Latest news with #turmeric
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Supplements taken by millions linked to deadly liver disease as victims share warning to others
A New Jersey father-of-five is warning people not to take herbal supplements after he was left fighting for his life due to a liver injury that he believes was caused by the remedy. Robert Grafton, 54, had been taking multiple natural supplements in an effort to improve his health, including one with turmeric in it. In early March, the former radiology technologist added something new to his regimen - a turmeric-based liquid supplement. He had seen it advertised for improving liver health on social media. However, a week later, Grafton noticed his urine had turned dark, he felt nauseous, lost his appetite and was constantly itchy. Believing his deteriorating health was tied to the supplements, he stopped consuming them and went to the hospital out of fear that he was suffering from liver failure. Testing revealed he had a drug-induced liver injury, or DILI, which caused damage to his liver due because of his excessive turmeric consumption. A DILI is often caused by any kind of medication or supplement that claims to promote muscle growth or reduce stress. These types of supplements often contain similar ingredients that can harm the liver when consumed in excess. Grafton told NBC: 'My liver enzymes were super elevated, my bilirubin (a yellowish pigment produced after red blood cell breakdown) was really high - all the signs of liver failure. 'I pretty much broke down, my wife as well. I was, at that point, thinking it was liver cancer, pancreatic cancer or something. 'It turns out I had something called a drug-induced liver injury, which came from my supplements.' The liver is responsible for numerous bodily functions, including filtering blood, processing nutrients and detoxifying the body of harmful substances, such as alcohol and drugs. It is also responsible for providing support to the immune system, clotting blood and producing bile, a fluid that helps digest fats and absorb nutrients. However, sometimes an excessive consumption of ultra-concentrated supplements, whether they are of natural ingredients or those chemically made, can cause an injury if the liver isn't able to effectively filter them out of the body, causing them to build up in toxic amounts. Dr Dina Halegoua-De Marzio, a hepatologist who treated Grafton told NBC: 'I think people assume these things are safe. 'The Number one reason we see people taking these are for good health or to supplement their health and so I don't think that they realize that there is a real risk here.' She noted that even though Grafton had stopped taking supplements after noticing he was sick, a turmeric overload had already occurred in his body and caused an injury. Grafton was taking turmeric pills that contained 2,250 milligrams of curcumin, a substance that comes from the root of the turmeric plant and black pepper extract. While it remains unclear which turmeric-filled supplement Grafton took, an average turmeric and curcumin supplement tablet brought at common convenience stores contains 500mgs of the spice. Experts claim a daily consumption of less than 2,000mgs of turmeric through supplements is considered safe. Dr Halegoua-De Marzio said: 'When you cook with turmeric, that could be really safe. But some of the supplements now are 2,000mgs plus, which is a very high dose of turmeric. 'Coupled with black pepper, the liver now has to break down that supplement and it can't. It could make it really sick.' Numerous studies have shown turmeric can improve liver health by decreasing inflammation, reducing the accumulation of fat and detoxifying the organ. However, other studies suggest natural supplements made with turmeric can also cause serious liver injury. A 2010 peer-reviewed study showed over 40,000 Americans report liver damage due to medications and supplements annually - out of which over 2,000 end up dying because of the severity of their condition. But despite scientific evidence, herbal supplements continue to become more popular. A 2024 JAMA Network study found that turmeric is the most commonly consumed supplement in the US, followed by green tea extract, ashwagandha, Garcinia cambogia, red yeast rice and black cohosh. The researchers found 15.6million Americans take supplements containing at least one of these six botanicals - mostly without a doctor's advice. The Food and Drug Administration considers herbal supplements as dietary supplements and does not regulate, oversee or approve them. Therefore, it is impossible for consumers to know whether they re actually consuming what is advertised or if it is safe. Grafton is not the only person to suffer from DILI or serious liver damage due to a supplement. In April 2025, Jenny Ramirez, experienced liver failure due to a typically innocuous ingredient called methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which is in common over-the-counter vitamins that claim to improve hair, skin and nail health. Research has found MSM to be generally benign and even protective against liver damage. Some scientists have said, however, that MSM could exacerbate liver damage in people with pre-existing liver disease, though research and data are limited. Still, Ramirez became jaundiced, with yellowing skin and eyes. She also had to undergo surgery to remove her gallbladder because of hard deposits that had built up there, blocking the flow of bile through the liver and gallbladder. And in 2023, a 45-year-old woman was found to be suffering from herbal supplement-induced liver injury after she complained of gastric pain and nausea from consuming an herbal tea for three days to improve immunity. Responding doctors noted she showed no signs of jaundice, had a non-tender abdomen and showed signs of liver infection such as Hepatitis A. But after a series of tests and exams, they found that the presence of reishi mushroom, aloe vera and Siberian ginseng - all natural herbs - had caused her pain. As for Grafton, after finding out he had a liver injury, Grafton said his blood work had returned to normal within weeks of ceasing the supplements. Additional testing revealed no permanent damage to his liver. He said: 'The whole push with that is that you're getting a super-high, concentrated dose of turmeric and dandelion root and milk thistle, which I have always known from my medical past is good for liver health. 'It all sounded good, I thought I did enough digging.'
