Turmeric water, also known as golden milk, is a popular health drink made by mixing turmeric powder with hot water and sometimes additional ingredients like honey or milk. Turmeric contains the active compound curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. For this reason, turmeric water has been associated with numerous health benefits including improved digestion, pain relief, and enhanced immunity. However, turmeric water is not recommended for everyone. Here is an overview of some of the individuals who should avoid drinking turmeric water or consume it in moderation.
People taking blood thinners or antiplatelet medications
Turmeric contains curcumin which may impact blood clotting and interact with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. These medications include warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin, and enoxaparin. Consuming large amounts of turmeric could increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people taking these types of medications. It’s best for people on blood thinners to avoid turmeric supplements and limit turmeric foods and drinks like turmeric water.
People with gallbladder problems
Turmeric can stimulate bile production. People with gallbladder issues like gallstones or bile duct obstructions may want to moderate their turmeric intake from food and beverages like turmeric water. Turmeric may worsen gallbladder pain and lead to significant discomfort in those with pre-existing gallbladder disease.
People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
The curcumin in turmeric can relax the lower esophageal sphincter. This sphincter acts as a valve between the esophagus and stomach. Relaxing this sphincter can trigger or exacerbate acid reflux symptoms. People with frequent heartburn or GERD may want to consume turmeric in smaller amounts to determine if it aggravates their symptoms.
Pregnant women
Some research indicates that consuming turmeric in food amounts is likely safe during pregnancy. However, the effects of larger medicinal amounts haven’t been well studied. For this reason, it’s best for pregnant women to consume turmeric in moderation as part of a balanced diet. High supplemental doses are not recommended.
People scheduled for surgery
Turmeric can potentially increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. It’s best to discontinue turmeric supplements at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. Turmeric as a spice in food is likely fine. But those with upcoming procedures may want to be cautious about regularly drinking turmeric water in the weeks prior.
People with iron deficiency
Curcumin may bind to iron in the digestive tract, reducing the absorption of dietary iron. Those with low iron levels or an iron deficiency may want to space out their intake of turmeric water from iron-rich foods or iron supplements to maximize iron absorption.
People with diabetes
Turmeric has been shown to potentially reduce blood sugar levels. Those with diabetes or hypoglycemia should use caution when consuming large amounts of turmeric. Monitor blood glucose closely and discuss any changes with a healthcare provider. Moderate amounts of turmeric as a spice are unlikely to pose problems.
People with hormone-sensitive conditions
Turmeric may act like estrogen in the body. Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions like uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or cancers may want to limit their turmeric intake until more is known. Turmeric doses above dietary levels are not recommended.
People taking medications
The curcumin in turmeric can interact with certain medications. Turmeric may potentially reduce drug absorption or amplify drug effects in some cases. Anyone taking prescription medications should talk to their healthcare provider before consuming supplemental turmeric.
People with medical conditions
In addition to the conditions listed above, turmeric may exacerbate symptoms for people with reflux disease, kidney stones, or kidney disease. Those with medical conditions should speak with their doctor before adding turmeric supplements or drinking large amounts of turmeric tea.
Bottom Line
For most people, consuming turmeric in culinary amounts or drinking moderate turmeric tea should not pose any major problems. However, certain populations may want to exercise more caution and limit turmeric intake from supplements or beverages like turmeric water. Speak with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance about consuming turmeric if you have any medical conditions or take any medications. The benefits of turmeric likely outweigh any risks for most individuals when consumed in reasonable food-based amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should people with gallbladder problems avoid turmeric water?
Turmeric contains substances that stimulate the gallbladder to release bile. This can worsen pain, inflammation, and other symptoms in people with pre-existing gallbladder disease like gallstones or cholecystitis.
Can turmeric tea be safely consumed while breastfeeding?
Yes, moderate amounts of turmeric tea or turmeric as a spice in food are considered safe for breastfeeding women. There have not been any adverse events reported. However, excessive medicinal doses are not recommended.
How much turmeric water is safe to drink daily?
Limit turmeric water to no more than 1-2 cups per day. The bulk of your turmeric should come from culinary amounts used in cooking. Turmeric water should not exceed supplemental doses above 1,500 mg turmeric.
Is it safe to drink turmeric water while taking antidepressants?
It depends on the specific medication. Turmeric can potentially increase the effects of some antidepressants. Speak with your doctor before consuming large amounts of turmeric if you take any psychiatric medications.
Can you drink turmeric water if you have acid reflux?
People with acid reflux or GERD should consume turmeric in moderation as it may relax the esophageal sphincter and worsen symptoms. Limit turmeric water to a few times per week and avoid drinking it if you experience increases in reflux.
Conclusion
Turmeric water provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, but it also contains substances that can interact with medications and exacerbate some medical conditions. People taking blood thinners or drugs that affect bleeding, those with scheduled surgeries, and individuals with gallbladder disease are some examples of populations who may want to avoid daily turmeric water. Anyone with a medical condition or taking medication should consult their healthcare provider before regularly consuming turmeric water. When enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, turmeric water is considered safe for most healthy individuals. But some precautions apply for people with certain risk factors.