11 Unwanted Side Effects of Ginger Overdose
Ginger: you hear so many good things about it. The herb was traditionally used in Ayurveda, a philosophy that originated in India. Ginger has also been used for centuries in Chinese herbal medicine.
A lot of research has been done on the good effects of ginger. In a previous article I already wrote how you can drink ginger as an energy drink. And did you know that turmeric also belongs to the ginger family? I don't have to tell you anything about the benefits of turmeric tea ;-)
Anyway I digress, you know the saying: everything is allowed, but in moderation. And that is exactly the same with ginger. Is too much ginger dangerous, and what are the possible complaints? I will go into that in this article!
Is too much ginger dangerous?
To directly answer the question: yes, too much ginger can be dangerous, but the risks are limited. Many studies indicate that consuming ginger is safe as long as the dose is not too high. In all things, a large dose can do more harm than good for your health. That is why I list 11 possible adverse side effects of a high dose of ginger.
#1 It can bring stomach problems
The most common side effect of too much ginger includes stomach problems.
With a low dose of ginger, these side effects rarely occur, but with a large dose, the risk of side effects increases. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine , ginger can have side effects such as gas, bloating and stomach problems.
You can also suffer from heartburn, belching and diarrhea.
The active ingredient in ginger, gingerols, speeds up the digestion of food. This can cause you to suffer from diarrhea.
#2 It can lower blood pressure
Ginger can lower blood pressure, which can increase the risk of low blood pressure and irregular heartbeat. In addition, ginger has anti-clotting properties that can increase the risk of bleeding. However, research is still lacking and we cannot yet say with 100% certainty that this is the case.
#3 Ginger may have adverse effects during pregnancy
The effects of ginger during pregnancy is a topic that many doctors discuss. Ginger is known as a remedy for nausea and therefore seems good for pregnant women. But ginger's effects on embryos remain unclear. A Reproductive Toxicology study published in 2000 examined the effects of ginger tea on pregnant rats. The results show an increased risk of early embryo loss but also increased growth of surviving fetuses.
Chiang Mai University conducted a study on humans in 2001. This showed that
ginger is effective for relieving nausea and vomiting during pregnancy without harming fetal development.
The effects are therefore not yet clear, which is why it is recommended to consult the doctor first, both during pregnancy and breastfeeding, if you want to consume ginger.
Other side effects
Ginger can also cause a whole host of other side effects. For example, it can cause irritations in the mouth, and can cause skin rashes and dryness with prolonged use. These are side effects that have not yet been fully proven.
When not to use ginger?
In certain circumstances, it is better not to use a large dose of ginger and consult the doctor first.
- According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health , it is best not to use ginger if you suffer from gallstones. Ginger can increase the release of bile acid.
- It is best not to take ginger with a high fever. Ginger is a warming agent, so it can aggravate a high fever. However, this has not been fully proven.
- It is also best not to use ginger for cardiovascular disease. Research from MedlinePlus shows that it can make heart disease worse. People with certain conditions should therefore not use the herb.
- If you have to undergo surgery, it is best not to use ginger. An article published in 2007 in "Der Anesthesist" shows that consuming ginger around the time of surgery has a higher risk of bleeding.
- People with blood disorders should also not consume ginger. It increases blood flow, which is actually good, but not for individuals with blood disorders.
- Pregnant women should consult their doctor if they want to consume ginger. The effects of ginger during pregnancy have not been fully investigated.
- If you also use other medicines such as blood thinners, it is best not to consume ginger. According to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes on Health , ginger may have an effect on blood thinners.
Also antacids can be affected by ginger. This can stimulate stomach acid production. Ginger may affect heart medications, weight loss drugs, antihistamines and cancer treatments. Yet in-depth research is lacking and the effects of ginger on medicines are not yet fully understood. It is recommended to consult the doctor if you are taking other medicines.
What dose can I take?
As with any herb, there is no such thing as a standard dose. No study has been carried out on the permitted dose. Different doctors have their own opinion about it. According to The University of Maryland Medical Center, you can take a maximum of 4 grams per day. More than 4 grams can lead to side effects such as diarrhea and stomach problems. For pregnant women, a dose of 1 gram per day is recommended. Still, it's better to see a doctor!
Conclusion
Ginger is a safe plant that is widely used for its medicinal effect. Eating ginger can support health and there has been a lot of research into its beneficial effects. In general, ginger can be taken without danger. People with a certain condition, pregnant women or people who take medication should consult their doctor first.
