Ginger Side Effects and Who Should Never Use It

Ginger is identified as one of the fiery roots. It has refreshing as well as therapeutic properties. It has a strong aroma and is used to make juices and many Asian and European dishes. Ginger is a popular Ayurvedic medicine that is recognized for the treatment of many common ailments like chest pain, morning sickness, back pain. And also for the treatment of abdominal pain. Ginger is also useful in curing sunburn. Although ginger has many health benefits. This is related to some side effects of ginger.

Ginger Side Effects and Who Should Never Use It

Ginger is not only a flavourful ingredient but also a very popular Ayurveda herb that is helpful in treating many common ailments. From flavoring dishes to flushing out toxins, it is known for its magical benefits and that’s the reason chefs and doctors both swear by it. But, you will be surprised to know that this magical ingredient can also cause side effects. While the side effects largely happen due to excessive intake of ginger, in many cases it aggravates health issues just like that. Read this piece of information to know more about the side effects of one of the fieriest roots.

May Cause Heartburn

Ginger, when taken in higher doses (more than 4 grams per day), may cause mild heartburn. As per anecdotal evidence, other likely side effects include an upset stomach and belching. In case you are using ginger as an alternative remedy and are experiencing heartburn as a side effect, you may want to try ginger in capsule form. This might not result in side effects. An American study reports heartburn in subjects who were given ginger. Most often, consuming more than 5 grams of ginger per day can lead to these side effects, including heartburn.

May Cause Bleeding

Ginger may aggravate bleeding issues. This applies not only to the herb but also to any ingredient present in the herb. Certain experts believe that ginger could cause bleeding due to its antiplatelet (blood-thinning) properties. Some believe ginger can further increase the risk of bleeding when taken along with other herbs like clove, garlic, ginseng, and red clover. However, more research is warranted in this aspect.

May Lead To Diarrhea

If taken in large quantities, ginger can cause diarrhea. Gingerols, the active ingredients in ginger, speed up the passage of food through the intestines and may cause diarrhea. While this was confirmed in animal studies, more studies in humans are warranted. Diarrhea can occur when the stool moves too rapidly through the gastrointestinal tract. Abnormal gastrointestinal motility and excessive fluid secretion of the gastrointestinal tract cause diarrhea.

May Upset Stomach

There is less research in this regard. Ginger stimulates the secretion of bile, which benefits digestion. But if your stomach is empty, this may lead to excess gastric stimulation, causing digestive distress and an upset stomach. The gingerol in ginger (which is similar to capsaicin, the active ingredient in many spices and chili peppers) is thought to irritate the stomach, making it produce more acid. This may leave you feeling unsettled. However, some evidence states that ginger could actually help treat an upset stomach. Hence, more studies are needed to understand how ginger may cause stomach upset.

Might Not Be Safe During Pregnancy

Though ginger can reduce nausea in pregnant women, it is important to note the herb’s dark side as well. According to certain experts, consuming ginger can increase the risk of miscarriage. It may not be dangerous if the dosage is below 1500 mg per day. Anything beyond this could be unsafe for pregnant women. Taking ginger supplements in large doses can also cause miscarriage and other complications. Though ginger is safe when used in amounts found in food, it can cause problems during pregnancy. Excess intake of ginger during pregnancy may also lead to acid reflux and heartburn. Ginger can increase the bleeding risk by decreasing the aggregation of platelets. Hence, mothers who have lost a significant amount of blood during childbirth must abstain from ginger during the early days following childbirth.

May Cause Gas And Bloating

Ginger tea may cause certain mild digestive side effects. It most often impacts the upper digestive system and causes upper digestive gas. Replacing ginger with supplements could be one solution to this. But make sure you talk to your doctor before using them. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, ginger may cause gas. Some believe the same could happen with ginger ale, the carbonated drink. The drink may aggravate bloating in certain individuals.

May Lower Blood Sugar Way Too Much

Ginger is usually known to aid diabetes treatment by lowering blood sugar levels. However, taking it along with diabetes medication may cause problems. Ginger may enhance the effects of the medication and cause hypoglycemia or excessive lowering of blood sugar.

May Cause Mouth Irritation

This is also called Oral Allergy Syndrome. Certain allergies occur when you consume certain foods. The symptoms are generally specific to the ears, skin, and mouth. One such allergy occurs when you consume ginger (not in all individuals, though), where your mouth starts to itch. Mouth irritation might also lead to an unpleasant taste. Though switching to a ginger supplement might help, this is not always the case. Other related allergies include tingling and swelling of the mouth. However, limited research is available in this aspect, and we need further studies to understand why ginger may cause these allergies.

May Cause Skin And Eye Irritation

According to an Iranian study, the most common allergic reaction to ginger is a skin rash. Other allergies to ginger include itchy eyes, skin redness, and skin inflammation. These are the major side effects of ginger. But there are certain other ill effects of ginger (or of the different forms of ginger) that you need to be aware of.

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