The 4 contraindications of ginger: when not to use it

A review of the cases in which it is advisable not to consume any amount of ginger.

Among the most widely used plants and roots for its multiple benefits is ginger. Its consumption has become popular as a complement to some ailments or to help alleviate 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 is important to know..

Contraindications of ginger

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 can also be eaten dried 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, to counteract gastritis, flatulence or diarrhea, to accelerate metabolism and increase libido, to improve circulation and combat migraines, to soothe menstrual cramps, to strengthen defenses and help sleep ... ginger is in great demand 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 which 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 at which the blood travels increases, causing an increase in blood pressure. It is a disease that requires medical review for proper diagnosis and treatment..

Ginger, like drugs that control blood pressure, has the property of blocking calcium channels so that they do not enter the bloodstream, this alters Blood Pressure by lowering it. For this reason it is said that ginger can help relieve hypertension. However, taking ginger 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 the drugs that treat hypertension, a potentiation of the blockage of calcium channels occurs.causing a dangerous drop in blood pressure very harmful to health.

Another very important reason is that the consumption of ginger can be very irregular in quantities and timesTherefore, substituting this ingredient for the medicine can cause significant alterations in blood pressure that far from helping, worsen.

As already mentioned, hypertension is a condition that should be controlled under medical supervision, and it is important to know that ginger is contraindicated for people suffering from this disease because it can seriously compromise health.

2. When combined with anticoagulant medication.

Much like the use of medication for hypertension, the anticoagulant properties of ginger in combination with anticoagulant therapy potentiate the reaction, increasing the likelihood of bleeding. increasing the possibility of hemorrhage..

For this reason, ginger is contraindicated when under anticoagulant treatment or when consuming 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 is consulted at that time about the consumption of ginger to be the health professional who explains whether the drug being prescribed is anticoagulant and should then avoid the consumption of ginger for the duration of treatment.

Likewise, if we are used to taking ginger and for some reason we have been prescribed anticoagulant medication, we should not substitute it for its anticoagulant properties, because the amounts 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 because of its low glycemic content, you should consult your doctor about its consumption.

The doctor will be able to review the amounts and moderate them or if he/she considers it better, suspend its use because many warn about the contraindication of ginger in case of diabetes, especially in high amounts.

Because of this it is important to know that the way of consuming ginger when you have diabetes, should not be decided lightly and must be accompanied by the treating physicianAmong the properties of ginger is that of increasing insulin levels and decreasing sugar levels, so there could be an overreaction with the medical treatment, so it is necessary to review and adjust the amounts.

4. Pregnancy and lactation

The use of ginger during pregnancy generates controversy. It is known that one of the properties of this plant is to alleviate nausea.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 already mentioned here, one of the contraindications of ginger is due to its anticoagulant effect, which can be dangerous during pregnancy.

Due to these reasons is why there is no definitive position regarding its use in pregnancy, and what is recommended is that before consuming it, consult with your doctor and preferably avoid its use especially near the delivery date..

The same is true for its use in lactation. For a long time it has been considered that ginger is contraindicated in breastfeeding; however, the page e-lactancia that shows the result of the investigations made by the APILAM (Association for the Promotion and Scientific and Cultural Investigation of Breastfeeding) considers that the consumption of ginger during breastfeeding is safe and that no problem has been demonstrated neither in the infant, nor in the mother the use of this plant.

Bibliographic references:

• E-lactation. Ginger and breastfeeding. Consulted on 23/11/218.