What Happens to Your Body When You Combine Ginger With Certain Supplements

Ginger delivers a bold flavor, along with gingerol, a nutrient-rich compound that supports anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral activity while helping ease nausea and vomiting. Most people can safely consume ginger in food amounts, but anyone considering supplements should consult a healthcare provider, as ginger can interact with certain medications and herbal products.

1. Turmeric and Ginger Supplements May Inhibit Blood Clotting

Higher doses of ginger, as you might find in dietary supplements, may increase the risk of bleeding. People taking blood thinners should consult a healthcare provider before taking ginger supplements or combining them with other supplements.

Whether or not you take blood thinners, be cautious about combining supplements that have anticoagulant or antiplatelet properties that can increase bleeding.

Other supplements that may cause a similar effect include:

• Aloe
• Chamomile
• Cranberry
• Dong quai
• Evening primrose
• Fenugreek
• Feverfew
• Flaxseed
• Garlic
• Ginkgo
• Ginseng
• Grapefruit
• Green tea
• Meadowsweet
• Oregano
• Red clover
• Saw palmetto
• White willow

2. Magnesium and Ginger Supplements May Lower Blood Pressure

There is some evidence that ginger may help lower blood pressure. However, high doses of ginger, especially when taken along with blood pressure medications or other supplements that affect blood pressure, may cause hypotension (low blood pressure).

Garlic, which can inhibit blood clotting, may also help lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure (hypertension).

Other supplements that can potentially lower blood pressure are:

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Vitamin E
• Riboflavin (in people with a specific MTHFR gene mutation)

3. Cinnamon and Ginger Supplements May Affect Blood Sugar

Some research suggests that ginger may help lower blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. While ginger has anti-diabetic properties that may help improve blood glucose levels, combining high-dose ginger supplements with diabetes medications may cause your blood sugar to drop too low (hypoglycemia).

People who take medication for type 2 diabetes should discuss ginger supplementation with their doctor.

Fenugreek and ginseng, which can inhibit blood clotting, may also affect blood sugar levels. Other dietary supplements that may affect blood sugar levels include:

How Much Ginger Per Day

It’s safe for most people to eat some ginger daily, though you should probably limit your intake to 3-4 grams (g) a day, or 1 g if you’re pregnant. Consuming more than 6 g of ginger a day can cause gastrointestinal problems, including reflux, heartburn, and diarrhea.

Ginger supplements aren’t usually necessary, and it’s easy to add ginger to your diet. You’ll get the most gingerol in fresh ginger that you can slice or dice and add to your cooking. You can buy it dried, powdered, or as an oil, as well as ginger tea.

What To Know Before Taking Ginger Supplements

Oral ginger supplements have been used safely in many research studies. However, dietary supplements, including herbal products, are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And they’re not regulated the same way as prescription medications.

Combining supplements, mixing them with medications, taking them in place of drugs, or taking a high dose can have harmful effects. Speak with a healthcare provider, pharmacist, or other medical professional before taking high-dose ginger alone or with other dietary supplements. Be sure to mention conditions such as bleeding disorders, diabetes, heart disease, and low blood pressure, or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Before undergoing dental work or surgery, inform your healthcare provider if you take ginger or other supplements that may increase your risk of bleeding.