5 possible side effects of ginger you should know about 

In many Nigerian homes, ginger is one ingredient you’ll always find in the kitchen, and it’s used for various purposes – cooking, making tea, etc. However, there are a few side effects of ginger that you should know about.  

Apart from kitchen uses, ginger has many purposes, from treating colds, headaches, and sore throats to managing menstrual cramps or nausea.  

Although side effects from ginger consumption are rare, some can be traced to this popular and versatile ingredient. Let’s see a few of them in this piece.  

1. Stomach upset 

If you are struggling with indigestion, ginger can help you solve it because it aids digestion. However, if you excessively consume ginger or have it on an empty stomach, you might be at risk of a stomach upset. If the pain lingers, it could lead to bloating and swelling of sensitive parts of your body. 

2. Heartburn 

This is one of the side effects of ginger that could also occur when consumed. According to Medical News Today, it is caused by an intense sensation caused by the movement of some level of acid from the stomach to the oesophagus. In other words, heartburn is caused by acid reflux. 

Consumption of ginger in large quantities can also lead to ulcers or trigger ulcer pangs. 

3. Irritation 

The body can react differently to ginger. For example, irritation on the skin can cause itching, swelling, rashes, consistent redness, etc., which can make someone uncomfortable. You can also experience irritations in your mouth due to allergies, which may cause a burning feeling.  

4. Risk of Bleeding 

A side effect of ginger is that it could lead to bleeding problems in someone due to the presence of blood-thinning features in ginger. Therefore, high consumption of ginger may cause bleeding, and things can escalate if taken alongside garlic or clove.  

5. Miscarriages 

If a pregnant woman has had miscarriages before, she should avoid ginger or products made from the same to prevent a reoccurrence. Also, if she has had a history of bleeding in her vagina or any other kind of blood-related issue, she should avoid it to be safe.  

Above all, avoid consuming it excessively. If you experience an allergy due to its consumption, you might want to seek medical help.

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