Cinnamon pills are generally safe but can cause stomach issues (upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea), allergic reactions (rashes, hives, coughing), and mouth sores, especially in large amounts, with the main concern being liver toxicity from high coumarin levels in Cassia cinnamon, which can interact with medications and harm those with liver disease. Key risks include low blood sugar and potential interactions with diabetes drugs, blood thinners, or liver-affecting meds, so consulting a doctor before taking them is crucial.
For most people, cinnamon supplements seem to be safe, at least in small amounts for short-term use. But higher amounts used for longer periods of time may trigger side effects such as gastrointestinal problems or allergic reactions. It also may cause problems for people who have liver disease.
If you take a statin medicine for your cholesterol, or other drugs that may affect the liver, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), check with your healthcare provider before using cinnamon or any other supplement. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Prolonged use of cassia cinnamon could be an issue for sensitive people, such as those with liver disease. Ceylon cinnamon may contain a trace amount of coumarin. Some types of topical cinnamon oil or powder may cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis, according to reports.
You can take cinnamon at any time of day. The best time to take it is whenever it fits best into your daily routine. But if you're taking cinnamon to help with blood sugar control, it may be especially helpful to take it just before a meal.
Cinnamon is generally safe, but too much can cause stomach issues, liver damage, or interact with medications. How it affects you can depend on the type, like Ceylon or cassia, and whether it's made from the bark, leaves, or roots.
A pharmacist can help with heartburn and acid reflux
They may recommend medicines called antacids or alginates that can help ease your symptoms. It's best to take these with food or soon after eating, as this is when you're most likely to get heartburn. They may also work for longer if taken with food.
Coffee and tea – Caffeinated beverages aggravate acid reflux. Opt for teas without caffeine. Carbonated beverages – The bubbles expand in your stomach, creating more pressure and pain. Choose plain water or decaf iced tea.
Heart disease prevention
If you take supplements with at least 1.5 grams of cinnamon a day, it may lower your total cholesterol, LDL (or bad) cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar — especially if you have metabolic disease. It may also lower blood pressure if you consistently take it for more than eight weeks.
Cinnamon is an anti-clotting agent and prevents atherosclerosis. In addition, it decreases blood cholesterol and insulin resistance, stabilizes blood sugar, and maintains LDL. Cinnamaldehyde dilates blood vessels and helps relieve the tension due to blood pressure.
Ceylon cinnamon is the recommended type of cinnamon for dietary supplements given it has virtually no unwanted coumarin (<0.005%) and numerous health benefits published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
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Are there any side effects of taking cinnamon?
Treatment
It makes coffee taste sweeter
When combined with the creamy sweetness of milk, this can give your taste buds a special treat even without added sugar—a big help when you're trying to cut back.
For most individuals, consuming cinnamon water on an empty stomach is safe and may enhance absorption of beneficial compounds. When taken before food, the compounds in cinnamon can be more readily absorbed, potentially maximizing the benefit of drinking cinnamon water for blood sugar regulation and metabolism.
Cinnamon supplements can interfere with diabetes drugs, blood pressure pills, antidepressants, or other medications, researchers say.