4 Risks of Eating Too Much Ginger | Livestrong.com (2024)

4 Risks of Eating Too Much Ginger | Livestrong.com (1)

Eating too much ginger can cause digestive issues and other problems.

Image Credit: Leonhard Kraisser/iStock/GettyImages

Ginger is a zingy addition to tons of recipes, and it's used in many home remedies. But there are risks of overloading on the pungent plant. Eating too much ginger may cause digestive issues and irritation, among other problems. Tread gingerly: Some people may also want to avoid this root entirely.

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Healers for centuries have been using ginger to treat stomach issues. Ginger may ease pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting and chemotherapy-related nausea (as an adjunct to regular therapy), according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). It comes in many forms, including fresh and dried root, tablets and capsules, liquid extracts and tea.

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How Much Ginger Is Too Much?

Using ginger in cooking or as a spice is safe, with very few risks, according to the NCCIH.

However, if you're taking it as a home remedy or dietary supplement, avoid the risks of eating too much ginger root by taking no more than 3 to 4 grams per day, says Christa Brown, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist in private practice in San Francisco, California. "Research has noted some people experience negative side effects after consuming 6 grams or more," she says.

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The Risks of Eating Too Much Ginger

Heartburn

Heartburn is one of the most common risks of eating too much ginger root, Brown says. This is confirmed in a January 2020 review in ​Nutrients​, which took a comprehensive look at the health effects of ginger. Heartburn was a reported symptom in 16 of the 17 studies reviewed.

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Mouth and Throat Irritation

Ever drink ginger juice and feel burning in your mouth or throat? This may be caused by the compound gingerol — which is a structurally similar cousin to the capsaicin that gives peppers their kick, per a December 2019 lab study in the ​Journal of Ethnopharmacology​. You definitely don't want to overdo it. For some people, spicy foods can irritate the mouth and throat, notes the American Academy of Oral Medicine.

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Generally, the amount used in most recipes won't be enough to cause mouth irritation, NCCIH says, but you may run into problems if you eat large quantities.

Digestive Issues

Just as ginger may help ease symptoms of nausea and vomiting, eating too much ginger root can actually cause diarrhea, gas and general stomach discomfort in some people, according to the NCCIH.

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The January 2020 ​Nutrients​ study also found that some people in the studies complained of nausea as a result of taking ginger, even though they were taking the ginger as a natural remedy for nausea.

Additionally, some evidence suggests that ginger may increase the flow of bile, a secretion that helps your body break down fat, according to an April 2013 article in ​Food & Function​. For people with gallstones, which are affected by bile secretions, this may make symptoms due to gallstones more likely.

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Increased Bleeding Risk

Finally, large amounts of ginger may slightly increase your bleeding risk because of its active blood-thinning compounds, according to an October 2015 review in ​PLOS One​. While the review noted mixed results in human studies, NCCIH notes that concerns, while not yet proven, have been raised.

"Those who are on blood-thinning medications should consult with their doctor," Brown says, "as there can be adverse reactions to consuming ginger while on anticoagulants."

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Who Should Not Take Ginger Root?

According to the NCCIH, you may want to hold off on a ginger supplement if you:

  • Havegallstone disease
  • Take blood-thinning medication
  • Arepregnant

Confirm with your doctor that ginger root is safe for you.

Ginger side effects for people with kidney disease may also be a concern. The National Kidney Foundation lists ginger as an herb to avoid, along with several others, if you are taking other medications, as it may interfere.

The NCCIH recommends that if it's safe for you to try ginger root supplements, you should:

  • Stick tothe dose on the label
  • Stop taking it and tell your doctor if you experience any side effects
  • Tell your doctors about all the herbal and dietary supplements you take so that they can better understand what you do to stayhealthy

Read more:Is Crystallized Ginger Good for You?

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4 Risks of Eating Too Much Ginger | Livestrong.com (2024)

FAQs

4 Risks of Eating Too Much Ginger | Livestrong.com? ›

Just as ginger may help ease symptoms of nausea and vomiting, eating too much ginger root can actually cause diarrhea, gas and general stomach discomfort in some people, according to the NCCIH.

