause kidney stones?

With a growing inclination towards health and wellness people are gradually falling back to the basics and indulging in age-old remedies for good health. One such kitchen essential is turmeric, which has been known for its healing properties and umpteen health benefits. However, there are times when people end up consuming turmeric in excess, but surprisingly consuming turmeric in excess can work adversely for health and may sometimes lead to kidney stones and also affect overall health. Here’s all you need to know about this simple kitchen spice and its impact. Read on to find out…
Why turmeric?
Turmeric, the golden spice of Indian kitchens has been known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and healing properties for centuries. In fact, the active compound in turmeric, curcumin, is often credited with a wide array of health benefits, from boosting immunity to improving skin health and aiding digestion. However, like any supplement or food, consuming turmeric in excess can lead to undesirable side effects. Here’s what happens when you overdo turmeric intake and how it can affect your health.

Gastrointestinal Issues
One of the most common side effects of consuming excessive turmeric is digestive distress. While turmeric is known for its ability to aid digestion, too much of it can lead to irritation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. High doses of turmeric may cause symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and acid reflux. This can affect people with sensitive stomachs or underlying digestive conditions, such as acid reflux or ulcers. This happens because curcumin can stimulate the production of bile, which in high quantities can overwhelm the digestive system, leading to discomfort.

Blood Thinning
Turmeric has natural blood-thinning properties, which can be beneficial for improving circulation and reducing the risk of clot formation. However, when consumed in excess, turmeric may increase the risk of bleeding, particularly in individuals taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin or aspirin.Excessive turmeric can interfere with blood clotting, causing easy bruising or prolonged bleeding in some cases. If you are undergoing surgery or have a bleeding disorder, high turmeric consumption can pose significant risks.

Risk of Kidney Stones
Turmeric is rich in oxalates, compounds that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Consuming large amounts of turmeric over time may increase the oxalate levels in the body, raising the likelihood of developing kidney stones, particularly in individuals who are already predisposed to them. Excess intake of turmeric can make the oxalates can bind to calcium in the body, forming calcium oxalate crystals, which are the most common type of kidney stones. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine on the Effect of cinnamon and turmeric on urinary oxalate excretion, plasma lipids, and plasma glucose in healthy subjects. It was found that high oxalate intake can result from consuming high amounts of cinnamon and turmeric may increase risk of hyperoxaluria, a significant risk factor for urolithiasis.
Interference with Medications
The presence of curcumin in turmeric can interact with various medications, especially those used to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, and anticoagulants. High doses of turmeric may alter the way the body absorbs and processes these medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness or causing unwanted side effects.In fact, curcumin can affect the liver enzymes responsible for metabolizing many drugs, which could interfere with their intended effects.
Iron Deficiency
Turmeric contains compounds that can inhibit the absorption of iron, particularly non-heme iron found in plant-based foods. Excessive turmeric intake may interfere with iron absorption, leading to iron deficiency, especially in individuals with already low iron levels or those on a vegetarian or vegan diet.Turmeric can bind with iron, preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. If you’re prone to anemia or iron deficiency, consuming large amounts of turmeric could exacerbate this condition.
Hormonal Imbalance
Turmeric, particularly curcumin, can have an effect on certain hormones in the body, including estrogen. Although research is limited, some studies suggest that consuming excessive amounts of turmeric could potentially disrupt hormone levels, particularly in individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer or endometriosis. Curcumin may mimic estrogen in the body, which can lead to hormonal imbalances when consumed in large quantities over a prolonged period. This is especially important for individuals with conditions affected by estrogen levels.