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Turmeric Interaction Could Be Hazardous

Posting Date: 06/13/2005

Q. I started taking turmeric to help my psoriasis. Then I developed a severe rash and stopped it.

My biggest concern is that I take Coumadin. When I went in for a routine blood test my doctor told me that my blood, which should be between 2 and 3, was extremely thin at 13. I was told to come in immediately for a Vitamin K shot to reverse this effect.

A. Thanks for alerting us to a potentially life-threatening interaction between Coumadin (warfarin) and turmeric. Another reader reported liver enzyme elevation with this herb. Turmeric (curcumin) is not for everyone.

Q. I read that high fructose corn syrup raises triglycerides, part of the cholesterol count. I eliminated corn syrup from my diet and my triglycerides dropped significantly. But why did I lose 15 pounds and three inches from my waist with no dieting?

A. Research has shown that a high fructose diet can boost triglyceride levels in men. High-fructose corn syrup is found in soft drinks, breakfast cereals, snacks and other processed foods. Some experts have proposed that high-fructose corn syrup in soft drinks and fruit juices is contributing to the obesity epidemic (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Oct. 2004). By eliminating this sweetener from your diet, you apparently selected lower-calorie alternatives that helped you lose weight.

Q. I am puzzled about arthritis remedies. One recipe gave relative proportions of grape juice, apple juice, cider vinegar and Certo. However, there was no information about the quantities to take and the frequency.

This information about home remedies gives no theory on why they appear to work. It would be helpful if you could provide some background information or advice with a basis in medical or pharmaceutical practice.

A. Home remedies are rarely studied in well-controlled scientific trials, so we have no proof they work. Figuring out why someone might get pain relief from gin-soaked raisins, for example, is even more difficult. Nonetheless, there is now research showing that purple grape juice has anti-inflammatory activity (Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis & Vascular Biology, Nov. 2004).