An upset stomach can be a real nuisance, and ginger is often used to stimulate bile secretion, which helps digestion. However, consuming ginger on an empty stomach can cause digestive problems and stomach upset. The gingerol present in ginger can irritate the stomach lining, leading to increased acidity and abdominal pain. Pregnant women should avoid ginger as it is not recommended for them.
Additionally, consuming too much ginger can cause oral allergy syndrome, with symptoms such as swelling, irritation, or pain in the mouth after eating it. Several studies have found that eating ginger accelerates gastric emptying, even when participants did not have chronic indigestion. Eating more than 6 grams of ginger a day has been linked to gastrointestinal problems such as reflux, heartburn, and diarrhea. Ginger is a tropical flowering plant that grows in China, India, Africa, the Caribbean and other warm climates.
Studies have shown that ginger can improve pain and stiffness associated with inflammation-related conditions such as osteoarthritis. However, there are concerns that ginger may interact with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin. More recent studies focus on the effects of applying ginger oil topically to alleviate pain associated with osteoarthritis. Additionally, research has shown that ginger can be just as effective in relieving menstrual pain as over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen.
If you can't swallow a whole capsule of ginger, you can open it and pour the product onto a spoon or into a food or drink. Ginger tea is generally safe when consumed in moderation but it is recommended to consult your healthcare provider before adding it to your diet if you have a medical condition or if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter anticoagulant medication, any diabetes medication, any blood pressure medication or metronidazole (Flagyl). It's safe to eat ginger every day but experts recommend limiting yourself to 3 to 4 grams per day and consuming 1 gram per day if you're pregnant. While more research is needed, the first human and animal studies show that adding ginger to the diet can lower levels of LDL, total cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.