Ginger contraindications

The ginger is one of the most prized ancient roots today, not only for its value as a traditional ingredient in Indian and Asian cuisine but also for its medicinal benefits . Both raw grated ginger and dried ground ginger are widely used as home remedies for the treatment of common ailments, such as nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, and body aches.

Plus, it’s one of the most popular ingredients for relieving cold, sore throat, and cough symptoms , improving digestion, boosting energy levels, and even losing weight .

But did you know that its properties are not without worry?¹

Index

Contraindications: when is it not safe to take it?

Although several scientific studies have shown that, indeed, ginger can be beneficial to health and is not dangerous when consumed sporadically and in moderation, it has also been observed that the use of this tuber may be contraindicated or may require a lot of caution, in some cases:

Who should not consume ginger?

Children

Its effect may be too powerful for children, especially if they are under 2 years old .² Occasional and controlled consumption may be safe in older children / adolescents, but it is not recommended to do so regularly.

Allergic people

People with known allergies to ginger should avoid it, either as an ingredient in cooking ( recipes, herbal teas ) or in topical preparations ( masks, slimming girdles , cough poultices , etc. ). Typical allergy symptoms include swelling of the tongue, lips, and an allergic skin reaction (contact dermatitis).³

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Who should consume it with caution, in moderation and always under medical supervision?

Pregnant women

There is some controversy regarding the use of ginger in pregnancy. Although many women have used it safely to control morning sickness and vomiting , researchers warn that it can be counterproductive and dangerous at this stage if consumed excessively. It is believed that it can affect the levels of sex hormones, raise the risk of miscarriage, cause abnormal vaginal bleeding, uterine contractions, lead to the malabsorption of certain vitamins and minerals such as iron, among other negative effects.

It is important to consult your doctor before taking ginger in pregnancy, and especially to avoid it during the last weeks of pregnancy.

More details on this topic in: Ginger in pregnancy – Benefits, Contraindications, Dosage

During lactation

Because there is not enough information yet⁴ on what could be the contraindications of ginger in breastfeeding, the researchers believe that, as a safety measure, it isbetter to avoid or reduce its usewhile breastfeeding a baby.

People with bleeding disorders or taking drugs for blood clotting

Taking ginger in these cases can increase the risk of bleeding , since its compounds have been proven to accelerate and increase circulatory activity in the body. Also, they are known to interfere with normal blood clotting in some people.⁵

Although drinking ginger tea can be very helpful in relieving pelvic pain and inflammation during menstruation, it is also not recommended for women with very heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding.

People with inflammatory problems, gastritis and / or ulcers

People who have gastritis, an inflammatory bowel disorder, ulcers, or blockage in the intestinal tract are likely to experience adverse reactions if they overuse fresh ginger.

People who suffer from gallstones

Because ginger increases bile production , its use is not recommended for people with a tendency to develop gallstones.

Patients awaiting surgery

According to a group of researchers, taking ginger several days before having surgery can increase the risk of bleeding in the body . As a safety measure, it is recommended not to consume it for 15 days before or after a surgical procedure.⁶

Diabetic patients

Considering that the compounds in ginger can increase insulin levels and / or lower blood sugar levels, there is no doubt that it can be a good natural remedy to control type 2 diabetes; but its continued use may cause the need to make changes in the dose of the medical treatment being used due to the risk of hypoglycemia. Taking ginger without consulting a doctor in these cases can be counterproductive.

Patients with heart problems

Consuming high doses of ginger can worsen certain heart conditions. Its frequent use has been associated with an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and even heart attack in some people.

People under medical treatment

One of the most important contraindications of ginger in its interaction with certain medications. This includes beta-blockers , anticoagulants , insulin medications , barbiturates, and anti-platelet therapy .

Hypertension

In this sense, special emphasis is placed on people who take medications for hypertension , since it has been seen that the complementary use of ginger can result in blood pressure values that are too low.

Thyroid

Those under treatment for thyroid problems should also be very careful with the consumption of the spice, since it seems that its compounds can interact with these medications and affect their function.

Note : Although several investigations have observed that the active substances in ginger can promote the health of the thyroid gland, it is known that their consumption affects thyroid function in some people, causing episodes of subacute thyroiditis.⁷

People who suffer from hemorrhoids

Although several studies cite ginger as one of the best natural supplements for hemorrhoid relief ⁸ , many specialists warn that its regular or excessive use can exacerbate symptoms. Like other hot ingredients, such as cayenne and hot peppers, gingercan cause dormant hemorrhoids to become seriously inflamed, causing great discomfort to the patient. It is recommended to consume it very carefully and avoid it as long as the condition is active.

In case of hemorrhoids accompanied by bleeding, it is very important to discontinue their use completely, since the anti-platelet activity of the gingerol compounds could lead to increased bleeding. ⁹

People with kidney disease or under treatment for the kidneys

So far there is no evidence that indicates that the simple fact of ingesting ginger puts the health of the kidneys at risk, however it is important to take into account its ability to interact with certain medications, which can indirectly affect kidney function .¹⁰ In general, special caution is recommended if you have stones, kidney infection, or have undergone a kidney transplant.

What are the most common side effects of ginger?

Confirmed side effects

People who regularly consume high doses of ginger may experience: ¹¹ ¹²

Gas, belching, and bloating
Heartburn
Sickness
Heartburn
Diarrhea
Irritation of the mouth and throat
Cardiac arrhythmias

Ironically, when consumed in proper doses, ginger is an excellent remedy to alleviate or avoid some of those same discomforts.

