You're Eating Too Much Ginger If This Happens To You

Ginger is a popular spice used in foods from flavoring drinks to Asian entrees. It has also historically been used as a healing remedy for stomach issues, as well as pain management.

Nowadays, ginger is a treatment for morning sickness and nausea, as it seems to help with digestion (via WebMD). Ginger has also been used as a pain remedy for conditions like headaches, muscle and joint pains, and rheumatoid arthritis.

But don't go overdoing the ginger quite yet — the benefits can backfire if you eat too much. A high dose of ginger is considered 5 grams a day, according to WebMD. Ginger typically doesn't cause side effects, but if you eat too much ginger root, you may experience some stomach discomfort. Side effects include belching, bloating, diarrhea, heartburn, mouth irritation, nausea and an upset stomach (via Livestrong). Other reported side effects are sleepiness, an increased risk of bleeding, and possibly a reduction in your blood sugar levels.

Pregnant women should also monitor their ginger intake closely, as some say there are added risks for miscarriage with high doses, according to Livestrong. The recommended dosage is no more than 1 gram a day. It is important to note that there is some debate among researchers on if ginger really does affect pregnancy or heighten risks more than normal.

If you really love ginger but consuming the root doesn't seem to agree with your body, there are supplements available. However, you should be mindful that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration treats dietary supplements as if they are food, meaning supplement makers don't have to adhere to the same drug safety protocols as medications (via WebMD).

Whether it's in supplement form or if you choose to consume ginger root, you should consult with your medical team before integrating a lot of ginger into your diet. Those who have a history of ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease should avoid large amounts of ginger, according to Livestrong.