The 4 Contraindications Of Ginger: When You Should Not Use It
Among the plants and roots most used for its multiple benefits, is ginger. Its consumption has become popular as a complement to some ailments or to help relieve minor ailments.
However, there are cases in which the use of this natural product is not recommended. Let’s see what are the contraindications of ginger that are important to know
Ginger is a plant whose root has been used for thousands of years, mainly by Asian cultures for its medicinal and culinary properties. It is commonly consumed in tea, but it can also be eaten dry or ground to sprinkle on food. But despite its many benefits, it is important to know that sometimes ginger is harmful.
To relieve nausea, as an anti-inflammatory, counteract gastritis, flatulence or diarrhea, accelerate metabolism and increase libido, improve circulation and combat migraines, to calm menstrual pain, strengthen defenses and help fall asleep… Ginger is highly requested and sometimes used indiscriminately without knowing the contraindications associated with it. either in its use as an ingredient in food or in home remedies Let’s see what are the cases in which it is recommended not to use it.
1. In case of hypertension
Hypertension is an alteration caused by the entry of calcium into the heart and blood vessels because when this mineral enters, the speed with which blood travels increases, causing an increase in blood pressure. It is a disease that requires medical examination for correct diagnosis and treatment
Ginger, like medications that control blood pressure, has the property of blocking calcium channels so that they do not enter the bloodstream, this alters blood pressure, lowering it. For this reason it is said that ginger can help relieve hypertension. However take ginger It is very risky if you suffer from hypertension and even worse if it is combined with treatment for hypertension
The reason for this contraindication of ginger is that combined with medications that treat hypertension, there is a potentiation of calcium channel blockade causing a dangerous drop in blood pressure that is very harmful to health.
Another very important reason is that the consumption of ginger can be very irregular in quantities and times so replacing this ingredient with medicine can cause significant alterations in blood pressure that, far from helping, worsen.
As already mentioned, hypertension is a condition that must be controlled under medical supervision, and it is important to know that ginger is contraindicated for people who suffer from this disease as it can seriously compromise health.
2. When combined with anticoagulant medication
In a very similar way to the use of medication for hypertension, the anticoagulant properties of ginger in combination with anticoagulant treatment enhance the reaction. increasing the chance of bleeding
For this reason, ginger is contraindicated when you are under anticoagulant treatment or when you consume any medication with this property such as naproxen, ibuprofen, aspirin, among others.
Knowing this, what is recommended is that when there is a medical prescription, one consults at that time about the consumption of ginger so that the health professional can explain if the medication being prescribed is an anticoagulant and it should then be Avoid consuming ginger during the duration of the treatment.
Likewise, if we usually take ginger and for some reason we have been prescribed anticoagulant medication, we should not substitute it due to its anticoagulant properties, since The quantities and time of consumption are inaccurate and could cause serious health problems
3. Diabetes
Although ginger itself does not represent a problem for people with diabetes due to its low glycemic content, you should consult your doctor about its consumption.
The doctor may review the quantities and moderate them or, if he considers it better, suspend its use since many warn about the contraindication of ginger in case of diabetes, especially in high quantities.
Because of this, it is important to know that the way to consume ginger when you have diabetes should not be decided lightly and must be accompanied by the treating doctor since among the properties of ginger is to increase insulin levels and decrease sugar levels, so there could be an overreaction with medical treatment so the quantities must be reviewed and adjusted.
4. Pregnancy and breastfeeding
The use of ginger during pregnancy is controversial. It is known that one of the properties of this plant is to relieve nausea so many women consume it especially at the beginning.
On the other hand, as has already been mentioned here, one of the contraindications of ginger is due to its anticoagulant effect, which can be dangerous during pregnancy.
Due to these reasons, there is no definitive position regarding its use during pregnancy, and what is recommended is that before consuming it, consult your doctor and preferably avoid its use especially close to the delivery date
The same occurs with its use during lactation. For a long time it has been considered that ginger is contraindicated in breastfeeding; However, the e-lactation page that shows the results of research carried out by APILAM (Association for the Promotion and Scientific and Cultural Research of Breastfeeding) considers that the consumption of ginger during breastfeeding is safe and that it has not been proven There is no problem for either the infant or the mother with the use of this plant.
