Dr. Stephanie El-Chakieh, Pharm.D., M.Sc.

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Is Turmeric Dangerous for your Kidneys?

Stephanie El-Chakieh

Turmeric Scientific Name: Curcuma longa, Curcuma domestica

Common Name: Indian saffron, Curcumin Jiang huang

Turmeric is a plant prevalent in South Asia and cultivated in tropical areas. Curcumin is the active substance in turmeric. Curcumin represents between 2 and 8 % of most turmeric preparation, and it is the component that gives turmeric its yellow-orange color and flavor. 

Benefits of turmeric

Curcumin/Turmeric has been used for its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant effects. It has also described some benefits for memory, arthritis, and cancer prevention. Some studies even found that it was safe and as effective as Tylenol or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. Turmeric could also help with premenstrual pain or headaches. 

It is important to note that herbs and supplements could benefit some humans with certain specific issues while they are harmful for others. 

Turmeric used as a spice or herb in food has been considered safe. Herbal supplements are more potent than herbs you would use in cooking. Hence it is essential to assess if such supplements are safe for you. It is important to note that not all "natural" products, plants, or even vitamins are harmless. Understanding how turmeric acts within the body and how these reactions can create positive or negative reactions, depending on the person or the presence of the balances/imbalances.

Turmeric and Oxalate

Turmeric is high in oxalate. Oxalate (also known as oxalic acid) is a compound in plants and a waste product our bodies produce. Various foods high in oxalate can also benefit our health, like leafy greens and legumes; again, oxalate is not bad for all. However, it could increase the risk of kidney stones, especially if you are prone to such. It has been found that the amount of oxalate excreted in urine plays an important role in calcium oxalate stone formation in the kidneys. Oxalate can also bind to magnesium, which can lead to magnesium deficiency. 

Turmeric and COX-2 inhibitor

Turmeric is a COX-2 inhibitor, which means it blocks the action of the COX-2 enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for inflammation, so blocking this enzyme leads to an anti-inflammatory effect. At first glance, this seems great and beneficial. However, inflammation is not a root cause of issues, and taking turmeric long-term could be compared to taking a small anti-inflammatory dose of an NSAID drug, such as Advil®, Aspirin® or Celebrex®. We can now understand the possible adverse effects of turmeric, being heartburn, diarrhea, and increased risk of bleeding or kidney stones. 

Remember that we cannot only look at the human body in one silo. While turmeric can have these adverse effects, other reactions within the body compensate or seem stronger since it can also lead to reduced blood sugar or blood pressure. The effect of turmeric may depend on the dose, duration, quality of the product, etc. 

Who should avoid turmeric

You should be precautious with turmeric or speak with a healthcare provider before trying turmeric if:

  • You have gastrointestinal issues, such as irritable bowel disease, Crohn's disease, or Ulcerative Colitis);

  • If you have heartburn or acid reflux;

  • If you are known for having gallstones or kidney stones;

  • If you take blood thinner medication such as Coumadin®, Aspirin®, Xarelto®, or others;

  • If you take NSAID drugs or Acetaminophen®;

  • If you are undergoing chemotherapy, turmeric can interact with some chemotherapy protocols;

  • If you are taking Prograf®, as turmeric can increase its adverse effects;

Again, it doesn't mean it's a bad spice, but you would not want to double the effects and bring more imbalances to your health. The ideal would be to work with a healthcare provider to adjust your current drugs (if you take any) if ever you wish to take such a product. 

Always share to your healthcare providers the dietary supplements you’re taking, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and natural or home remedies. This will help them manage your care and keep you safe.

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