Vogue
22-05-2025
- General
- Vogue
A Golden Thread: How Turmeric Binds Indian Weddings Across the Generations
In India, turmeric doesn't begin with symbolism. It begins in the kitchen: sometimes pulled from a packet, sometimes crushed fresh using a mortar and pestle into a thick yellow paste. It stains fingertips, simmers in milk, soothes wounds. It is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. A pantry staple. A home remedy. A humble beautifier. But in weddings, turmeric transforms. Folded with flour or curd, stirred with essential oils, or bathed in milk and sandalwood, it's lifted from the everyday and pressed into skin like a blessing made visible. It becomes sacred. Haldi. Manjal. Halad. Arisina. Across India's dizzying sprawl of traditions and topographies, this root glows like a sunbeam that binds it all. At 23, my mother was wrapped in a white cotton sheet at her Manjha, the turmeric ceremony observed in our Muslim community as a prelude to the wedding, meant to bless, beautify, and protect. The turmeric roots were chosen carefully and crushed on a sil batta (a traditional flat stone used for grinding), mixed with rosewater and milk, and placed into a ceremonial bowl. The paste was warm, fragrant, alive with purpose. Her grandmother began the application, followed by her aunts, mother and cousins. Traditionally, it started with the eldest married woman and moved downward in age. In earlier years, only married women applied the paste, seasoned enough to pass on their wisdom. But time softens and circles widen. Cousins, sisters, friends—all who mattered to her were included. The ritual still began with the elder, but by the end, every hand had touched the bowl.
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Expert issues warning over deadly risk of three popular spices - millions could be at risk
Three popular household spices used in everything from cakes to curries may make life-saving drugs useless, a medicines expert has warned. Cinnamon, turmeric and ginger—said to naturally reduce inflammation and boost the immune system—can affect how the body metabolises a range of drugs, including those used to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, and common infections. A recent study found that the main compound in cinnamon, cinnamaldehyde, which gives the spice its unique smell and taste, also activates receptors that trigger the body to process drugs much more rapidly, reducing their effectiveness. While people who sprinkle cinnamon on their porridge should be safe, people who take cinnamon supplements could be at risk. 'Overconsumption could lead to a rapid clearance of the prescription medicine from the body, and that could result in making the medicine less effective', scientist Shabana Khan explained. Studies have shown that for some medications, such as blood thinners, therapid metabolism spurred by cinnamon can exacebate the drug's effect. In the case of aspirin and warfarin, this means a risk of potentially deadly bleeding, according to Professor Dipa Kamdar, a pharmacist from Kingston University. Experts now say the type of cinnamon matters too. 'True' cinnamon, a more expensive version of the spice originating from Sri Lanka, has been linked to a range of health benefits: it's rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, helps regulate blood sugar levels and has even been found to lower the risk of heart disease, according to Dr Kamdar. Cinnamon bark, however, which is usually found in supermarkets, contains high levels of coumarin, which can cause liver damage in high doses. Research also suggests that cinnamon could interact with other medications, like statins and antidepressants, making them more potent or less effective. Another household staple with adverse side effects is turmeric, which has previously been linked with liver failure. Turmeric has long been lauded for its anti-inflammatory properties, found in everything from immune boosting shots to curries. 'There's evidence that curcumin [the active incredient in turmeric] can affect how some drugs are metabolised by interfering with liver enzymes [that process drugs],' Prof Kamdar explained. Curcumin is a compound that naturally occurs in turmeric, giving it its bright yellow colour. Experts warn that taking multiple supplements at one time carries potential dangers due to unknown interactions that can make prescription drugs more potent or less effective Prof Kamdar continued: 'This means it could potentially interact with antidepressants, blood pressure medications, chemotherapy drugs and certain antibiotics.' In extreme cases, high doses of curcumin taken with black pepper—which helps the body absorb the spice—have been linked to severe liver damage. Prof Kamdar also speculated that, because turmeric has been found to lower blood sugar levels in animals, it could have the same effect in humans. 'This means it could increase the effects of anti-diabetic drugs or insulin. 