topic Re: Turmeric use with gallstones? in Wellness

Turmeric use with gallstones?

pupwhipped — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 16:51:55 GMT

I purchased Qunol Turmeric for overall joint inflammation and pain and was going to start taking it today. I was poking around on the internet and came across some information saying that if you have existing gallstones that you likely should not take it. What? I have gallstones but have not had any pain or problems as of yet with them...they were seen on a Cat Scan for another problem.

Anyway, have any of you out there heard of this precaution or do any of you take Turmeric with existing gallstones? I'm seeing my Dr. Tuesday for some follow-up on a newly diagnosed spinal stenosis issue and will ask him about this...but I bet he won't know flip about it. LOL! I know many people have said they have not had any improvement with using Turmeric but I was going to give it a try...I even mentioned it to my Dr. at my last appt. and he was good with it....but that was before I read this info about gallstones. Who the heck knows about all this stuff? HA!

Thanks very much in advance for any thoughts.

Re: Turmeric use with gallstones?

on the bay — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 17:07:08 GMT

@pupwhipped,

As for tumeric, I did try it years ago and didn't find it helped anything.It also upset my stomach.

I've learned that for every supplement, prescription med, homeopathic or herbal remedy or diet-it is very rare for any to be good for all and/or not to have usually several side effects, some that can be dangerous to some.

So no matter what others experience, it is always good to look up side effects and consider any health problems you have and other rx meds you take. Some interactions can be life threatening.

It is always wonderful when you find something that helps, that doesn't cause worse side effects than what you are already trying to make better!

It is helpful when a website or google will add-"who shouldnb't take this?"Also what medications does this interact with? and these are where I often find surprising things like you heard re gallstones and tumeric.

Re: Turmeric use with gallstones?

pupwhipped — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 17:17:31 GMT

@on the bay, isn't that the truth. There are so many meds that help one thing but potentially hurt another. Over the counter Nsaids or prescription meds like Celebrex are a good example. With my newly diagnosed spinal stenosis I know these drugs could be in my future for pain relief. But I also know it's not good to take them long term as there could be consequences to the kidneys. Frustrating with a capital F!!!!!

Thank you.

Re: Turmeric use with gallstones?

on the bay — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 17:29:14 GMT

Another surprising thing I learned was how differently many meds and otc drugs can affect "seniors."

Not that any of us are "elderly" you understand, we are all forever young!

Here is an example. When I was taking care of my mother after breaking her ribs, she was taking ibuprofin. She started to get depressed which of course is not unusual when in pain and not being as mobile. However this was not like her. I don't know what prompted me to look up ibuprofin for the elderly but found a website that talked about how these common meds can affect seniors.

Ibuprofin can cause depression in the elderly! Imagine that! Her doctor didn't know it and never mentioned it.

This is also why I think it is so beneficial to have a geriatric doctor past a certain age. They are more aware of how meds and everything else can affect seniors.

Re: Turmeric use with gallstones?

SilleeMee — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 17:43:17 GMT

I learned most of everything I know about turmeric from Dr. Weil. He says turmeric will help prevent them and their symptoms from getting worse. There is an article on his website titled Gallstones if you care to read about what he says.

Re: Turmeric use with gallstones?

luvmybeetle — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 18:26:04 GMT

@on the bay wrote:
Another surprising thing I learned was how differently many meds and otc drugs can affect "seniors."
Not that any of us are "elderly" you understand, we are all forever young!
Here is an example. When I was taking care of my mother after breaking her ribs, she was taking ibuprofin. She started to get depressed which of course is not unusual when in pain and not being as mobile. However this was not like her. I don't know what prompted me to look up ibuprofin for the elderly but found a website that talked about how these common meds can affect seniors.
Ibuprofin can cause depression in the elderly! Imagine that! Her doctor didn't know it and never mentioned it.
This is also why I think it is so beneficial to have a geriatric doctor past a certain age. They are more aware of how meds and everything else can affect seniors.

If anyone is concerned about any medication problems please ask your pharmacist. They are more educated about medication. Pharmacists have to take continuing education in order to keep their license. I have knowledge of this because my husband is a pharmacist and kept his own mother from death because of what a doctor prescribed for her. Doctors, I'm sure, also do continuing education, but medicine is what a pharmacist goes to college for.

Re: Turmeric use with gallstones?

on the bay — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 18:40:34 GMT

@luvmybeetle,

That is so true. I've always found pharmacists to be so knowledgeable!

They have to keep up wth all the latest not just giving longtime accepted treatments or newer ones recommended.

It is a rare and much appreciated doctor who keeps up on nutrition, rx side effects, supplements, alternative treatments even when they are mainstream drs.

So many times I've had side effects and the dr will say, that drug shouldn't cause that or they've never heard of that. But then when I go home and read the side effects, mine is sometimes the first one listed!

I have had some wonderful doctors though that do keep up wth things and are open to listening to their patients, and learning new things!

Re: Turmeric use with gallstones?

pupwhipped — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 18:41:17 GMT

Here is just an example of what I saw online concerning Turmeric and existing gallstones. This is from a site called Turmeric.com. I'm not saying it's factual or not cause I certainly do not know! It suggests Turmeric could be helpful in preventing the formation of gallstones but not necessarily good to take if you've been previously diagnosed with stones. Who knows.

