Cinnamon Supplements & Intestinal Upset

Cinnamon supplements are used for a variety of medical conditions, though medical studies are inconclusive regarding cinnamon’s effectiveness on any condition. Cinnamon may offer benefits in lowering blood sugar and cholesterol 2. It may also offer antibacterial and antifungal affects and also help prevent blood clots. Talk with your doctor regarding the safety and effectiveness of cinnamon supplements before you add them to your daily medication and supplement regimen.

Upset Stomach

HerbWisdom.com explains that cinnamon can help relieve gas and soothe digestive disorders such as nausea and diarrhea 2. Cinnamon has been used in this manner for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. Cinnamon may also help relieve nausea due to morning sickness. Consult your herbalist or a doctor familiar with alternative medicine for dosage and recommendations for your health condition.

Side Effect

When taken in large doses, cinnamon can actually irritate the lining of the stomach, causing pain or a cramping sensation. If this side effect occurs, you could try taking the cinnamon with food or milk to help dilute the cinnamon. Cinnamon may also irritate other mucous membranes, such as the membrane of your mouth, nose or eyes if cinnamon would happen to come in contact with those areas accidentally.

Ulcers

Individuals with stomach ulcers may need to avoid supplementation with cinnamon. Since cinnamon is known to irritate the stomach lining, introducing it to a stomach whose lining is already compromised by an ulcer may cause an exacerbation or worsening of the ulcer, resulting in increased pain and possible bleeding.

Considerations

Cinnamon supplements may not be suitable for everyone and all health conditions. Always talk with a doctor or other knowledgeable health-care professional prior to adding cinnamon or any other supplement to your daily regimen. Cinnamon has not been proved to positively affect digestion and it may not cause digestive side effects in all individuals.