turmeric
Herbs & Spices
Is turmeric high in glutamates?
Is turmeric high or low in glutamates? See its exact rating, how much counts as a portion, and its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility in one place.
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Sensitivity notes
Why glutamates food checker matters
Glutamates, including MSG, are flavor enhancers found naturally in many foods and added to others. Some people report sensitivity causing headaches, flushing, or other symptoms, though research on 'MSG syndrome' is mixed.
- MSG goes by many names - look for 'glutamate' on labels
- Naturally high in soy sauce, fish sauce, and aged cheeses
- Tomatoes and mushrooms are naturally high in glutamates
- Yeast extract and hydrolyzed proteins contain glutamates
- Fresh, unprocessed foods are generally lower
Sensitivities
What turmeric contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where turmeric fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about turmeric
Turmeric is the sharpest example of a food being genuinely good for inflammation and still being a trigger. It grades as strongly anti-inflammatory, the best rating in the set, while also grading high in salicylates. So the spice people take specifically to calm inflammation is one of the ones salicylate-sensitive people react to. It is clean on histamine, gluten, lactose, nickel and lectins, and despite a very persistent myth it is not a nightshade.
Watch for
- High in salicylates.This is the trigger that catches people out, because turmeric is usually being taken for its anti-inflammatory reputation rather than suspected of anything
- Curcumin capsules and high-dose supplements concentrate the plant far beyond what a curry delivers, so a daily supplement is a much bigger salicylate exposure than the spice jar
- Turmeric latte and golden milk recipes combine turmeric with other high salicylate ingredients such as cinnamon, ginger and black pepper, which stacks the load in one drink
- Moderate on FODMAPs, but culinary amounts are small enough that this is rarely the issue
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Glutamates Guide
Everything you need to know about glutamates sensitivity and smart food choices.
Glutamates, including MSG, are flavor enhancers found naturally in many foods and added to others. Some people report sensitivity causing headaches, flushing, or other symptoms, though research on 'MSG syndrome' is mixed.
Sensitivity varies widely. What triggers one person may be fine for another. Track your reactions to find your personal threshold.
These foods are generally well-tolerated for Glutamates sensitivity:
View all safe options
These foods have moderate levels and may be tolerated in small amounts:
These foods are high in glutamates and may trigger symptoms:
View full list
If you're sensitive to Glutamates, consider these strategies:
- 1MSG goes by many names - look for 'glutamate' on labels
- 2Naturally high in soy sauce, fish sauce, and aged cheeses
- 3Tomatoes and mushrooms are naturally high in glutamates
- 4Yeast extract and hydrolyzed proteins contain glutamates
- 5Fresh, unprocessed foods are generally lower
Pro tip: Keep a food diary to track your reactions. The Triggerbites app makes this easy with automatic pattern detection.
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Get the AppFAQ
Is turmeric high in Glutamates?
Glutamates: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat turmeric if I'm sensitive to Glutamates?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Salicylates, Low Salicylate, and Jain next for a fuller picture.