As with any other ingestible substance, there are common-sense limits as to how much turmeric one should take every day. Because there are numerous ways that turmeric may be ingested, getting the dosage right for maximum effectiveness is important to understand.
Common Variants of Ingestible Turmeric
- Fresh turmeric rhizome – commonly chopped and cooked for flavor
- Turmeric powder – most common variant used in a variety of cuisines and beverages
- Turmeric supplements – concentrated turmeric curcumin in capsule form
- Turmeric liquid extract – concentrated turmeric curcumin in liquid form
How Much Turmeric Should You Take in Various Forms?
According to the University Of Maryland Medical Center, adults may take the following very conservative doses without complications:
- Fresh turmeric rhizome: 1500 to 3000 milligrams (mg) per day
- Turmeric powder: 1000 to 3000 milligrams (mg) per day
- Turmeric supplements: 1800 milligrams (mg) per day
- Turmeric liquid extract: 30 drops per day
The National Institute of Health recommends that those suffering from osteoarthritis should take 500 mg four times a day in conjunction with Meriva. And that dyspepsia patients can take 500 mg of turmeric supplement four times a day.
Most advocates of turmeric, including the Turmeric Guru, use much higher doses, especially if treating an acute or chronic condition. Research has been done showing that up to 12.000 milligrams per day over three months can be taken without complications. The Turmeric Guru regularly takes one tablespoon of turmeric powder in food or beverage and 3000 mg of turmeric curcumin supplement per day.
Instances Where You May Want to Limit Dosage
Although there are no known severe side effects from taking too much turmeric, just to be on the safe side, we recommend that you consult your physician if you have the following conditions:
- Bleeding Disorders – A study from the National Institute of Health showed that turmeric can cause blood thinning and impede clotting. Those who are on blood-thinning medicines such as naproxen and warfarin should be cautious or avoid taking turmeric while on these medications. Users who wish to take turmeric while using these medicines should first consult their physicians.
- Diabetes – If you have diabetes, taking turmeric can lower blood sugar levels, which is normally a good thing, but can be problematic if not closely monitored. In some cases, taking turmeric while also taking diabetes medication may trigger the onset of hypoglycemia wherein the blood sugar level is too low.
- Pregnancy or Breastfeeding – Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may consider avoiding turmeric without consulting their physician as there is not enough evidence to say whether it could cause complications with menstruation or affect the baby.
- Complications of the gallbladder – The National Institute of Health stated that patients with gallbladder complications should not take turmeric supplements. Turmeric can influence treatments that prevent gallstones and assist in treating bile duct obstruction.
- Stomach problems – Studies have shown that turmeric can actually affect gastric influx despite its capacity to assist in treating an upset stomach.
- Iron deficiency – Turmeric may interfere with iron absorption so those with iron deficiency should first consult their physician.
Summary – Turmeric Dosage How Much Should You Take?
Massive amounts of research have been done on turmeric as a nutraceutical, probably more than any other natural substance. And the results consistently show that turmeric and its curcuminoid complex are effective against a wide range of disease states, especially those emanating from or associated with inflammation.
From these studies, it has been shown that very large amounts of turmeric can be tolerated over months at a time without complications, as much as 12,000 milligrams per day. Since the Turmeric Guru has been taking large amounts of turmeric and curcumin supplements beginning in 2010 there have been zero complications, only benefits. We are of the opinion, that you should take as much turmeric as you want to, within reason, especially if you are trying to address inflammation.
We suggest you begin your health journey by considering an affordable turmeric supplement like BioSchwartz, an excellent turmeric powder for the kitchen, and a turmeric liquid extract.