Note : It should be noted that most of these side effects are associated with the intake of high doses of ground dried ginger. To avoid them, it is recommended to consume moderate amounts of raw ginger, preferably in infusions, together with food or in the form of supplements.

Unconfirmed side effects

There is an open debate about the effects of ginger on pregnancy . Some researchers have mentioned that its use can increase the risk of early embryonic loss, while others claim that ginger can be used to alleviate the severity of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy without adverse consequences for fetal development.¹³ ¹⁴

More evidence is still needed to arrive at a definitive criterion, but as a safety measure it is recommended that pregnant women consume no more than 1 gram of ginger per day .

Additional warnings: forms of consumption and popular combinations

The adverse effects of ginger may vary slightly depending on the product we use and the ingredients with which we accompany it. For example:

The oil and fresh ginger on an empty stomach can cause stomach upset, nausea and mouth irritation in some people.

Drinking ginger water or ginger tea , on a regular basis, can cause heartburn, stomach pain, gas, and a burning sensation in the mouth. Some people have reported that it can also affect the quality of sleep if taken just before going to bed.

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The ginger tea with lemon fasting is a very popular remedy for weight loss and increase energy levels, but can be irritating for people with stomach ulcers and gastritis. It is also known to promote frequent urination.

The infusion of ginger and turmeric is credited with extraordinarily healthy benefits, however it is not recommended for people with a history of kidney stones or gallstones. It is believed that this tea can aggravate both conditions by increasing uric acid levels in the blood. Its regular or excessive consumption can also cause stomach cramps and bloating.

The ginger tea and cinnamon is another popular drink, often used to promote fat burning and boost sexual appetite, but keep in mind that can cause adverse side effects and be contraindicated for some people.

More details in: Ginger and Cinnamon (Properties, Benefits, Contraindications, Consumption, Combinations)

The ginger supplements capsules are a more convenient and practical alternative, especially for those who can not tolerate its strong flavor, however are not without risks or side effects. In this case, they can cause the same adverse effects as raw or ground ginger, as well as interact with different types of prescription medications ( medications for heart, diabetes, blood pressure, among others )

See other forms of consumption in: How to Take Ginger?

How do I know if I am taking too much ginger? What is the recommended dosage?

Although there is no single effective dose of ginger, researchers agree that a dose of 250 to 1000 mg , 1-4 times a day, can be safe in most cases. Obviously, the appropriate amount varies depending on the goals of each person and their general health.¹⁵ ¹⁶ ¹⁷

In general, there are the following recommendations:

General Adult Ginger Dosage : No more than 4 grams of ginger root in a day.
Ginger dosage for pregnant women ( always under medical supervision ): no more than 1 gram of ginger root in a day.
Ginger dosage for children ( always under medical supervision ): no more than 2 g of ginger root in a day. The consumption of ginger is contraindicated in children under 2 years of age.¹⁸

Please note that exceeding the recommended dose can lead to unwanted side effects and health consequences.

We hope that this publication on the contraindications and side effects of ginger has been of interest to you. Using the information provided you can take advantage of the benefits of this powerful root in a more responsible and safe way.

The most relevant in this article (summary)

When is ginger contraindicated?

Ginger is contraindicated in children under 2 years of age and allergy sufferers. It should be consumed with caution in pregnancy and lactation, or if you suffer from bleeding disorders, gastritis, ulcers, gallstones, hemorrhoids, kidney disease, heart problems, take anticoagulant, antihypertensive, hypothyroid, hypoglycemic medications or are close to surgery . Read more “

What side effects does ginger have?

Increased tendency to bleed
Abdominal discomfort (nausea, gas, diarrhea)
Heartburn or heartburn
Irritation of the mouth and throat
Dermatitis
Cardiac arrhythmias
Development of gallstones
Increase in insulin levels and / or decrease in blood sugar levels
Decreased blood pressure

What is the maximum recommended dose?

Adults: 4 grams of fresh ginger in a day.
Pregnant women: ( under medical supervision ): 1 gram of fresh ginger in a day.
Children older than 2 years ( under medical supervision ): 2 g of ginger root in one day.
The consumption of ginger is contraindicated in children under 2 years of age .

Is too much ginger bad?

Most of the side effects of ginger are associated with its excessive consumption. To avoid them, it is recommended to consume it fresh, in moderate quantities, in infusions, together with food or in the form of supplements. The daily dose of ginger for adults should not exceed 4g daily. Read more “

Is taking ginger every day bad?

Taking ginger on a daily basis can have numerous health benefits , as long as the recommended daily dose is not exceeded. Its daily consumption in excessive doses can be counterproductive and lead to adverse effects . The daily dose of ginger for adults should not exceed 4g daily.

Is ginger bad for hypertension?

Ginger can lower blood pressure, which can be beneficial for some people. However, it can be counterproductive in people taking medications for hypertension, as it has been seen that the complementary use of ginger can result in blood pressure values that are too low.

References:

Louise Hammond

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My name is Louise Hammond, and I am the creator of this website, a place to find information about tubers, bulbs and medicinal roots. In Dreamsship.com I show the properties, benefits, characteristics, photos and images, ways of growing and how to make delicious meals from starchy vegetables.