Overdosing On Ginger Could Be Bad For People With These Medical Conditions 

1. Pregnant

Ginger is helpful to alleviate nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. However, in a large amount, it could be harmful to pregnant women. The natural stimulants in ginger can lead to premature contractions. This may cause miscarriage or early delivery of the baby (pre-term labour). During pregnancy, overdosing on ginger must be avoided in any forms for women who are close to labour or have a history of bleeding disorders.

2. Underweight

Ginger is one of the best remedies for weight loss. Gingerol in ginger increases the rate of metabolism and suppresses appetite. Consumption of ginger causes calories to burn at a much higher rate and cause a person to eat less. Therefore, ginger must be avoided by people who want to gain weight or those who are already underweight.

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3. Gallstones

A study has shown that ginger can increase the secretion of bile and cause the formation of gallbladder stones. Bile juice plays an important role in fat digestion and absorption; however, excessive consumption of ginger can stimulate the liver to produce more bile juice and accelerate the formation of gallbladder stones. [1]

4. Blood disorders

Ginger contains a salt named salicylates that acts as a pain-reliever, especially for people with osteoarthritis. [2] It also helps improve blood circulation and flow to the organs. However, people who are on blood-thinning or clotting medications, or those suffering from haemophilia, must avoid ginger as it may cause excessive bleeding.

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5. Piles

Ginger can help reduce inflammation and pain in piles or haemorrhoids. But, according to some research and practice beliefs, ginger can cause irritation, itching, swell, discomfort and pain to people with piles. It may also encourage bleeding and make the condition worse.

6. Kidney

Ginger significantly possesses renoprotective effects due to its antioxidant activity. However, ginger contains a compound named ‘creatinine' and high levels of it in the blood, indicate severe kidney impairment such as chronic kidney disease.

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7. GERD

For people with inflammatory conditions such as GERD (Acid reflux), the overdose of ginger (around four grams) in a single day can cause acid reflux, irritation of the stomach lining, chest pain and heartburn. To mention, moderate consumption of ginger is best to prevent the aforementioned complications of GERD.

8. Arthritis

In some people, ginger-based cream or gel for arthritis relief can worsen inflammation in people with arthritis. Ginger is an excellent pain reliever due to its anti-inflammatory properties, but in some, market-based ginger products or overconsumption of ginger can aggravate pain and inflammation of arthritis.

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9. Thyroid

Though ginger is considered a safe herb, some studies reported ginger to cause side effects such as thyroiditis. The antioxidative and inhibitory effects of ginger on metabolic rate can damage the membranes that surround the thyroid hormones in follicles and release the hormone in the blood, leading to swelling or inflammation of the thyroid gland and its excessive production. [3]

10. Breastfeeding

Ginger is generally considered safe and effective for women who are breastfeeding. It is also known to increase the milk supply during the time. However, some beliefs say that overconsumption of ginger by breastfeeding mothers can sometimes trigger colic in babies, a condition characterised by intense crying with no apparent reason, unlike crying for a diaper change or hunger.

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11. Depression

Gingerol in ginger is known to treat factors that could lead to anxiety or depression. However, in some cases, it may affect the release of serotonin, a happy hormone known for stabilising psychological conditions such as mood change, and cause depressive symptoms.

12. Cardiac arrhythmias

Cardiac arrhythmias are referred to as a group of conditions that cause irregular heartbeats. Ginger is an excellent herb for many heart conditions, but in a large amount, can cause heart palpitations, if you are taking ginger with your heart medications.

Dosage

The dose of ginger varies for healthy adults, people with some medical conditions and the type of medical condition. For example, pregnant women are suggested to consume around 250 mg of ginger for four days (or up to 1 g) to reduce the symptoms of nausea and vomiting; people with gallbladder problems are recommended for less than 1200 mg, and people with osteoarthritis a dose between 170 mg to 340 mg, twice or thrice a day or as prescribed with certain medications.

The average dose of ginger is 0.5 g or 1 g, 3 or 4 times a day.