Allergies can occur to a variety of irritants and even to spices such as ginger. Such intolerance occurs in almost 20% of people who have ever tried this product. In the article, we will take a closer look at the features, causes and symptoms of ginger allergy.
Useful properties
People who are engaged in mental work, nutritionists are advised to regularly add ginger to meals. The natural product is good for digestion - it facilitates the absorption of proteins, due to which seasonings for fish and meat are often prepared on the basis of ginger.
Ginger promotes the secretion of gastric juice and quickly copes with digestive disorders - for example, poisoning, dysentery, enteritis. Both children and adults can eat it as a prophylactic.
It is also effective in preventing ulcers - despite its sharp taste, it has a positive effect on the gastric mucosa and prevents intestinal parasites from multiplying. The remaining components of ginger improve the condition of blood vessels, reduce the risk ofblood clots and tumor growth.
Vitamins and minerals
Ginger contains many useful substances and compounds:
- Minerals - calcium, phosphorus, chromium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium.
- Fatty acids – oleic, caprylic, linoleic.
- Asparagine is an element that is an integral part of most proteins (takes part in the regulation of the central nervous system).
- Gingerols - Ginger is not without reason prescribed to lower blood sugar levels, and this effect is achieved thanks to this substance.
- Amino acids.
- Essential oil.
- Plant dietary fiber.
What vitamins are in ginger? There are also a lot of them: A, C, vitamins B1, B2, niacin, B5, B6, E, vitamin K, choline, nicotinic acid. The main component of ginger is zingiberene - it gives it a special smell. An interesting taste of the product is given by gingerol, which is a part of ginger in large quantities and is a resinous substance that has a wide range of therapeutic effects.
Types of allergen
Since ginger dishes are found both in the menu of restaurants and in the home diet, the issue of allergies does not lose its relevance. On the shelves of the store you can find ginger in the following forms:
- fresh ginger root;
- ground powdered ginger;
- pickled ginger;
- essential ginger oil.
Marinated
Question about pickled ginger root allergybest considered separately. As you know, pickled pink ginger is a fairly popular Japanese dish, a spice that is served as an addition to meat and fish. It can be easily bought both in supermarkets (in packaged form) and in Japanese restaurants. Pickled ginger adds a savory flavor to steamed food. However, this dish is actually a strong allergen.
Signs
How does an allergic reaction manifest in people susceptible to ginger root? In children and adults, the following symptoms of ginger allergy are most often observed:
- skin reactions;
- respiratory manifestations;
- from the digestive tract;
- generalized reactions.
Skin manifestations
Allergy to ginger instantly manifests itself in the form of such reactions:
- Spots and blisters on the skin.
- Increased dry skin.
- Strong itchy sensations.
Rashes and other skin symptoms appear immediately after contact with the allergen product or after two hours. Initially, the rash is not always visible due to mild itching and its "hidden" location, for example, in the buttocks, thighs, or elbows. In young children, a rash and itching on the cheeks are often localized, and the initial indicator is peeling and redness of the skin of the face.
Respiratory manifestations
Reaction to ginger often manifests itself in the form of rhinitis or bronchial spasm. At the same time, one can observethe following symptoms:
- nasal congestion;
- frequent sneezing;
- watery nasal discharge;
- itchy feeling in the nose;
- irritation of the skin above the upper lip;
- cough that comes on bouts;
- shortness of breath and shortness of breath.
Many people who are allergic to ginger still have signs of conjunctivitis, namely: redness, swelling and itching of the eyelids, profuse lacrimation. Itching is often noted in the region of the palate, tongue, gums, and coughing occurs due to irritation of the pharynx. With a severe runny nose, it can block the ears. Symptoms of the reaction traditionally occur almost immediately after eating ginger or ginger dishes.
Digestive manifestations
These include these pronounced signs of a ginger allergy:
- loss of appetite;
- heartburn;
- nausea and vomiting;
- stool disorder;
- bloating;
- pain in the abdomen.
In adult patients, the body temperature in virtually all cases remains normal, but in children fever is possible, while the temperature curve gets to high levels.
Generalized reactions
Manifested such reactions in the form of urticaria, Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock. With urticaria, blisters appear on the skin, which are interconnected. They cover almost the entire body, but then, after healing, do not leave scars. Quincke's edema is a dense swelling of the mucous membranes and / or skin. Mosta dangerous violation is a failure of breathing as a result of laryngeal edema. Both Quincke's edema and urticaria are reactions that may be the first symptoms of anaphylactic shock.
