Turmeric use with gallstones?

pupwhipped · ‎03-11-2010

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.

on the bay · ‎03-09-2010

@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.

"If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew. Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains? can you paint with all the colors of the wind?"

pupwhipped · ‎03-11-2010

@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.

on the bay · ‎03-09-2010

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 you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew. Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains? can you paint with all the colors of the wind?"

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

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.

luvmybeetle · ‎08-10-2013

@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.

on the bay · ‎03-09-2010

@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!

"If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew. Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains? can you paint with all the colors of the wind?"

pupwhipped · ‎03-11-2010

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)

on the bay · ‎03-09-2010

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

"If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew. Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains? can you paint with all the colors of the wind?"