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However, there are risks associated with overdoing it. Eating too much ginger may cause digestive issues and irritation, among other problems so tread gingerly.
Here are some of the risks that come with consuming too much ginger:
Heartburn
Heartburn is one of the most common risks of eating too much ginger. This is confirmed in a January 2020 review in Nutrients, which took a comprehensive look at the health effects of ginger. Heartburn was a reported symptom in 16 of the 17 studies reviewed.
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Mouth and throat irritation
Ever drink ginger juice and feel a burning sensation in your mouth or throat? This may be caused by the compound gingerol — which is a structurally similar cousin to the capsaicin that gives peppers their kick, according to the Journal of Ethnopharmacology . You definitely don't want to overdo it.
Digestive issues
Just as ginger may help ease symptoms of nausea and vomiting, eating too much ginger can actually cause diarrhoea, gas and general stomach discomfort in some people, according to experts.
The January 2020 Nutrients study also found that some people in the studies complained of nausea as a result of taking ginger, even though they were taking the ginger as a natural remedy for nausea.
Additionally, some evidence suggests that ginger may increase the flow of bile, a secretion that helps your body break down fat, according to an April 2013 article in Food & Function. For people with gallstones, which are affected by bile secretions, this may make symptoms due to gallstones more likely.
Increased bleeding risk
Finally, large amounts of ginger may slightly increase your bleeding risk because of its active blood-thinning compounds, according to an October 2015 review in PLOS One. While the review noted mixed results in human studies, NCCIH notes that concerns, while not yet proven, have been raised.
"Those who are on blood-thinning medications should consult with their doctor," Brown says, "as there can be adverse reactions to consuming ginger while on anticoagulants."
Ginger is indeed beneficial to the body, but only in moderation.