Is turmeric for your liver?

Turmeric is not intrinsically bad for your liver, but taking too much, especially in the form of a supplement – can pose a risk. Used for centuries in traditional cuisine and medicine, turmeric is a popular ingredient in supplements sold for everything, joint liver health support.

When turmeric can be harmful to the liver

Despite its possible advantages, turmeric supplements are not without risk. There have been at least 70 reports of liver damage linked to turmeric supplements, including cases of non -infectious liver (hepatitis) and cholestasis. Most people recovered after arresting the supplement, but some required hospitalization, and at least one person died of hepatic insufficiency linked to turmeric.

The network of liver damage induced by drugs (dilin) said that out of 2,392 cases of suspected liver damage studied from 2004 to 2022, 10 were linked to turmeric supplements. In these cases, people used turmeric for an average of 86 days before the symptoms of liver damage appeared. The most common symptoms were jaundice, abdominal pain and nausea.

Above all, most of these cases involved high -dose curcumin supplements, some with added components that considerably increase the absorption of curcumin. Increased absorption may seem a good thing, but it can also increase the risk of liver damage by increasing the quantity that reaches your blood circulation.

Turmeric vs curcumin

Turmeric is a golden yellow groove derived from the root of the Longa Curcuma plant. The compound most often credited with the health benefits of turmeric is curcumin, which is only a small part of the turmeric root – more than 3% in weight. While turmeric is used in cooking and teas, many supplements contain curcumin as a concentrated extract.

Turmented supplements are available in a range of forms, such as powders, capsules, tablets, tees, dyes and topics. Certain turmeric supplements contain curcumin with piperine (black pepper), which can increase absorption to 20 times.

How turmeric can support liver health

Curcumin is widely known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These properties can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key engines of many liver diseases, including non -alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD).

Curcumin seems to reduce inflammatory markers and can help regulate the liver enzymes involved in the body detoxification processes. In animal models, components of turmeric have shown potential to reduce liver fibrosis and improve liver repair.

A meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials with more than 1,000 people revealed that curcumin supplementation improves liver enzymes levels, has resolved liver steatosis (fat accumulation) and reduces total cholesterol and body mass index (BMI) in people with NAFLD.

Turmeric dosage: How many turmeric is too much?

Most clinical studies have safely used turmeric doses from 500 mg to 2,000 mg per day. Conventional turmeric formulations are probably safe in doses of 1.5 gram (1500 mg) per day up to 3 months. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label, especially if you go from one brand or from a formulation to another, because the content of turmeric or curcumin can vary considerably depending on different products.

Turmeric products providing up to 8 grams of curcumin have been used in complete short -term. Doses of more than 8 grams of curcumin per day are generally not recommended due to intolerable side effects. Lower doses can offer liver health benefits. In a study, for example, doses of curcumin less than 500 mg per day seemed safe and effective in improving hepatic enzymes levels in people with NAFLD.

Turmeric is generally safe for most people when used as a spice in food, even when consumed daily. Up to 2 grams per day in meals or drinks are considered safe. Since turmeric contains only a small quantity of curcumin, it is unlikely that it causes liver problems when used in cooking. However, turmeric supplements can provide much higher doses and must be approached with caution.

Who can be more at risk?

Some people may be more vulnerable to liver injuries related to turmeric. It is a good idea to avoid turmeric or curcumin supplements or to check first with a health care provider if:

• You have liver problems, such as hepatitis or blocking bile ducts.
• You were told that you have a variant of gene called HLAB * 35: 0, which can increase the sensitivity of the liver to turmeric.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant.
• You are currently taking other herbs or medicines that can emphasize the liver or are known to be toxic to the liver – a doctor or a pharmacist can help you identify hepatotoxic drugs and herbs. An example is acetaminophen (Tylenol), especially if it is taken in higher than recommended doses.

It should also be mentioned that turmeric or curcumin can interact with many drugs. Some combinations could increase your exposure to a drug, which increases the risk of side effects. Always check with a health care provider to make sure it is sure if you are currently taking prescription drugs for continuous health.

Signs of possible liver problems

If you take turmeric supplements and notice one of the following symptoms of liver toxicity, immediately contact your health care provider:

• Abdominal discomfort
• Dark urine
• Nausea
• Unexplained loss of appetite
• Fatigue or unusual weakness
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

These could be signs of liver injury and should not be ignored, especially if they develop after starting a new supplement.