'Additionally, turmeric has been shown to reduce blood pressure, which when combined with blood pressure medications could cause an excessive drop', the pharmacist explained. However, she stressed: 'As with cinnamon, these effects are most often linked to high dose supplements, not the small amounts used in food.' Ginger is another common spice lauded for its anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory effects. But, Prof Kamdar warns, its active compounds could interfere with the body's ability to process medication. Some studies suggest high doses of ginger may lower blood sugar, potentially increasing the impact of diabetes medication, risking deadly hypoglycemia. Ginger can also act as a mild blood thinner, Dr Kamdar added. She said: 'If you're taking medications, especially blood thinners, diabetes medicines, or chemotherapy drugs, it's worth having a quick chat with your doctors or pharmacist before starting any new herbal supplements.' 'But for most people, using spices in typical culinary amounts is safe. So go ahead: sprinkle, pinch, or dash—just be mindful of what's in your medicine cabinet—and be wary of taking any herbal supplement in high doses.'
Telegraph
13-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
The best treatments for arthritic hips if you want to avoid a hip replacement
Arthritic hips are no walk in the park. The first signs of trouble can creep up subtly with morning pain and stiffness. Before you know it, even bending down to put on your socks is a monumental pain. You may even notice a popping sound, a clicking or crunching when moving a troublesome hip. Or gradually realise that you've developed a change in your gait and are limping. Studies suggest that 10-25 per cent of adults experience hip pain at some point in their lives, with higher rates among older individuals. Estimates suggest that osteoarthritis (OA), one of the most common hip disorders, affects about 10-15 per cent of adults aged over 60 years worldwide. In the UK alone, approximately 1.4 million people are estimated to have hip OA. Osteoarthritis involves the wear-and-tear degeneration of cartilage, leading to pain and stiffness, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation and can affect younger people. Around 7 per cent of men and 11 per cent of women will eventually need surgery. But thankfully, if your symptoms aren't sufficiently controlled by anti-inflammatories, gels and supplements such as turmeric or cod liver oil, there are many treatments that can alleviate pain without resorting to a full-blown hip replacement. Non-invasive treatments Red light, laser therapy or a combination of both £150-£500 Also known as photo-biomodulation, this uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate the body's natural healing processes, potentially reducing pain and inflammation, and promoting tissue regeneration. Red light therapy uses a broad range of light to cover larger areas, while laser therapy focusses a narrow beam of light with a single wavelength for more targeted treatment. Kineon is one such company selling devices, their Move+ Pro's red light and laser therapy. Kineon report positive outcomes with 60-80 per cent of patients experiencing less pain and improved function. Risks are minimal, including mild skin irritation, redness, or temporary discomfort at the treatment site. Worth trying? Rarely available on the NHS, devices cost between £150-£500. Having tried the Kineon MOVE+ Pro it was effective in expediting recovery time following sporting activity. Shockwave therapy £100-£250 Shockwave therapy ses sound waves administered with a type of gun to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. As the name implies, it's uncomfortable but not excruciating and can reduce inflammation and pain in joints affected by arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis. The therapy has demonstrated success rates ranging from 60-87 per cent for hip pain conditions. Worth trying? GPs can refer you for this on the NHS when chronic symptoms persist for at least three to six months. Privately, shockwave therapy sessions for arthritis can cost between £100 to £250. Injectable treatments Corticosteroid (steroids) £120-£200 Anti-inflammatory medicine is injected directly into the hip joint to reduce pain and inflammation. Studies indicate approximately 50 per cent of patients experience immediate pain relief lasting up to two weeks, while relief extends beyond two weeks for 30 per cent. However, about 20 per cent may not respond at all while after three months any beneficial effect is likely to decline. The least expensive injectable, privately costing £120-£200 per injection, its side effects include potential bruising and facial flushes, but are generally minimal. Injections are widely available but expect waiting times of four months and upwards if opting for the NHS route. Dale Naylor of DJN Physios states: 'I see the efficacy of steroids when combined with rehab to alleviate pressure across the hips, by suppressing inflammation and relieving pain.' Steroids represent a good option for patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis, bursitis or labral tears. If the hip joint is infected, steroids are considered dangerous and not advised (also to be avoided in prosthetic joints due to infection risk); steroids can also spike blood glucose levels significantly, so can be problematic for diabetics. Worth trying? It has minimal side effects and cheap when obtained privately, steroids can relieve pain for up to several months. Injections should be spread out every few months and used no more