11 Fiery Truths Down Turmeric's Yellow Brick Road: Unmasking Side Effects

2. Diarrhea

In the same way turmeric might cause nausea or an upset stomach, it might also cause diarrhea. Turmeric has a marked effect on the digestive system. The way it regulates digestive health is by stimulating the stomach so it produces a larger amount of gastric acid. For some individuals, this helps with digestion and regular bowel movements. For others, it can cause painful bloating, cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and loose stools. If individuals are not sure how turmeric will affect their digestive health, they should start taking supplements in low doses and build up over time. Patients should consult a doctor if they have digestive health issues or health problems like diabetes already. Gastric acid is the digestive fluid that forms in the stomach and helps break down food, allowing individuals to digest proteins. The fluid is comprised of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and hydrochloric acid. This acid is produced by the cells that make up the lining of the stomach. Turmeric stimulates the stomach to create more gastric acid.