In this condition, the patient's blood pressure drops sharply. This leads to disruption of the normal functioning of all organs due to improper blood circulation; hypoxia or oxygen starvation appears, convulsions and other dangerous manifestations are observed. These symptoms of ginger allergy in adults and children are rare, but the possibility of their development cannot be completely ruled out.
Diagnostic questions
When allergic symptoms occur after eating ginger, there is reason to think: can there be an allergy to ginger? To determine the intolerance of a natural product, it is initially necessary to undergo laboratory tests. The main method of determining the presence of an allergic reaction are allergy tests (blood tests for food allergens).
In addition, the doctor prescribes a complete blood count to determine the level of red blood cells and the body's susceptibility to ginger. A visible reaction to the allergen often occurs 2-3 days after eating the product. If the main signs of a negative reaction to ginger root appear, you should immediately contact an allergist. Based on the results of laboratory tests, the doctor will identify the irritant and prescribe a specific treatment regimen.
If there is no allergy to this product, be sure to include it in your diet - itperfectly tones and improves immunity.
Ginger, lemon, honey: a recipe to boost immunity
Tea, which is brewed with ginger, honey and lemon, is not only he althy, but also very tasty! It is especially pleasant in winter, as it has a warming effect.
Ginger drink with lemon and honey is very easy to make. For brewing, you will need the following components:
- lemon - 2 small slices;
- honey - 1 tbsp. l.;
- fresh ginger root - one piece;
- hot water - 250 ml;
- mint and other spices to taste.
This is a great immune booster! There are many recipes with ginger, honey and lemon, but their essence remains the same. Lemon, grated ginger are placed in a cup, 2-3 mint leaves are added and a little ground cardamom is added on the tip of a knife. All ingredients are poured with hot water, covered with a saucer and infused for 20-30 minutes. Then the tea is filtered through a sieve or gauze and honey is added to it to taste. You can drink this healing drink 2-3 times a day, literally until complete recovery. In summer, vitamin tea can be used chilled.
A drink made from such ingredients helps not only to cure a cold, but also to lose weight. It speeds up blood circulation and metabolic processes, which leads to weight loss. Anyone who has no contraindications can drink he althy ginger tea - both adults and children. The largest volume per day is not more than 1 liter.
Drug interactions
Not only the elderly and middle-aged, but also many young people sometimes take a variety of medications. Therefore, it is important to remember how ginger root is combined with certain drugs, whether it will turn them into vain or, even worse, dangerous to the body.
So if you're on medication, remember that ginger:
- Enhances the effects of drugs that lower blood sugar levels.
- Enhances the effects of heart medications.
- Counteracts antiarrhythmic drugs.
- Combats nitrates and calcium channel blockers.
Treatment
Today, there is only one way to prevent the onset of allergy symptoms - this is the complete elimination of ginger from the diet. It is important to consider that such a product can be used as an additive in confectionery, condiments, fast food and even in many medicines. Therefore, you should always pay attention to the composition of products before buying them. An allergy to ginger, which manifested itself for the first time, can be relieved by taking antihistamines - Suprastin, Tavegil.
Overdose
Many people who learn about the unique he alth benefits of fresh or pickled ginger become overzealous and try to add as much "miracle root" to their meals as possible. But, as they say, in a spoon there is medicine, and in a bowl there is already poison. And if, for example, daily use of soup well flavored with ginger, meatand even muffins, washed down with spicy ginger tea, even the most he althy person may experience unpleasant overdose symptoms. Most often there is heartburn, nausea, vomiting, headache and allergic skin rashes. And if you overdo it with seasoning, then diarrhea appears.
In acute situations, that is, with the immense use of spicy herbal seasoning, you will have to call an ambulance. But more often you can get by with safe home remedies. Initially, you should remove the ginger root from the diet for at least a few days, and everything will return to normal.
To neutralize the effects of a small overdose, it helps well:
- One glass of milk.
- Baking soda solution (teaspoon in a glass of warm water).
- Potassium permanganate, which is better known as "potassium permanganate" (a couple of crystals dissolve in a glass of warm water).
- Antacids: Almagel, Maalox, Smekta, etc.
Please practice moderation and prudence, listen to your own feelings and, of course, know the measure in the use of spices. Before introducing ginger into your diet, be sure to consult your doctor so as not to harm your body. And then the herbal natural product will serve you well and keep you he althy for many years.
