Ginger is not only a flavorsome ingredient but also a prevalent Ayurveda herb that helps treat many general ailments. From flushing out toxins to flavoring dishes, it is known for its wonderful benefits, and that’s why doctors and chefs both swear by it.
But, did you know that this incredible ingredient can also cause side effects? While the side effects mostly happen due to excessive consumption of ginger, in many instances, it aggravates health conditions just like that. Read more to know more about the side effects of ginger in the body.
Side Effects of Ginger
1. Excessive Bleeding During Menstruation
Ginger(1) is regarded as a natural blood thinner. This is why some menstruating women may have increased bleeding if they take excessive ginger in their food. Salicylate acid, with its anti-coagulation properties, is the reason for the blood-thinning properties of ginger.
2. Hypoglycemia
Ginger extracts and ginger have been known to help diabetes patients reduce glucose levels or blood sugar. This is thanks to the presence of the root- gingerols’ main active compound- which enhances the intake of glucose into muscle cells without the requirement for insulin.
Therefore, people prone to low blood sugar levels or non-diabetics should use ginger sparingly.
3. Disturbed Digestion
Although ginger is said to be an excellent home remedy for several gastric issues like gas, heartburn, and bloating, it may result in entirely opposite symptoms if consumed in large doses. Intake of over 4 or 5 gms of ginger per day may result in mild heartburn and may even trigger bloating and gas.
4. Low Blood Pressure
Ginger is said to be beneficial in controlling symptoms of hypertension or high blood pressure. However, when consumed in large doses by people suffering from low BP, it may further lead to a drop in blood pressure levels, aggravating heart problems, and leading to many abnormal complications.
Although ginger is an integral part of most of our lives, you should keep your intake of the spice within the daily prescribed limits to avoid any of the above side effects.
5. Leads to Diarrhea
If taken in excess quantities, ginger can cause diarrhea. Wondering why? According to scientists, it accelerates the passage of stool and food and through the intestines and causes uneasiness that often leads to weakness and restlessness too.
[Also Read: Home Remedies To Cure Diarrhea]
6. Unsafe during pregnancy
According to gynecologists, taking ginger beyond the recommended limit of 1500 mg per day may increase miscarriage chances. It is suggested to take ginger only after consulting a doctor to be on a safer side or avoid too much ginger during pregnancy.
[Also Read: How to Manage COVID-19 Anxiety During Pregnancy]
7. Mouth Irritation
Intake of certain food items causes allergy. This allergy is also termed OAS (Oral Allergy Syndrome). According to experts, it often happens with consuming ginger, where your mouth starts to itch. This irritation leads to an unpleasant taste. In some instances, related allergies include swelling and tingling of the mouth.
8. May Cause Eye and Skin Irritation
According to Iranian research, the most common allergic reaction to ginger is a skin rash. Other allergies to ginger include skin redness, itchy eyes, and inflammation of the skin.
These are the primary ill-effects of ginger. But there are certain other side-effects of ginger (or of the various forms of ginger) that you need to be aware of.
[Also Read: Ginger For Inflammation]
Side Effects Of Taking Ginger Root Capsules
- The major issue with ginger supplements is their tendency to interact with prescription medicines
- Most of their ill- effects are the same as that of raw ginger.
- Ginger is believed to have anti-diabetic properties. If taken along with anti-diabetes medicines, ginger capsules) can lower blood sugar levels way too much.
- Ginger has been closely associated with turmeric (also called yellow ginger) for its medicinal values. However, turmeric, too, can have side effects if taken in large doses.
- Turmeric may interact with certain medicines. These include antibiotics, cardiovascular drugs, chemotherapy drugs, anticoagulants, and anti-histamines.
- Though research is in its infancy to conclude turmeric’s medical interactions, it is essential to be cautious.
Side Effects Of Taking Ginger In Other Forms
1. Turmeric Ginger Tea
Unscientific evidence suggests that turmeric ginger tea may cause complications in patients with a history of gallstones or kidney stones. The tea may exacerbate the condition by increasing the uric acid levels in the blood. It may also cause bloating and stomach cramping.
However, there is little evidence in this matter. Hence, consult your physician.
2. Lemon Ginger Tea
The only side effect of this tea that was noted was frequent urination. Excess consumption of lemon ginger tea (or any beverage for that matter) may cause frequent urination. Hence, limit the intake of this beverage.
[Also Read: Benefits of Lemon Ginger Tea]
Recommended Dosage
- Dosages of approximately 1500 mg per day were found to treat nausea. Going beyond this dosage may cause side effects, though the information is not clear. Hence, it is mandatory to consult a physician.
- The following dosages (If it is ginger root) can be ideal (these are just guidelines; for ideal dosage, please consult your physician):
- The dosage for kids between the ages of two and six years is not more than two mg of ginger each day.
- For adults, not more than four grams of ginger root each day.
- The dosage should not exceed more than 1 gram of ginger root in a day for pregnant women.
Possible Interactions
Ginger also interacts with other drugs like warfarin (a drug to slow down blood clotting) and phenprocoumon (another drug used in Europe to slow blood clotting). Consuming ginger, along with these medicines, might increase your risk of bleeding and bruising.
Bottom Line
Ginger has been in use since times immemorial for medicinal purposes. However, ginger’s excess consumption may have some severe side effects, such as diarrhea, lowering blood pressure way too much, and cardiovascular disorders. Hence, use this root sparingly and consult a physician if you have observed any adverse effects after consumption.
