According to Specialist Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen from the Department of Nutrition at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, ginger has warming properties that can strongly stimulate blood circulation. Lemon contains citric acid, which can increase stomach acid secretion, while honey contains sugars and carbohydrates that can easily raise blood sugar levels. Given these properties, certain groups should avoid this beverage.

**Children under one year old**

Children under one year old have an underdeveloped digestive system, making them susceptible to botulism poisoning from honey, which can contain Clostridium botulinum spores. The pungent taste of ginger can also cause discomfort and vomiting, and it may not be beneficial for newly emerging teeth.

**People with diabetes**

Lemon ginger honey tea contains a significant amount of natural sugars, primarily fructose and glucose, which can lead to a sudden spike in blood sugar levels, making glucose control challenging. Ginger may also interact with certain diabetes medications, potentially causing excessive blood sugar reduction or affecting insulin response. Individuals with diabetes or those who need to manage their blood sugar should minimize their consumption of this beverage and consult a doctor before using it.

Lemon ginger honey tea is not suitable for everyone. Illustration: Thu Phuong

**People with digestive tract diseases**

This drink's high acidity from lemon can easily irritate the stomach and esophageal lining, exacerbating conditions like ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or esophagitis. Ginger can also increase acid secretion, causing a burning sensation in the epigastric region. Honey contains sugars that can ferment in the intestines, leading to bloating, abdominal pain, or diarrhea in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or malabsorption issues.

**Pregnant and breastfeeding women**

Lemon ginger honey tea is not a suitable choice for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Lemon's high acidity can increase reflux, heartburn, and nausea. Ginger may also cause heartburn and diarrhea. Furthermore, honey's high sugar content can rapidly elevate blood sugar, making it unsuitable for individuals at risk of gestational diabetes.

**People with a 'hot' body constitution**

While this warming drink is pleasant during cold seasons, frequent or excessive consumption can lead to "internal heat" (nong trong), thirst, acne, or constipation. Individuals with a naturally "hot" body constitution should limit lemon ginger honey tea and opt for cool, mild beverages instead.

**People with blood disorders or those on anticoagulant medication**

Ginger can thin the blood and inhibit platelet aggregation, thereby increasing the risk of bruising or bleeding. Individuals with blood clotting disorders or those taking anticoagulant medication should consult a doctor before consuming this drink.

Specialist Thu Huyen advises that after drinking lemon ginger honey tea, individuals should rinse their mouth with plain water to minimize tooth enamel erosion from lemon's acidity. She also recommends drinking slowly, avoiding excessively hot or cold temperatures to prevent irritating the stomach and esophagus, and not consuming it on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of heartburn and epigastric pain. Each person should consume moderate amounts, about one small glass per day, and consider reducing the amount of honey or using warm water to lower the drink's acid and sugar content.

Hang Tran