5 side effects of ginger that are sure to make you monitor your consumption

Side effects of ginger include an upset stomach, heart burn as well as bleeding. Read on to know why you must eat ginger in moderation.
dry ginger
Ginger can do wonders for your arthritis related pains! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Ms. Nafisa Habib Updated: 1 Feb 2024, 16:36 pm IST
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Ginger is a common spice used for adding flavour to soups or curries. Ginger has an insane amount of health benefits. It helps to beat nausea, morning sickness, inflammation, and painful periods. However, the side effects of ginger cannot be ignored.

While ginger may be a great solution for various health issues, there are some serious side effects of ginger such as mouth irritation, bleeding and other digestive issues. Going overboard with its consumption can lead to a plethora of health problems.

What are the side effects ginger

1. Over-consumption can lead to diarrhea

Can you eat too much ginger? Yes, you can to the point where it leads to an upset tummy. The biggest side effect of ginger is that it tends to accelerate the passage of food and stool via the intestines, inviting restlessness and weakness. So, just be careful when you plan to add ginger to the diet. Ideally, it is better to ask an expert about the quantity in which you need to eat it. This study, published in Children Basel, suggests that more than 5 g of ginger daily can lead to heartburn and diarrhea.

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Add too much ginger to your food may also cause indigestion. Image courtesy: Pixabay

2. Causes heartburn

Having a heartburn issue? Well, you need to skip adding too much ginger to the diet. It will impact the upper digestive system and you will feel bloated and gassy, along with heartburn. You need to see a doctor after you notice regular heartburn issues before it becomes serious. This study, published in Nutrients, points out that heart burn is a side effect caused by consuming too much ginger.

3. Induce bleeding

No, we are not kidding here! Too much ginger consumption will aggravate bleeding problems in people. Did you know that ginger could cause bleeding due to its anti-platelet (blood-thinning) properties. So, be careful while having it. Anything in excess quantity is harmful to health. Don’t panic, just be alert with the quantity of ginger in your diet. This study, published in Children (Basel), states that one of the biggest side effects of ginger is that is produces platelet thromboxane, this causes the blood to clot and block blood vessels.

Ginger uses
Ginger may cause thinning of blood. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

4. Upset stomach

An upset stomach can steal your peace of mind. Ginger tends to stimulate the secretion of bile, which aids in digestion. But, on an empty stomach, it causes digestive distress and an upset stomach. The gingerol that is present in ginger irritates the stomach lining, by making it produce more acid. Thus, there will be abdominal distress. But remember that pregnant women need to avoid having ginger as it is not recommended for them. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)Trusted Source states that too much ginger can cause gas, bloating and abdominal pain.

5. Mouth irritation

Having too much ginger will cause oral allergy syndrome. Many people can be allergic to ginger. One may encounter mouth swelling, irritation, or pain after eating ginger. Thus, you need to be alert and check if you too are allergic to it. Stop having ginger right away if you experience mouth irritation.

When should you not have ginger?

It is very essential to know when not to take ginger as it can have serious side effects. Ginger has blood thinning properties, and hence, if you suffer from bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, you should avoid ginger. Also, this study published in BMC Complementary medicine and Therapies, suggests that consuming too much ginger can lead to miscarriage in pregnant women. The anticoagulant effects increases the risk.

Now that you know why, it’s best to eat ginger in moderation.

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