than three to four times per year, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hyaluronic acid £250-£500 A gel-like substance also used on skin, hyaluronic acid acts as a shock absorber when injected into the hip joint providing lubrication and cushioning, aiming to reduce pain and improve mobility. Only available privately, costing between £250-£500 per hip and quickly administered, 60-70 per cent of patients experience improvement that may last several months. Mr Rama Mohan, a UK-based hip and knee surgeon says: 'Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring gel-like substance that lubricates your hip joint. As the joint wears away, the arthritic hip joints lose this lubricant. You can think of the injection like WD-40 for your joints.' Generally, patients receive a series of injections (usually two to five) over a few weeks. Severe reactions are rare, though temporary pain or swelling may occur. In the UK the NHS doesn't offer this treatment, mainly because of cost-effectiveness considerations and limited evidence of long-term benefits. Worth trying? More commonly used in knees but more beneficial than steroid injections alone with the added benefit of a cushioning effect on the affected hip. Affordable and helpful for those wishing to get back to sporting activities. Prolozone therapy £200 to £500 This is a regenerative therapy which involves injecting a concentrated form of oxygen into joints to stimulate the body's healing process. It is often used to treat hip labral tears and other hip conditions. Pain levels for treatment are minimal and – having recently had the treatment carried out on my own hips at the ProHealth Clinic, one of the UK's leading Prolotherapy & Prolozone Therapy clinics – I can attest to a reduction in pain and soreness in less than a week. 'One of the benefits is it's such a thin substance so spreads easily to surrounding areas,' says Mr Eaton. Costs per session vary depending on the clinic and specific treatment protocol, typically ranging from £200 to £500. After a couple of sets of injections over the course of a month, for arthritis Mr Eaton recommends waiting 12 months for a single top-up, while for anything soft tissue-related the treatment should last longer as the patient's blood supply takes over. Worth trying? Prolozone achieves results in a faster timeframe than many options. It's not available on the NHS. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy £250-£600 This treatment uses the patient's own blood (platelets) to reduce inflammation and promote tissue regeneration. As well as managing pain, it can make moving easier. It's best suited to those with early or moderate hip osteoarthritis in otherwise good health, who are looking to delay surgery. Dr David Porter, a sports medicine physician, says: 'PRP is administered with the aim of reducing pain, restoring the function of the hips, and preventing further cartilage damage.' Recent studies show over 70 per cent of patients experience positive outcomes, particularly in the short to medium term (up to 12 months), though two to three injections of PRP may maximise benefits for patients. PRP involves a viscous substance which might not spread as well as newer treatments like Prolozone therapy. A 2021 analysis found PRP was more effective than hyaluronic acid, especially in early to moderate stages. Available at certain NHS Trusts with a wait time or privately cost between £250-£600 in the UK. Worth trying? Beneficial for promoting healing and reducing pain if other methods haven't worked for those under 70, and available on the NHS. While private treatment is affordable, often multiple injections are required. PRP is generally not recommended for older patients with advanced joint degeneration, those with severe cartilage loss, active infection, cancer or severe diabetes. Stem cell therapy £4,000-£7,000 Stem cells are extracted from bone marrow or fat tissue then processed in a laboratory and injected into the afflicted joint. While regarded as something of an alternative therapy in the UK and not covered by the NHS, the practice is gaining in popularity. Jorja Healthcare, a UK-based regenerative medicine clinic, states: 'Between 65 per cent and 75 per cent of all patients treated have had a positive outcome with improvements in both pain scores as well as functional scores.' Beyond the budgets of many, and not covered widely by insurance, costs range from £4,000 to £7,000 per hip treated although cheaper clinics can be found abroad in India, and Mexico. Worth trying? Involves significant cost beyond the means of many, from £4,000-£7,000. While anecdotal evidence is promising, controlled trials are needed and patients should conduct extensive research on the clinic's results. Five alternatives to full hip replacement surgery Beyond injectable solutions, more radical forms of minimally invasive surgeries could present the next logical step in improving symptoms and hip mobility while avoiding a total replacement. Hip resurfacing £8,000-£15,000 This is a surgical procedure that involves removing the damaged surface of the femoral head (the ball part of the hip joint) and capping it with a metal prosthesis instead of replacing the entire hip joint. Resurfacing preserves more of the natural bone and full recovery