With an increasing inclination towards health and fitness, people are gradually moving towards making healthier choices, and this trend has made ginger a staple in most households. There's no denying that ginger has been a quintessential part of the day-to-day cooking as well as an active ingredient used in several traditional medicinal practices. But as much as we love the sharp taste and texture of ginger in the teat soup, kadha, or infused water, an excess of this spice can have adverse effects on digestive health and well-being. Read on to find out more about ginger.
Why ginger?
From easing digestive issues to boosting immunity and reducing inflammation to healing seasonal ailments, ginger is that one spice that can fix it all, but what happens when you overconsume ginger? Well, much like any other potent ingredient, consuming too much ginger can lead to unwanted side effects. While moderate amounts can enhance your health, excess consumption can have several negative consequences.
Gastrointestinal issues
Ginger is known for its ability to aid digestion, but too much of it can irritate the gastrointestinal system. Excessive ginger can cause heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion, particularly in individuals prone to acid reflux or those with sensitive stomachs. Ginger relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, which can lead to stomach acid rising into the esophagus, causing discomfort. It may lead to diarrhea, bloating, and cramping in some individuals, especially when consumed in large quantities.
Blood thinning
One of ginger's well-known properties is its ability to act as a natural blood thinner. While this can be beneficial for individuals at risk of blood clots, too much ginger can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people taking blood thinners or medications like aspirin or warfarin. The anticoagulant effects of ginger can enhance the effects of these drugs, leading to excessive bleeding, bruising, or internal bleeding. For this reason, people on blood-thinning medication should limit their ginger intake.
Interactions with medications
Excessive ginger can interfere with certain medications, especially those used to control blood pressure, blood sugar, or blood clotting. For example, ginger may cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure in individuals already on antihypertensive drugs. It can also interact with diabetes medication, leading to hypoglycemia (Iow blood sugar). It's crucial to monitor your ginger intake if you are on such medications and consult a healthcare provider before increasing its consumption.
Effects on pregnancy
While ginger is commonly used to alleviate morning sickness during pregnancy, too much ginger may pose risks. High doses of ginger can increase the risk of miscarriage, especially in the first trimester, due to its potential to stimulate uterine contractions. Additionally, ginger may cause Iow blood pressure in pregnant women, leading to dizziness or fainting. Therefore, it's essential to consume ginger in moderation during pregnancy and consult a doctor if you plan to use it to manage pregnancy-related nausea. Read More
This article is referenced from
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/
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