What are the negative effects of too much ginger? ›

It can cause mild side effects including heartburn, diarrhea, burping, and general stomach discomfort. Taking higher doses of 5 grams daily increases the risk for side effects. When applied to the skin: Ginger is possibly safe when used short-term. It might cause skin irritation for some people.

Is too much ginger bad for the liver? ›

Fortunately, ginger is a food that has all the elements needed to prevent and treat liver problems. Experts suggest that ginger supplementation represents a new treatment strategy for NAFLD by improving the body's antioxidant activity, reducing inflammation and insulin resistance.

Is there a toxic level of ginger? ›

Ginger root is generally considered safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and daily approved intake of up to 4 grams is deemed safe.

Who should avoid ginger? ›

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with heart conditions, and people with diabetes should not take ginger without talking to their doctors. DO NOT take ginger if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking blood-thinning medications, including aspirin.

What happens to your body when you eat ginger everyday? ›

Ginger contains bioactive compounds like gingerol that have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Regular consumption may help reduce inflammation in the body. Ginger is known for its ability to alleviate nausea and aid in digestion. Consuming ginger can help reduce indigestion, bloating, and gas.

Is ginger bad for the kidneys? ›

Studies confirm ginger's kidney-healing properties. One of them concludes that “ginger provides evidence for kidney protection and reduces severity of damage” caused to kidneys.

Is ginger bad for high blood pressure? ›

Human studies have shown that taking ginger supplements may reduce blood pressure. One study in more than 4,000 people found that those who consumed the most ginger — 2–4 grams per day — had the lowest risk of developing high blood pressure. Ginger is flavorful and easy to incorporate into your diet with meals.

What medications should not be taken with ginger? ›

by Drugs.com

Over 60 drug interactions are reported with ginger, and may include anticoagulants like warfarin, aspirin, or other blood thinners and pain medicines like morphine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.

Is ginger good for the eyes? ›

It is the result of damage to the small blood vessels and neurons of the retina. Ginger and its phytochemical compounds can improve oxidative damage and inflammation. However, the effects of this plant on ocular expression G6PDH and e/iNOS, eye cell apoptosis, and angiogenesis are not well known in this tissue.

Can ginger burn your esophagus? ›

Research indicates that ingesting more than 6 grams (g) of ginger may exacerbate acid reflux and heartburn. Scientific studies also show that ginger relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which could significantly contribute to acid reflux.

Does ginger have negative effects? ›

Ginger can have side effects such as abdominal discomfort, heartburn, diarrhea, and mouth and throat irritation, especially if taken in large doses. Some studies of the use of ginger during pregnancy suggest it is safe, but the evidence is not conclusive.

How many mg of ginger a day is safe? ›

Most of the research on ginger has looked at dosages of between 250 milligrams (mg) and 1 g, taken between one and four times each day. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers ginger root to be generally safe with an approved daily intake recommendation of up to 4 g .

Is ginger full of pesticides? ›

Although most samples contained low levels of pesticides, 66.45% of the samples were detected with pesticides, and 38.82% were contaminated with 2–5 pesticides. Peeling, washing, boiling and pickling removed different amounts of pesticides from ginger (processing factor range: 0.06–1.56, most <1).

What is the side effect mostly associated with ginger? ›

Ginger can have side effects such as abdominal discomfort, heartburn, diarrhea, and mouth and throat irritation, especially if taken in large doses. Some studies of the use of ginger during pregnancy suggest it is safe, but the evidence is not conclusive.

Is too much ginger bad for your kidneys? ›

Ginger side effects for people with kidney disease may also be a concern. The National Kidney Foundation lists ginger as an herb to avoid, along with several others, if you are taking other medications, as it may interfere.

Does ginger raise blood pressure? ›

Ginger is incredibly versatile and a staple in alternative medicine. People have used it for centuries to improve many aspects of heart health, including circulation, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. Human studies have shown that taking ginger supplements may reduce blood pressure.

Why is it not good to eat ginger at night? ›

Ginger excites nervous system and leads to bad sleep. Taking ginger at night creates internal fire, damages lung yin and kidney water. Usually after work, many people enjoy alcohol at night, together with some delicious dishes cooked with ginger. Alcohol and ginger both are hot.

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