However, long-term consumption of bitter gourd can have negative health effects. For example, excessive consumption of bitter gourd is associated with miscarriage, liver inflammation, and irregular heartbeat. This article examines the side effects of bitter gourd, its safety, and any potential drug interactions. Read on.
Side Effects Of Bitter Gourd
1. May Stimulate Miscarriage
Bitter gourd may have emmenagogue (an increase of menstrual flow) and abortifacient effects if taken in excess (1). It may also trigger contractions. Lactating women are not recommended to take bitter gourds in excess amounts. However, there is less scientific research available in this regard. Hence, it is best to consult a doctor.
2. May Interfere With Drugs
Combining bitter gourd with standard drugs may lower blood sugar levels way too much. This may lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels (2). Individuals with diabetes, who are under medication, should consult their doctors before consuming bitter gourd.
3. May Affect The Liver
The intake of bitter gourd for extended periods may lead to liver inflammation. This could be attributed to certain compounds in the vegetable, called monorcharins. Excess intake of the gourd had caused liver issues in rats (3). Bitter gourd doesn’t directly damage the liver. Long-term use of bitter gourd may elevate liver enzymes and result in a condition called atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) (4). However, limited research is available to prove this claim.
4. May Cause Irregular Heart Rhythm
When the heart rhythm gets irregular, it leads to the pooling of the blood in one side of the heart. This can result in the platelets forming clots in the pool, thereby causing a stroke or heart attack (5). In a study, a 22-year-old male without any heart rhythm irregularities developed related symptoms when he drank half a cup of bitter gourd juice (6).
5. May Cause Vomiting And Diarrhea
Bitter gourd may cause vomiting and diarrhea due to its toxicity. Bitter gourd contains tetracyclic triterpenoid compounds known as cucurbitacins, which are toxic. In mice studies, excess consumption of the bitter gourd in the juice form was found to lead to toxicity (7).
6. May Cause Hypoglycemic Coma
Hypoglycemic coma is a form of coma caused due to excessive doses of injected insulin. This might lead to a severe decrease in blood sugar levels. There are case reports that suggest the onset of hypoglycemic coma and the start of atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm) with the intake of bitter gourd (8).
7. May Cause Kidney Problems
Excess consumption of bitter gourd may alter kidney functions. Mice studies show that the administration of bitter melon up to 4000 mg/kg is considered to be safe, and it didn’t show any effect on mice kidney function. Intake of excess bitter gourd (more than the recommended dosage) may cause kidney problems (9). However, more studies are required to understand its effect on humans. Can we drink bitter gourd juice daily? Yes. Drinking bitter gourd juice daily is good for your health. However, people with diabetes should consult a doctor before consumption. Can I drink bitter gourd juice at night? The antioxidant properties of the bitter gourd flush out all toxins from the body and help in the detoxification of the liver (10). You may drink bitter gourd juice at night. Does bitter gourd increase blood pressure? No. Animal studies found that bitter gourd could help reduce blood pressure. It contains leptin which increases antioxidant and nitric oxide efficiency and lowers blood pressure (11). Does bitter gourd reduce high cholesterol? Yes, bitter gourd helps in lowering bad cholesterol and maintains good cholesterol, and improves heart health (12). What should we not eat with bitter gourd? Avoid consuming radishes with bitter gourd as it may cause acidity and phlegm. Also, avoid drinking milk after consuming bitter gourd as it may cause stomach-related problems. Can we eat bitter gourd and egg together? Yes, you may consume bitter gourd with eggs. You may eat scrambled eggs with bitter gourd juice, soup, and fry. Who should not drink bitter gourd juice? People with Glucose 6- phosphate deficiency (G6PD) should avoid drinking bitter gourd juice, as it may cause severe anemia. Also, bitter gourd juice is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
