Does Turmeric Supplementation Cause Body Odor?

Does Turmeric Make You Smell Bad?

Turmeric is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties and multitude of health benefits. But some people notice an unfortunate side effect - does turmeric make you stink? Read on to learn why turmeric can cause body odor issues and what you can do.

What Is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a vibrant yellow-orange spice that comes from the turmeric plant's roots. It is commonly used in Indian cuisine and has an earthy, bitter, peppery flavor. The main bioactive compound in turmeric is curcumin, which provides its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

In recent years, turmeric has gained popularity as a health supplement due to potential benefits for inflammation, heart health, arthritis, digestion, immunity, brain function, and more. It is available as a powder, capsule, tincture, or incorporated into drinks.

Why Does Turmeric Cause Body Odor?

There are a few reasons why some people notice increased body odor after taking turmeric:

• It accelerates sweat production, providing more material for bacteria to act on and produce odor.
• It increases sulfurous compounds in sweat, urine, and breath which have strong smells.
• It boosts detoxification which can release odorous compounds as byproducts.
• It alters gut bacteria populations which affects odor-causing metabolism.

Not everyone experiences this side effect, but those particularly prone to body odor may be more likely to observe turmeric increasing smelliness. The pungent compounds in turmeric get absorbed into the bloodstream and later excreted through sweat, urine, and breath.

Body Odor Symptoms

If turmeric is the culprit behind increased body odor, some common symptoms include:

• Stronger or more unpleasant general body odor
• More pronounced foot odor
• Increased smelly sweat
• Bad breath or breath that smells like turmeric
• Urine that smells different
• Gassiness or change in flatulence odor

You may notice the smell getting worse over several days of turmeric supplementation as it builds up in your system. The compounds leave the body within 1-2 days of stopping turmeric, and the odor issues should resolve.

Dosage Effects

Some find even small amounts of turmeric cause increased BO, while others only observe effects at higher supplemental doses like:

• 500-1500 mg turmeric capsules
• 1-3 tsp turmeric powder a day
• 2-4 cups turmeric tea
• 3-5 tsp turmeric golden paste

Take the lowest effective dose for your needs, split into smaller portions throughout the day. This gives your body more time to process the compounds rather than being overloaded all at once.

Duration of Odor

In most cases, any turmeric-related body odor issues are temporary and resolve within a couple days of stopping supplementation. But in some people, the smell may linger for 1-2 weeks until the compounds have fully cleared the body.

The duration depends on factors like:

• Dosage amount
• Frequency of use
• Route of administration (oral, topical, inhaled)
• Duration of use
• Genetic variability in processing compounds

Long term daily turmeric supplementation often leads to the most lingering BO effects after stopping.

Odor Locations

Where you specifically notice increased odor from turmeric can include:

• Breath - May smell metallic, bitter or reminiscent of turmeric
• Sweat - Underarms, groin, feet and other sweat-prone areas smell worse
• Urine - Takes on a more sulfurous odor
• Gas - Increased flatulence with a stronger rotten egg smell

Turmeric compounds get circulated throughout the entire body, so odor can present anywhere sweat and waste products are released. The smell is not localized to a single area.

Other Causes of Body Odor

While turmeric is one culprit for increased BO, other common causes include:

• Poor hygiene
• Obesity
• Excessive sweating
• Strong spices like garlic, onion, curry
• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Odorous foods like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, beans
• Hormonal changes
• Stress and anxiety
• Medications and supplements
• Health conditions

If stopping turmeric use doesn't resolve odor issues, consider what other lifestyle factors may be contributing and discuss with your doctor.

Dealing with Turmeric BO

If you experience increased body odor from taking turmeric, here are some tips to help:

Lower the Dose

Excessive amounts of turmeric are more likely to cause odor issues. Try lowering your dosage to the minimum effective amount or switching to every other day rather than daily use.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich fluids like coconut water. This helps flush out turmeric compounds quicker so they build up less. It also counteracts any dehydrating effects.

Manage Sweating

Turmeric-related BO often stems from the volatile compounds mixing with sweat. Reduce sweating by wearing breathable clothes, avoiding spicy foods, lowering room temperature, and using clinical strength antiperspirant.

Boost Friendly Bacteria

Take probiotics and eat fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi. This introduces beneficial bacteria to help balance your gut microbiome against any odor-causing shifts from turmeric.

Use Essential Oils

Essential oils like lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus and tea tree help neutralize odors when applied topically or diffused in the air. Add a few drops to your bath, laundry, pulse points, or feet.

Bathe Regularly

Bathing daily or every other day helps remove sweat, bacteria and turmeric compounds on the skin before more odor can develop. Use an exfoliating washcloth and antibacterial soap.

Apply Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar helps balance skin pH and bacteria. Dab underarms, feet and other sweat-prone zones with vinegar diluted in water to control odor.

Use Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal supplements, soaps, deodorants and toothpastes adsorb odorous compounds. Take capsules daily and use charcoal-infused products to manage scent.

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, turmeric-related body odor resolves on its own within a week or two of stopping supplementation. But you should see a doctor if you experience:

• Odor that persists more than 2 weeks after quitting turmeric
• Very strong, foul Body odor not improved with hygiene
• Odor accompanied by profuse sweating, nausea, or jaundice
• Odor along with weight loss, appetite changes, or fatigue

These may indicate an underlying medical condition requiring diagnosis beyond just turmeric effects. Liver disease, kidney failure, diabetes, metabolic disorders, thyroid issues, and certain cancers can all contribute to severe, persistent body odor.

Preventing Turmeric Body Odor

To help avoid increased BO from turmeric, you can:

• Take turmeric supplements with a phytochemical called piperine (found in black pepper), which improves absorption and reduces required dosage.
• Opt for a turmeric extract standardized to high curcumin concentration, so lower doses are effective.
• Choose a time-released turmeric capsule to maintain lower blood levels rather than spiking doses.
• Mix turmeric powder into a paste with coconut oil before swallowing to improve absorption and tolerate lower amounts.
• Drink plenty of fluids daily to flush out compounds.
• Lower turmeric intake during times of heavy sweating due to heat, exercise, or illness.

Being aware of the potential body odor side effect can help you take steps to keep it under control when supplementing with turmeric.

Bottom Line

Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory superstar with wide-ranging health benefits. But some people do find turmeric makes them stink temporarily due to its sulfurous compounds. Using the lowest effective dose, staying hydrated, managing sweating, and improving gut health can help minimize odor issues.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.