Ginger has achieved its popularity because of its many health benefits. Boosting immunity, aiding digestion, keeping a check on blood pressure are a few of its benefits. Ginger is, generally, healthy for most people with almost slight side effects.
Consuming ginger may worsen the health conditions which may be dangerous in future. Although ginger is packed with nutrients there are a few health conditions that require you to limit or avoid consuming ginger, either temporarily or permanently.
#1: TAKING CERTAIN MEDICATIONS
Those who take high blood pressure or diabetes medications should be careful when adding ginger to their diets. Ginger may have adverse effects on the body because of its blood thinning and blood pressure lowering properties. The effect of ginger may lower the effects of such medications. For instance, ginger along with your blood pressure medications may lower your pressure to unhealthy levels.
It may also not be suitable for those on anticoagulants, beta-blockers, and insulin drugs. Therefore, before adding ginger to your diet, speak to a health professional about your condition.
#2: HAVING GALLSTONES
Gallstones are stones in the gallbladder that may cause pain the abdomen and other side effects. Though there is not much evidence, it is best to avoid ginger if you suffer from gallstones. When ginger is eaten in large quantities, it may increase the production of bile. This may cause an increase in gallbladder contractions that may, in turn, cause the stones to move to the bile duct causing serious complications.
Therefore, if you suffer from gallstones or a gallbladder disease, communicate about the condition with your doctor and stick to the recommended intake of ginger.
Doses of small amounts of ginger–up to 4 grams per day–are generally considered safe, according to the University of Texas Herbal Safety website. Do not take larger doses without your doctor’s approval.
#3: BEING UNDERWEIGHT
Ginger is known to aid weight loss for patients with diabetes, obesity, and hypoglycemia. A study found that treatment with ginger extract produced significant reductions in body weight and the lipid levels.
It also increases the pH of the stomach and stimulates digestive enzymes for its high fiber content. When the body efficiently processes bulky elements of ingested foods, weight loss can result.
Ginger may act as an appetite suppressor and may lead to further weight loss. It also helps in managing weight for those who are obese by reducing the feeling of hunger. For this reason, ginger may not be the right spice if you are underweight or undernourished. Losing more weight than required may lead to other health issues like poor muscle mass, too much hair fall, irregularities in the menstrual cycle, etc. To avoid further complications, limit or avoid ginger in your daily diet.
#4: HAVING A BLOOD DISORDER
Ginger can improve your blood circulation. It can open up blood vessels and allow more blood to pass through. This is a benefit if you suffer from heart diseases or obesity. However, this health benefit can pose a threat to someone if they have any blood-related issues.
For example, hemophilia A is a rare disease that can cause the individual to bleed for a longer duration than normal. This can occur either internally, into joints or muscles or externally, from cuts or wounds. In such cases, it is always recommended to avoid ginger as it may worsen the blood flow causing serious health issues.
Hemophilia is a rare genetic disorder in which the ability of blood to clot is severely reduced, meaning the sufferer could bleed severely from just a minuscule injury.
#5: BEING PREGNANT
Pregnancy is not a health condition as such but it is recommended to avoid ginger if you are pregnant. Ginger may not be harmful during the first few months of your pregnancy. In fact, it may help with nausea and vomiting that comes with early pregnancy. However, toward the final months, it is best to avoid the spice as it may interfere with mineral absorption such as iron and other necessary vitamins required by your body.
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, but still, check with your doctor.
One Italian study states that ginger can treat nausea during pregnancy, but it stresses on the need for more studies to substantiate the fact. Another report highlights the concerns about ginger causing spontaneous abortion or preterm delivery. Though such results were not found in animal studies, doctor advice is required.
Also, since ginger is known to stimulate blood circulation, it may also increase the risk of bleeding. If you wish to continue having ginger either as a spice in your food or in the form of ginger supplements, make sure you talk to your doctor before doing so.
RECOMMENDED GINGER DOSAGE
How much is too much ginger? The ideal dosage for ginger could be anywhere between 250 mg to 1 gram, 3 to 4 times a day. Exceeding this dosage can result in side effects.
If it’s a ginger root, this is how the dosage goes:
For children between the ages of 2 and 6 years, not more than 2 mg of ginger root in a day.
For adults, no more than 4 grams of ginger root in a day.
For pregnant women, no more than 1 gram of ginger root in a day.
Ginger is a healthy spice to add flavor to your favorite dishes. However, depending on your health condition, it is important to limit or avoid it as prescribed by your health professional.