3. Gallbladder Disease (Cholelithiasis)
-
The Risk: Ginger stimulates bile secretion from the gallbladder. For those with gallstones, this can precipitate a gallbladder attack (biliary colic) as the increased bile flow may force a stone into the duct.
-
Action Plan:
-
Avoid ginger if you have symptomatic gallstones.
-
Use extreme caution if you have a history of stones but no gallbladder.
-
Safer Alternatives: Peppermint tea may soothe digestive spasms. Beetroot or dandelion root tea are traditional cholagogues but should also be used cautiously with stones. For general digestion, fennel or chamomile tea are gentle.
-
4. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) & Peptic Ulcers
-
The Risk: While ginger can aid motility and nausea, its pungent compounds may irritate the esophageal and stomach lining in sensitive individuals, exacerbating heartburn or ulcer pain.
-
Important Nuance: Some studies show ginger can protect against ulcers by inhibiting H. pylori and reducing acid. It’s highly individual.
-
Action Plan:
-
Trial elimination: If you have GERD/ulcers, eliminate ginger for 2 weeks to see if symptoms improve.
-
Avoid on an empty stomach.
-
Safer Alternatives: Slippery elm, marshmallow root, DGL licorice, and aloe vera juice (inner leaf fillet) are proven mucilaginous soothing agents.
ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT
-
