NEVER eat ginger if you have THESE health problems — the reaction hits hard and fast.

“NEVER eat ginger if you have THESE health problems” — is it true?

That headline is too absolute. Ginger is generally well tolerated in normal food amounts, but concentrated ginger supplements or large doses can be inappropriate for some people. The risks also depend on medications and medical conditions. NCCIH+1

People who should be especially cautious

1. People taking blood thinners or antiplatelet medicines
   Ginger may affect platelet function and could potentially increase bleeding risk, although the clinical evidence is not completely conclusive. This includes medicines such as warfarin and some antiplatelet drugs. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center+1
2. People with bleeding disorders
   Concentrated ginger supplements may increase concern about bleeding. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
3. People with gallstones
   Ginger may increase bile flow, so people with gallstones should discuss concentrated ginger supplements with a clinician rather than assuming they’re harmless. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center+1
4. People taking diabetes medicines
   Ginger may lower blood glucose, potentially adding to the effect of glucose-lowering medication. The clinical significance isn’t fully established, but caution is reasonable. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center+1
5. People preparing for surgery
   Because of potential effects on bleeding, tell your surgical team about ginger supplements and follow their instructions about when to stop them. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center+1

What about ordinary ginger in food?

This is an important distinction. Adding a little fresh ginger to food or tea isn’t equivalent to taking a concentrated ginger supplement. Most safety concerns in the medical literature relate particularly to supplemental/high-dose use. Ginger can nevertheless cause heartburn, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, or mouth/throat irritation in some people. NCCIH

Bottom line: Don’t interpret this as “never eat ginger.” The more accurate advice is don’t take high-dose ginger supplements without considering your medical conditions and medications, particularly if you have gallstones, a bleeding disorder, take blood thinners, take diabetes medication, or are having surgery.

Sources