can be achieved in just three months. This is available privately or offered on the NHS for suitable candidates, particularly younger, active patients or privately between £8,000 to £15,000. Success rates are roughly 90-95 per cent up to five years and still 85-90 per cent after a decade. Worth trying? It's generally available on the NHS but often with a lengthy waiting time. Success rates are excellent. Arthroscopy £5,000-£10,000 A form of 'keyhole' surgery that allows surgeons to address problems within a joint. Studies report largely positive outcomes and success rates while, but costs are significant, between £5,000 to £10,000. Risks are minor but include infection, nerve injury or even reoperation. Mr Giles Stafford, a consultant orthopaedic hip surgeon in London, says: 'One year after surgery, approximately 80 per cent of patients are satisfied that the procedure has improved their symptoms. Unfortunately, 15 per cent may feel no change in their condition and 5 per cent feel that their symptoms have in fact become worse.' Patients need to take care with physio and rehabilitation afterwards. Worth trying? It's good for certain conditions and available privately or on the NHS (expect a lengthy waiting time), risks are minor while success rates are strong. However, patients over 40 years old or those with significant OA may experience less favourable results. Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) £10,000-£20,000 This uses healthy cartilage from the patient's own body by harvesting cartilage cells, culturing them, and implanting them back into the damaged area to promote new cartilage growth. ACI has reported success rates of around 70-80 per cent at five years, with many patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved joint function, while after a decade studies suggest that about 50-60 per cent of patients maintain good results. The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery suggests ACI could be a viable option for the treatment of cartilage defects in the hip. ACI is available on the NHS for treating knee cartilage defects, but is not typically used for hip joints, while private costs range from £10,000 to £20,000, depending on procedure specifics. The ideal candidate should be less than 50 years old and not suffering from advanced osteoarthritis. Worth trying? Particularly effective in younger individuals with early-stage cartilage defects but costs can be prohibitive for most. Generally safe, risks include infection, graft failure, and complications related to the surgery. Osteochondral grafting £8,000-£16,000 Autograft transplantation involves harvesting healthy cartilage and bone from a non-weight-bearing area of the patient's own joint and transplanting it to the damaged area of the hip. Typically, it's considered particularly for younger patients where conservative treatment options haven't worked. Alternatively, allograft transplantation uses donated cartilage tissue to reconstruct large joint cartilage lesions in the hip joint. Both can improve joint function and reduce pain, while delaying or even preventing the need for a hip replacement and can be performed on arthritic hips, particularly when there aren't widespread degenerative changes. Limitations exist with the amount of available tissue when taken from your own body, making this approach more suitable for smaller defects. Dr Benjamin Domb, an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in hip preservation believes, 'appropriate patient selection is crucial. Factors such as defect size, patient age, activity level, and the presence of osteoarthritis significantly influence the procedure's effectiveness'. Availability on the NHS is based on an evaluation of the patient's age, activity level, size and location of the cartilage defect, and overall joint health. Privately, autograft and allograft costs in the region of £8,000 to £16,000. Success rates of approximately 70-90 per cent at five years, diminishing at 10 years. Worth trying? Particularly effective in younger individuals with early-stage cartilage defects but costs can be prohibitive if unavailable on the NHS. Ideal for patients with hip fractures and no arthritis in the socket. Partial hip replacement £8,000-£13,000 This surgical option replaces the ball of the hip joint (the top of the thigh bones) while leaving the socket intact. Most commonly used for patients who have a hip fracture, limited mobility or aren't good candidates for full hip replacement, the damaged femoral head is removed and replaced with a prosthetic implant. A partial hip replacement is often used in patients with osteoporosis who have fractured a hip. While short to mid-term outcomes are good (implant survival rates are 85 per cent at five years, long-term success is variable and may not last as long as total hip replacements in more active patients. Treatment is available on the NHS especially for elderly patients or emergency treatment following hip fractures, while private costs range from £8,000-£13,000. Worth trying? Ideal for patients with hip fractures and no arthritis in the socket; minor risks include infection, blood clots, implant loosening, or leg length difference. The hospital stay is usually two to five days depending on recovery and patient health.
