Part of our Turmeric & Curcumin guide library.
Short answer: Yes, it can, although the effects are usually mild. The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) lists nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, stomach upset, diarrhea and constipation as possible side effects of oral turmeric. In a study of single doses from 500 to 12,000 mg of curcumin, 2 of 24 people had mild diarrhea and the effects did not appear to be dose-related. If turmeric upsets your stomach, try a lower dose or taking it with a meal, and stop if symptoms continue.
You started a turmeric supplement and now your digestion feels different. Is the turmeric to blame? Here is what official health sources and clinical studies say about turmeric and your gut, and what to do about it.
What you'll learn
- Which digestive side effects turmeric can cause, according to health authorities
- What a high-dose study found about diarrhea and yellow stool
- Whether turmeric makes you poop
- What to try if turmeric upsets your stomach, and who should check with a doctor first
What health authorities say about turmeric and your gut
| Source | Digestive effects mentioned |
|---|---|
| NCCIH | Nausea and vomiting, acid reflux, stomach upset, diarrhea or constipation |
| Memorial Sloan Kettering | Abdominal pain or discomfort; possible gastrointestinal discomfort |
| European Medicines Agency, 2018 | Mild dry mouth, flatulence (gas) and stomach irritation; frequency not known |
NCCIH also notes that conventionally formulated turmeric or curcumin is likely safe in recommended amounts for up to 2 or 3 months (NCCIH).
Can turmeric cause diarrhea?
It can, but in studies it is usually mild. In a University of Michigan dose-escalation study, healthy adults took a single dose of curcumin ranging from 500 to 12,000 mg with a meal (Lao et al., 2006):
- Of 24 participants, 7 reported side effects, and all were the mildest grade.
- Two people had diarrhea: one at 1,000 mg and one at 12,000 mg.
- The side effects did not appear to be dose-related.
Pooled trials point the same way. In a 2021 meta-analysis of 8 randomized trials (389 participants), people taking curcumin had a higher risk of gastrointestinal side effects than those taking a placebo (odds ratio about 3.0) (Tsai et al., 2021). The studies were small, so the exact size of the risk is uncertain.
Can turmeric cause constipation?
Constipation is listed as a possible side effect of oral turmeric (NCCIH), but it is reported less often than stomach upset in the studies we reviewed. If you notice constipation after starting turmeric, drink enough fluids, keep fiber in your diet, and see whether it improves when you lower the dose or pause the supplement.
Does turmeric make you poop?
Turmeric is not a laxative. In Europe, turmeric is registered as a traditional herbal medicine for relief of mild digestive problems such as feelings of fullness, slow digestion and flatulence, based on long-standing use rather than clinical trials (European Medicines Agency, 2018). The same monograph notes it may stimulate bile secretion (European Medicines Agency, 2018).
Two other things are worth knowing:
- Yellow stool is possible. In the high-dose study, two people had yellow stool, at 8,000 mg and 10,000 mg (Lao et al., 2006).
- Most curcumin stays in the gut. No curcumin was detected in the blood at single doses up to 8,000 mg, and the authors note that animal studies found most of an oral dose excreted unchanged in the feces (Lao et al., 2006). That poor absorption is why formulation matters; see why curcumin absorption matters.
What to do if turmeric upsets your stomach
| If you notice | What to try |
|---|---|
| Mild stomach upset or nausea | Take it with a meal rather than on an empty stomach, or split the dose |
| Loose stools or diarrhea | Lower the dose or pause for a few days; drink enough fluids |
| Constipation | Drink enough fluids, keep fiber in your diet, and lower the dose or pause |
| Symptoms that continue or worsen | Stop taking it and talk to a health care provider |
| Fatigue, poor appetite, dark urine or yellowing skin or eyes | Stop right away and contact a health care provider; these can be signs of liver injury (NCCIH) |
The European monograph advises seeing a doctor if digestive symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse while using turmeric (European Medicines Agency, 2018).
Who should check with a doctor first
- Gallbladder or liver problems: because it may stimulate bile secretion, turmeric is not recommended for people with bile duct obstruction, gallstones, liver disease or other biliary conditions (European Medicines Agency, 2018).
- Blood thinners: turmeric may increase the risk of bleeding, especially with warfarin or other blood thinners (Memorial Sloan Kettering).
- Kidney stones: turmeric supplements may raise the risk of kidney stones (Memorial Sloan Kettering).
- Pregnancy: turmeric supplements during pregnancy may be unsafe (NCCIH).
- Bioavailability-enhanced products: liver damage has been reported in some people taking these formulations (NCCIH). See turmeric, piperine and your liver.
Common myths (quick reality check)
Myth: Turmeric is natural, so it cannot upset your stomach. Reality: Health authorities list stomach upset, diarrhea and constipation among its possible side effects.
Myth: More turmeric means more digestive side effects. Reality: In a high-dose study, side effects were mild and did not appear to be dose-related, although lowering the dose is still a sensible first step if you have symptoms.
Myth: Turmeric works like a laxative. Reality: It is not a laxative. Its traditional use in Europe is for mild digestive discomfort such as fullness and gas, not for constipation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can turmeric cause diarrhea?
Yes, it can, although it is usually mild. NCCIH lists diarrhea among the possible side effects of oral turmeric, and in a high-dose study 2 of 24 people had mild diarrhea.
Can turmeric cause constipation?
It can. NCCIH lists constipation as a possible side effect, though it is reported less often than stomach upset. Lowering the dose, drinking enough fluids and keeping fiber in your diet may help.
Does turmeric make you poop?
Turmeric is not a laxative. In Europe it is used traditionally for mild digestive discomfort such as fullness and gas, and it may stimulate bile secretion. High doses can turn stool yellow.
Why does turmeric upset my stomach?
Most curcumin is poorly absorbed and stays in the gut, and turmeric may stimulate bile secretion. Taking it with a meal or lowering the dose can help, and you should stop if symptoms continue.
When should I stop taking turmeric?
Stop and talk to a health care provider if digestive symptoms continue or worsen. Stop right away if you notice fatigue, poor appetite, dark urine or yellowing of the skin or eyes, which can be signs of liver injury.
Related guides
- Is turmeric bad for your kidneys?
- When is the best time to take turmeric?
- Is it safe to take turmeric every day?
- Turmeric, piperine and your liver
- Turmeric curcumin supplement: does it actually work?
- Curcumin vs turmeric: what is the difference?
- Turmeric and ibuprofen: can you take them together?
Disclaimer and when to seek help
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking turmeric if you have gallbladder or liver problems, take blood thinners or other medication, or are pregnant. Seek medical care for severe or ongoing diarrhea, blood in your stool, signs of dehydration, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). "Turmeric". Updated April 2025.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. "Turmeric" (About Herbs). Updated June 9, 2026.
- European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products. "European Union herbal monograph on Curcuma longa L., rhizoma". EMA/HMPC/329755/2017, 25 September 2018.
- Lao CD, et al. "Dose escalation of a curcuminoid formulation." BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2006;6:10. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-6-10
- Tsai IC, et al. "The effect of curcumin differs on individual cognitive domains across different patient populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Pharmaceuticals, 2021;14(12):1235. doi:10.3390/ph14121235
