Ginger, a familiar spice but not everyone can use it safely
Ginger has long been used in cooking and traditional medicine to treat nausea, relieve abdominal pain, and warm the body. Ginger contains many bioactive substances such as gingerol, shogaol, which help bring a spicy flavor and many health benefits.
However, according to Megan Nunn, Dr. Pharmaceutical, an expert in the United States, although ginger is safe for the majority of people, there are still notable side effects, especially when taken at high doses or combined with drugs.
In one study, up to 15% of people who consumed at least 1g of ginger per day suffered from heartburn due to reflux acid. Some other cases recorded stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, and even irritation to the mouth and throat.
In addition, ginger can also cause allergic reactions, ranging from mild rashes to dangerous anaphylaxis. Some medical reports also point to rare conditions such as fainting, thyroid disorders or urination when taken long-term.
Risk of drug interaction and important notes
Not only does it cause digestive discomfort, ginger also has the ability to interact with drugs. Aviv Joshua, a nutritionist (MS, RDN) in the US, said: "Ginger can increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulants, and also lower excess blood pressure when combined with blood pressure treatment drugs".
In particular, some studies warn that ginger may reduce the effectiveness of some chemotherapy drugs in cancer treatment. Therefore, patients should absolutely not arbitrarily take additional ginger while undergoing treatment.
In addition, people with gallbladder inflammation or bicep blockage are advised to avoid ginger because it stimulates gallstones, which can worsen the condition. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult a doctor before using.
In Vietnam, many people have the habit of making ginger tea or drinking ginger honey water every day. However, nutritionists recommend only taking it in moderation, no more than 2g per day to avoid risks. At the same time, you should choose ginger products or functional foods that have been tested for quality, avoid buying floating products.
Ginger is still a precious herb, good for health if used properly. However, overusing or using it inappropriately for the patient's condition can have consequences. For safety, people should consult a doctor or pharmacist before using ginger in combination with medicine or in special situations such as pregnancy.
