Ginger chews contain concentrated ginger extract and are typically sweetened. These chewy confections are primarily sought for their ability to provide relief from mild, temporary nausea, such as that caused by motion sickness or certain stages of pregnancy. The root’s active compounds, known as gingerols and shogaols, are believed to soothe the digestive system and accelerate stomach emptying. Many people also use these chews as a digestive aid to help settle an upset stomach after a meal.
Understanding Variability in Ginger Content
Determining a precise number of chews is complex because the product is largely unregulated and non-standardized. Ginger chews are often sold as confections, meaning their packaging usually displays a standard nutrition label detailing sugar and calories but frequently omits the specific milligram content of the active ginger extract.
The amount of therapeutically relevant compounds, like gingerol, can vary significantly between brands and even between different production batches. One brand might contain 10% total ginger by weight, while another might only list 50 to 150 milligrams of ginger extract per piece. The overall mass of the chew is often mostly sugar and other flavorings, rather than the active ingredient. Accurate dosage calculation requires identifying the specific milligram amount of ginger extract or powdered ginger per chew.
Standard Guidelines for Maximum Daily Intake
For most healthy adults, the generally accepted maximum safe daily intake of ginger, in all forms combined, is 4 grams, or 4,000 milligrams. This limit is based on dried or powdered ginger, which is a more concentrated form than fresh root or chews. Consuming amounts higher than this 4-gram threshold increases the likelihood of experiencing adverse side effects.
To translate this 4,000-milligram guideline into a practical number of chews, you must first check your product’s label for its specific ginger content. If a particular chew contains 100 milligrams of ginger extract, the maximum safe limit would be approximately 40 chews per day. Conversely, if a chew is more concentrated and contains 500 milligrams of ginger extract, the daily limit drops to only eight chews. Most therapeutic doses used in clinical studies range from 250 milligrams to 1,000 milligrams, taken two to four times daily. This range suggests a much lower intake than the maximum limit is sufficient for benefits like nausea relief.
Safety Considerations and Medication Interactions
Exceeding the general safe limit can lead to several side effects, primarily affecting the digestive system. These common adverse reactions include increased heartburn, generalized stomach upset, and occasional diarrhea. These symptoms are often reported when individuals consume more than six grams of ginger per day.
Certain populations should exercise greater caution and consider a lower intake. Individuals with a history of gallstones or stomach ulcers should consult a doctor, as high doses of ginger can increase the secretion of gastric acids, potentially worsening their conditions. Ginger also has properties that can slow blood clotting, so it is recommended that individuals stop consuming ginger chews at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.
The active compounds in ginger can also interact with several prescription medications. People taking blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin or aspirin, should be cautious because ginger can enhance the medication’s effect, increasing the risk of bruising or bleeding. Ginger can also lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels, meaning individuals on antihypertensive or diabetes medications may experience an overly pronounced drop in pressure or an increased risk of hypoglycemia.