Tart cherry and turmeric are two powerful natural supplements with tons of potential health benefits, which is why many decide to take them together.
However, you can’t just pop pills and take supplements without understanding any of the possible side effects, right?
Right.
So, let’s explore their combined effects and potential risks.
What Do Tart Cherry and Turmeric Do?
Tart cherry, a nutrient-rich fruit, is widely recognized for its abundance of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins. These powerful compounds contribute to the fruit’s deep red color and have been shown to effectively reduce inflammation. [1]
In addition to their anti-inflammatory properties, anthocyanins have been linked to supporting muscle recovery after strenuous exercise, making tart cherry an appealing supplement for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Furthermore, tart cherry contains melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Research has demonstrated that consuming tart cherry can improve sleep quality by increasing sleep duration and efficiency, making it beneficial for those struggling with insomnia or other sleep disorders.
Turmeric, on the other hand, contains an active compound called curcumin. Curcumin has been extensively researched and is well-known for its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties. [2]
The anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin can help alleviate the symptoms of various inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis.
Moreover, curcumin’s antioxidant capabilities protect cells from oxidative damage, which can contribute to aging and the development of chronic diseases.
As a natural pain reliever, curcumin has been shown to be effective in reducing pain levels associated with conditions like osteoarthritis, making it a potentially useful alternative to conventional pain medications.
As you can see, both supplements can offer various health benefits when taken together or separately, but the main reason these two are put together is to help with inflammation and relieve pain.
Are There Any Side Effects of Taking Tart Cherry and Turmeric Together?
Generally, taking tart cherry and turmeric together is considered safe, and their combined anti-inflammatory properties may even amplify their potential benefits.
On the same note, it would be wise if you were to follow the recommended dosages for each supplement because both of these can cause some side effects.
Also, consult your doctor before you start using any of these – especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications that could possibly interfere with any of the two.
Are There Any Side Effects Specific to Taking Tart Cherry Supplements?
Tart cherry supplements are generally well-tolerated, but it is not uncommon for them to cause some mild side effects.
The most common side effects are diarrhea and stomach cramps, but some people have also impaired sleep quality once they hopped on tart cherry supplements.
The good thing is that these side effects are usually temporary and can be alleviated by reducing the dosage or discontinuing use.
Are There Any Side Effects Specific to Taking Turmeric Supplements?
Turmeric supplements, especially those containing concentrated curcumin, may cause some mild side effects.
These can include stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, or even headaches, skin rashes, and sometimes yellow stool.
That said, most people tolerate turmeric supplements very well (even if taken at very high dosages).
Do Tart Cherry and Turmeric Interact with Any Medications?
Tart cherry and turmeric can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners (like aspirin), antacids, or cholesterol meds. Also, if you’re taking estrogen – turmeric supplementation might decrease its effectiveness.
Now, the interactions are usually not severe or life-threatening, but this is exactly the reason we say you should talk to your physician before taking on any new supplements – even if they are “natural”, such as these two.
Are There Any Additional Benefits of Taking Tart Cherry and Turmeric Together?
It’s hard to say whether there are any additional benefits of taking tart cherry and turmeric together. Here’s why:
They may provide enhanced anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
While they don’t necessarily work in synergy – they are both packed with antioxidants, which could prove to be more than useful for both inflammation and pain, meaning this combination could potentially offer more than either of these alone.
Now, the elephant in the room is, of course, the horrendous bioavailability of curcumin – the most important bioactive compound in turmeric.
Curcumin is notorious for its poor absorption when taken orally, which means there’s a good chance that you’re not doing much by adding turmeric to tart cherry.
That said, if the supplement formulation contains piperine, there is a chance you’re getting the best of both worlds.
Are Tart Cherry and Turmeric Worth Taking?
Tart cherry and turmeric can be worth taking if you want to do all that’s in your power to improve your overall well-being, deal with chronic pain or inflammation, or improve your sleep.
As long as you don’t expect their potential health benefits to transform your life and be the “thing you’ve waited for” all your life – they’re worth taking.
They certainly won’t make the pain disappear or rejuvenate your joints, but if you’re already doing a ton to solve the issues that trouble you, using tart cherry and turmeric as support certainly won’t hurt.
How We Rate Tart Cherry as a Supplement: 3/5
We give tart cherry a 3 out of 5 rating for its potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, supporting muscle recovery, and improving sleep quality.
While there’s still more research necessary for us to fully understand the extent of the tart cherry effects – this supplement appears somewhat promising.
How We Rate Turmeric as a Supplement: 4.5/5
Turmeric earns a 4.5 out of 5 rating for its powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain-relieving properties, as well as its potential to support overall health and wellness.
We’d give it a 5 out of 5 if it weren’t so darn hard to absorb.
There’s tons of research behind turmeric (or better yet, curcumin) linking it to all sorts of positive outcomes – especially when it comes to osteoarthritis and similar conditions. [3]
So, as long as you combine it with piperine – this thing is superb.
Conclusion
Tart cherry and turmeric are pretty much side effect-free, apart from several minor nuisances.
In fact, when taken together, they offer a range of potential health benefits, particularly in terms of reducing inflammation and promoting overall wellness.
Now, whether or not you should take them together is entirely up to you, but if you’re concerned about the side effects – there’s almost nothing to be concerned about.