Anyone who drinks health shots issued urgent warning
There may be a downside to all that ginger you're downing...
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Topics: Health, Food and Drink, Life, Explained, Science
Rhiannon Ingle
Topics: Health, Food and Drink, Life, Explained, Science
People seem to be way more concerned with their health than ever before.
Gen Z, in particular, seem to be swapping out their morning coffee pick-me-ups for matcha lattes, hangxiety-inducing nights out on the lash with brunch dates and, of course, copious amounts of roll-up cigarettes with what has been coined the 'fridge cigarette' - AKA Diet Coke.
And, as part of this wellness craze we seem to all be seeing on our 'For You' pages at the mo, there is the humble health shot - also referred to as a 'detox shot', 'boost shot' or 'immunity shot'.
Yep, gone are the days of Jägerbombs and Kamikazes, as we're all opting for little doses of orange juice, turmeric, honey, cayenne pepper and, you can't forget, a fiery kick of ginger.
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Now, these little bad boys are marketed as providing a number of benefits, like improved immune function, boosted energy, and reduced inflammation due to concentrated ingredients rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
They may also apparently aid digestion and support mental clarity, but their effectiveness can vary, and they are not a replacement for a balanced diet
But, while they may be all the rage when it comes to gut health and all the rest, you should actually drink them with caution, as a doctor has issued an important warning on consuming too much ginger and the impacts this could have on your body.
Dr John Abroon, a board-certified internist and primary care physician, explained to Tyla: "Ginger shots are potent, and the high concentration can be harsh on the stomach. They can irritate the digestive lining and worsen reflux or gastritis, leading to burning, nausea, or bloating.
"An occasional ginger shot is fine, but taking them daily can easily upset the balance of the gut."
He added: "The body handles ginger far better in food form, perhaps added to tea, soup, or stir-fries, where it’s diluted and paired with other nutrients. If you notice discomfort after taking a shot, that’s your signal to cut back or stop altogether.
"People with stomach ulcers, reflux, or blood-thinning medication should be especially cautious, as concentrated ginger can worsen those issues."
Meanwhile, Mohamed Imran Lakhi, a director and superintendent pharmacist at Prescription Doctor, warned: "Ginger has some anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, but it also has mild blood-thinning effects that become more pronounced in high quantities.
"This is concerning if you’re taking anticoagulants, anti-inflammatories, or certain heart and diabetes medications because it increases the risk of bruising or prolonged bleeding."
He concluded: "People often assume that natural equals harmless, but just as with pharmaceuticals, dosage and frequency matter. A small amount of ginger in food or tea is typically safe, but when it’s consumed in potent, undiluted forms, your body can react differently."
Meanwhile, Dr Tony of HarleyDoc (owner and founder) states: "In moderation, ginger has well-documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can support digestion and immunity.
"However, the current 'healthshot' trend, where people consume highly concentrated ginger extracts daily, can pose risks when taken in excess."
Dr Tony has therefore issued the following guidance and breakdown of potential side effects:
1) Digestive and gut health:
High doses of ginger can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, gas, bloating, diarrhoea, or general stomach discomfort. While small amounts can soothe nausea, excessive intake may actually worsen reflux and cause burning sensations in the stomach or throat.
2) Liver and metabolic effects:
The liver metabolises ginger’s active compounds, and consuming large quantities over time may increase strain on liver enzymes, particularly in individuals taking medications processed through the same pathways. Excessive ginger can also alter blood sugar and blood pressure regulation, posing potential problems for diabetics or those on antihypertensive medication.
3) Circulatory and bleeding risk:
Ginger has natural blood-thinning properties. In high concentrations, it may increase bleeding risk, particularly for people taking anticoagulants (like warfarin or aspirin) or before surgery.
4) Skin and neurological effects:
Some people report flushing, mouth or throat irritation, and even mild dizziness after strong ginger shots. These reactions stem from the pungent gingerols and shogaols stimulating nerve endings.
5) Special populations:
Pregnant women should use it with caution - although ginger can help with morning sickness, excessive amounts may increase uterine activity. Those with gallstones should also avoid high doses, as ginger can promote bile flow.
6) Recommended intake:
For most adults, no more than 3-4 grams of fresh ginger (or 1-2 small shots) per day is considered safe. Health shots should complement a balanced diet, not replace it. The key is everything in moderation as part of a nutritious, balanced diet - ginger can be medicinal in the right dose but irritating and potentially harmful in excess.
So, in short guys, everything in moderation!