Overindulgence in Cinnamon May Impair Medicine Efficacy, According to Research; Safe Usage Guidelines
Hey there! Let's dive into the world of cinnamon, a spice that's as delicious as it is versatile. Known for its potential health perks, cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar, bolster heart health, andreduce inflammation. Plus, it's rich in antioxidants and boasts antimicrobial properties. That’s why it's a staple in many kitchens around the world!
However, shove too much of this aromatic spice onto your plate, and you might find yourself battling unwanted side effects. In a recent study at the University of Mississippi Centre, researchers uncovered a catch: cinnamaldehyde, cinnamon's key component, can interfere with how your body processes prescription medications!
The study published in Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences found that gorging on cinnamon could reduce the effectiveness of drugs. But worry not, using cinnamon as a seasoning in moderate amounts shouldn't cause any problems.
"Gobbling down truckloads of supplements without consulting your healthcare provider could lead to problems," warns Shabana Khan, one of the study's principal scientists. "This indulgence could cause prescription meds to clear rapidly from your system, making them less potent."
Interestingly, the type of cinnamon matters too. Cinnamon oil slathered onto your skin won't mess with your meds, but Cassia cinnamon could pose a greater risk, especially for certain prescription medications. On the safer side, Ceylon or true cinnamon from Sri Lanka is less threatening.
So, should you ditch cinnamon entirely? Not so fast! Sprinkling some cinnamon powder on your coffee, baked goods, and other foods can bring joy without causing harm… as long as you practice moderation. If, however, you're popping cinnamon pills as dietary supplements, it’s wise to chat with a healthcare expert.
Individuals with chronic the ailments like diabetes, hypertension, cancer, arthritis, asthma, obesity, HIV, AIDS, or depression should be particularly aware, advises Khan. Mixing supplements with prescription meds could lead to dangerous drug interactions, so always consult a healthcare professional before making any alterations to your regimen.
But remember, there’s more to cinnamon than meets the eye. Consuming too much cinnamon can lead to a host of health issues, such as:
- Liver damage: Inhaling large amounts of cassia cinnamon, due to its high coumarin content, can cause liver toxicity. Yikes!
- Low blood sugar: Excess cinnamon intake can drop your blood sugar levels significantly.
- Gastrointestinal problems: When consumed in excess, cinnamon can give you an upset stomach, diarrhea, or nausea.
- Blood thinning: High doses of cinnamon can impact blood clotting and may interfere with blood-thinning medications.
To avoid these pitfalls, consider swapping cassia cinnamon for Ceylon cinnamon in your recipes, as it has lower coumarin levels. If you have any pre-existing conditions, chat with a healthcare pro before ramping up your cinnamon intake.
Before we wrap up, remember that the information provided here serves as general guidance and shouldn't take the place of professional medical advice. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more specific details.
Disclaimer: The content presented below is for informational purposes only. It's not a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always seek expert advice before making any health-related decisions.
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- The study published in Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences revealed that excessive consumption of cinnamon can interfere with the body's processing of prescription medications.
- While using cinnamon as a seasoning in moderate amounts won't cause problems, Shabana Khan, one of the study's principal scientists, warns against gobbling down truckloads of cinnamon supplements without consulting a healthcare provider because it could cause prescription meds to clear rapidly from your system, making them less potent.
- Interestingly, the type of cinnamon matters too; while cinnamon oil slathered onto your skin won't mess with your meds, Cassia cinnamon could pose a greater risk, particularly for certain prescription medications, whereas Ceylon or true cinnamon from Sri Lanka is less threatening.
- Individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cancer, arthritis, asthma, obesity, HIV, AIDS, or depression should be particularly aware, as mixing supplements with prescription meds could lead to dangerous drug interactions.
- To avoid potential health issues such as liver damage, low blood sugar, gastrointestinal problems, and blood thinning, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional before ramping up cinnamon intake, especially if you plan to use cinnamon pills as dietary supplements.
