Ginger Tea Known Side Effects

Ginger tea, is a hot conventional beverage that is consumed by millions of people everyday. It is very different from the traditional tea, and is made from the ginger root. Ginger, as we all would agree, is known for its medicinal and healing properties. The tea made from ginger root, is being used to heal various ailments including nausea, inflammation, indigestion, migraines, diarrhea, etc. In fact, ginger has been used in Ayurveda and ancient Chinese medicines for more than 3000 years. Undoubtedly, the benefits of this herb are many to list. However, a famous saying goes, 'too much of anything is bad'; and this is no exception! Excessive consumption of ginger root tea can have serious side effects. Before we discuss as to why one should not go overboard with this beverage, let us first have a look at the recommended limits of consuming ginger in our diet.

Recommended Consumption Limits

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has listed ginger as a 'generally safe to consume food product'. The safety limit for ginger intake is 2 grams for every kg of body mass; anything more than that, is overdose. Basically, one needs to exercise caution, and be aware about the consumption of ginger tea, as side effects can occur even in circumstances where there is no over dose. Apart from that, herbs and medications for certain health conditions, are known to react with ginger tea; hence consulting one's physician is essential if you are consuming any medication, and also if you are pregnant.

Side Effects of Ginger Tea

One of the first precautions that you must take while taking ginger tea, is that you need to have a healthy amount of it, according to the needs of your body. The drawback of most of the botanical medicines, especially in the form of herbs and roots, is that there is a good possibility that these herbs can react with medications. It is thus advisable to consult a diet and nutrition expert before you actually start consuming large amounts of ginger tea on a regular basis. Ginger tea reacts with medicines that are prescribed in order to cure bleeding. Medications like aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs, also react with ginger, thereby causing internal bleeding.

Digestive Ailments

Ginger tea is to be consumed in limited quantities. The overdose of ginger tea affects the digestive system. In case of some people, excessive may cause symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, belching, or bloating. Over consumption may also lead to the production of acids in the human body, leading to acidity. Also, people suffering from diabetes should avoid excessive consumption of ginger in any form, as it can decrease the blood sugar levels and cause hypoglycemia.

Adverse Interaction with Anesthesia

If a person has consumed ginger tea just before a surgery, or has been drinking ginger tea for long, it can be a reason for certain complications in the surgery. Some drugs administered for anesthesia are found to react with ginger tea, leading to complications, such as hindrance in healing of wounds, or photosensitive reactions and bleeding; as a result of interaction with anticoagulants. Which is why, most of the doctors advice to stop the intake of ginger at least one week prior to the surgery.

Side Effects in Patients with Blood Disorders

Ginger tea might be a hindrance in the functioning of the platelets that are responsible for the coagulation of blood. Patients who suffer from blood disorders such as hemophilia, must consult their physician before consuming this tea. Blood thinners (Warfarin), which are prescribed for some blood-related disorders are known to react with ginger. Also, people taking medications for high blood pressure should not consume ginger, as it tends to lower the blood pressure and causes heart palpitations.

Consuming Ginger Tea during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Ginger tea is also rumored to be a substance that is toxic to the unborn child. However, some medical practitioners prescribe ginger tea as a medicine for morning sickness. The issue remains debatable; but the best we can do is to not take a chance. If you want, you can always consult your doctor for the same.

Drinking Ginger Tea before Sleeping

One of the common side effects of ginger tea is that it 'kills' sleep. That means, if you consume ginger tea before going to bed, there are chances that you would not be able to sleep for a very long time.

Ginger Tea and Gallstones

Bile production can have an adverse effect on people who are affected by gallstones. Ginger promotes bile production, and indirectly contributes to the pain caused.

It is thus, advisable for a person to seek able guidance before indulging in ginger tea on a regular basis. Side effects are observed when ginger tea is consumed in large quantities. So, whenever you have a craving for ginger tea, drink it in sips, not cups!

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