Turmeric is a yellow-orange spice that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. It has also been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
Turmeric Benefits
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has the following benefits:
-Reducing inflammation
-Lowering cholesterol levels
-Regulating blood sugar levels
-Detoxifying the liver
-Boosting the immune system
-Easing indigestion
-Protecting against cancer
-Aiding in wound healing
Turmeric Side Effects
However, there are some potential risks and side effects that should be considered before taking turmeric during pregnancy.
Turmeric is a blood thinner and can potentially increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. It should be used with caution in pregnant women who have a history of bleeding disorders or are taking blood thinners.
Turmeric can also worsen gastrointestinal issues like indigestion, heartburn, and ulcers. If you experience any of these symptoms after taking turmeric, discontinue use and speak with your doctor.
The safety of using topical preparations containing turmeric during pregnancy is unknown.
Therefore, it's best to avoid using them on broken skin or near mucous membranes like the eyes or vagina.
Suggested Use
If you want to include turmeric as part of your healthy diet during pregnancy, it's best to stick to culinary uses.
Look for recipes that call for no more than 1 gram of turmeric per day. You can also add a pinch of ground turmeric to soups, stews, curries, rice dishes, and vegetable juices.
When cooking with fresh turmeric root, use gloves to avoid staining your hands and nails yellow-orange.
If you experience any side effects after eating foods containing turmeric, discontinue use and speak with your doctor.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, turmeric is generally considered safe to take during pregnancy, but more research is needed in this area.
Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking turmeric or any other supplement during pregnancy.
If you do take turmeric while pregnant, be sure to take it under the supervision of your doctor or other healthcare provider
If you are looking to try out the best turmeric gummies in the market, check out our picks below.