Turmeric Might Prevent Gallstones but Avoid If You Already Have Them

Turmeric and curcumin stimulates bile flow and may be able to prevent gallstones. However, the herb also induces gallbladder contractions. These contractions could be painful if you already have gallstones. Experts warn they could also potentially cause a bile duct obstruction. (i.61, 80)

Re: Turmeric use with gallstones?

on the bay — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 18:44:19 GMT

@pupwhipped,That's pretty confusing isn't it?!😳

Re: Turmeric use with gallstones?

kindred cats — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 18:47:45 GMT

@pupwhipped Turmeric is high in oxalates which can increase the risk of kidney stones. I don't know whether it is the same for gallstones.

My DH and I both took Qunol turmeric for months a couple years ago and did nothing for either of us. So I personally would not recommend it.

I hope you get prudent guidance from your MD.

Re: Turmeric use with gallstones?

SilleeMee — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 19:33:23 GMT

In order for curcumin to work it must be taken in correct doses and in the right kind of curcumin (with black pepper)...pure extract (standardized to 95% purity) in the amount of at least 1500mg per day with a bit of food containing some fat content. Curcumin is fat-soluble and will absorb more efficiently with fat in the food you eat with it.

Gallstones are made up of molecules of cholesterol mostly and are very different from kidney stones which are made mostly of mineral crystals.

Re: Turmeric use with gallstones?

tsavorite — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 22:39:22 GMT

I did try this supplement and what happened to me was my bladder and urethra hurt so badly! It might have been due to the pepper in it? But I tried it 2 times and that awful burning and bladder spasms came right back. Perhaps I can only take a tiny amount? I tried 2 500mg capsules. 1 in the am and the other in the pm.

This was just a few months before I had a horrible UTI come on and was treated with 4 different antibiotics to get rid of it. Stupid...should have given me the Cipro 1st and not the others. Took me many months with a special diet to get rid of the linger symptoms of I.C. even though the infection was finally gone.

I haven't been brave enough to try it again. My other supplements seem to help with my joints and muscle aches so I may never attempt it again.

I did find that it may cause kidney stones. Don't want that either.

Re: Turmeric use with gallstones?

kindred cats — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 23:46:53 GMT

@tsavorite I am so sorry to hear of your ordeal.

Best wishes and good health to you.

Re: Turmeric use with gallstones?

Effie54 — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 23:55:18 GMT

Tumeric can be really tough on the stomach, like a previous poster stated. She's right - ugh, the upset stomach. It did nothing for me except give me a red rash.

Re: Turmeric use with gallstones?

AuntG — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 01:29:02 GMT

@tsavorite you really had a rough time. I stopped taking it too.

Re: Turmeric use with gallstones?

SilleeMee — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 02:06:45 GMT

Regarding oxalates and turmeric...the acitve component of turmeric is curcumin which is made by extracting it from turmeric powder. When curumin is purified into a standard 95% there is not much oxalates present in it.

Taking just turmeric powder isn't the same as taking curcumin extract. Turmeric will mostly pass through you while curcumin will be absorbed where it lowers certain enzymes in the body that cause inflammation.

Re: Turmeric use with gallstones?

kindred cats — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 02:14:19 GMT

@SilleeMee Thank you for all the info.

The Qunol brand comes in liquid or capsule and contains the black pepper and is hailed as one of the most effective brands to consume. That's the one I tried and OP was using also.

Re: Turmeric use with gallstones?

deeva — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 02:26:11 GMT

I've asked my PCP about turmeric and other otc supplements. She says that many of these supplements are not regulated and the dose can vary from pill to pill.

Re: Turmeric use with gallstones?

Julie_23 — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 05:43:51 GMT

@pupwhipped -- this is a great question. Turmeric is known to increase the contractile force of the gallbladder which can be an issue if a person has gallstones.

On nutritionfacts(dot)org, there is a really good video which explains it better. On that website, if you search "turmeric and gallstones," it should bring up the short video along with its associated scientific resources.

Because of this, the recommendation is to keep to 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder. However, with "supplements," it can be tricky knowing exactly how much turmeric is in it.

Hopefully, this is helpful.

Re: Turmeric use with gallstones?

pupwhipped — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 17:01:05 GMT

Thank you all so very much for your replies. I've decided given I know I have gallstones I would be foolish to "try" this supplement on the hopes it "might" help with inflammation and risk the unwanted side effect of angering my gallbladder. Ha! In fact, I've got enough problems going on and don't need to add to them. I'm probably lucky I haven't had any real issues with my gallbladder thus far as it is.

@tsavorite, I feel your pain. You and I posted back and forth on a lengthy basis sharing our bladder burning issues several months ago on another thread. I did have a bladder infection and I did get better after taking Macrobid...sorta. I still have ongoing burning but it is not terrible and I guess I will just have to live with it. After reading your post I will certainly be aware of trying any supplements with black pepper in them as that might not agree with me either. Glad to hear you are finally doing better.

Again, thanks for the replies to my inquiry. I appreciate them one and ALL!