Understanding is Commendable - Excessive Consumption of Ginger: Unveiling the Dangers of Overindulging in the Health Boosting Superfood
Ginger is Praised as a "Superfood," Even a Remarkable Vegetable. It's Often Dubbed a Wonder. It's believed to possess incredible healing abilities. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it's been utilized extensively for thousands of years. And in the West, an increasing number of individuals are turning to this powerful root, rich in essential oils like gingerol and shogaol. Ginger is said to relieve headaches and fend off colds. When your tummy growls, it soothes the digestive system. It's even used as an aphrodisiac. The list of its advantages is extensive. However, experts advise consuming ginger in moderation and not exceeding a daily dose of four to five grams, as stated by Daniela Krehl, a food and nutrition specialist at the Bavarian Consumer Center. Consuming excess ginger can have adverse health effects, even be dangerous.
1. When Ginger Disagrees with Your Tummy
Digestive issues? Ginger gets digestion going, and the gut flora benefits too. These are the positive effects. However, not everyone reacts well to ginger, and it can have opposite effects - heartburn, stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea. This is according to a study by the University of Maryland. People with sensitive stomachs should avoid highly concentrated ginger varieties. "The sharpness of its ingredients stimulates the stomach greatly, attacking the stomach lining," explains Johannes Georg Wechsler, a specialist in internal medicine and nutritional medicine, and president of the Federal Association of German Nutritionists. Consuming ginger continuously in the long term could lead to gastrointestinal problems, so it's best to consume ginger not continuously, but in phases.
2. Ginger, the Blood Thinner
Ginger promotes blood circulation. That's great. However, this positive effect can become negative, for example, during menstruation. While ginger is said to be a suitable remedy for menstrual cramps, it can also exacerbate them. It can also strengthen other symptoms. Before surgery, it's also best to avoid ginger due to its blood-thinning properties. Additionally, ginger has an anticoagulant effect. While ginger is known to help with morning sickness during pregnancy, it's also discussed whether it might induce premature labor. There's no clear scientific evidence for this yet. The "Embryotox" information service of the Berlin Charité writes: "Several clinical studies with over 900 pregnant women found no indication of an increased risk of birth defects or miscarriage." Ginger can be consumed in usual doses throughout pregnancy.
3. Consuming Ginger During a Cold
Ginger contains pungent substances. While they're not as intense as chili, ginger can still irritate the mouth's mucous membranes, causing a "burning" sensation. Although many people turn to ginger tea during colds, as it's said to help with coughs and congestion, it can actually be counterproductive. Ginger further irritates the mucous membranes. Highly concentrated ginger products aren't helpful in this case. A bio-ginger usually doesn't need to be peeled when used for tea. However, if it's imported ginger, for example, from China, the situation is different. "In this case, the peels may contain harmful substances like pesticides, so the ginger must be peeled," explains Krehl.
4. When the Gallbladder Hurts
Even the gallbladder responds to ginger, potentially increasing fluid production. Those prone to gallstones should therefore consume ginger with caution.
5. Interaction of Ginger with Medications
Ginger, as mentioned earlier, has blood-thinning properties. Therefore, those taking medications that also thin the blood should not additionally consume ginger. The same applies to 5HT3 antagonists like ondansetron, used to prevent nausea and vomiting. Ginger is also said to have similar effects, and combining it with these medications could potentially enhance their effects, both positively and negatively.
Source: Study 1, Study 2, Embryotox, Pharmacy Today, with material from DPA
- Some individuals may find that excessive ginger consumption can aggravate gallbladder issues, as mentioned in the text about potential increases in fluid production.
- For individuals taking blood-thinning medications, it's crucial to avoid consuming ginger due to its blood-thinning properties, as suggested in the discussion of medication interactions.
