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Who hasn’t gotten into trouble while helping in the kitchen—no wonder the ginger-crushing session turned into a tear-jerking moment! We’ve all felt that fiery sting in our eyes.
But did you know that the same fiery power can be a superhero for your stomach? Ginger, the spice that brings tears to your eyes, can also offer sweet relief to your digestive woes. Let’s squeeze out the benefits of ginger for gas and other stomach problems.
For a long time, ginger has been an integral part of our culinary tradition and medicine. Besides adding a unique flavour to most dishes, ginger has been used to alleviate symptoms of common colds, coughs, flu, vomiting, and upset stomachs!
But what makes ginger a versatile ingredient? The answer lies in its distinct chemical composition.
Ginger is packed with powerful phenolic compounds, including gingerol, which has anti-inflammatory and digestive-boosting properties.
People use this spicy root to ease bloating, indigestion, and acidity. So, next time you have ginger for gas, you know from where it gets its superpower.
Just as a spice cabinet without ginger seems like a rarity, a family without at least one member experiencing digestive issues is equally uncommon. As this humble root brings exciting health benefits, let’s focus on how it works magic on our guts.
So, get ready to unlock the benefits of ginger for gas and explore a few easy ways to include ginger in your diet.
Ginger for gas and bloating
Many people experience bloating and gas, but only a few realise ginger can be a perfect antidote to these stomach problems. To understand the benefits of ginger for gas, you must learn what causes gas and bloating in the first place.
The uncomfortable tightness and fullness around your belly could result from a lack of proper digestion or inflammation in the digestive tract.
Food can get stuck in your gut for too long, causing gas and bloating. However, ginger helps increase gut motility and enables the smooth movement of food through the digestive tract.
As it aids in breaking down food more efficiently, the load on the digestive system is reduced, resulting in lesser gas production. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties, which offer instant relief for an irritated gut.
Ginger remedy for gas: If you often experience gas and bloating, taste the power of ginger by extracting its juice and drinking a teaspoon in the morning.
For a more comprehensive solution to gut health, explore The Good Bug's prebiotic products, specially designed to enhance digestion.
Effect of ginger on indigestion
Having seen the benefits of ginger for gas might’ve cleared your doubt regarding its potential. But wait, there’s more. Tackling digestive issues like gas and bloating is a way of improving your digestion. Let’s see how ginger acts as a supportive teammate in the process.
We’ve already seen how ginger helps break down food and move it along the gut, making it easier for the body to absorb. This allows digestive enzymes to do their job well and ensure proper digestion, thus reducing discomfort like indigestion.
Ginger also aids gastric emptying, where the stomach pushes food into the small intestine for further digestion. As slower emptying can lead to indigestion, ginger offers quick relief.
Ginger remedy for indigestion: Make a warm, refreshing ginger tea with crushed ginger or dry ginger powder to declutter your gut.
Role of ginger in treating acid reflux
If you’ve ever had that burning sensation in your chest, you know how distressing it is. Like how ginger works for gas and indigestion, does it help with acid reflux, too? Studies are underway to learn how ginger is a potent remedy for acid reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
As chronic digestive tract inflammation contributes to acid reflux, ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties offer some relief. Besides bringing down inflammation, the spice helps regulate stomach acid production, thus easing heartburn.
Ginger remedy for acid reflux: Mix a tablespoon of grated ginger or dry ginger with lemon juice and honey in a glass of warm water to control your acid reflux. However, consult your doctor before using ginger as a remedy, especially if you have a medical condition like GERD.
Consider harmonising this natural remedy with The Good Bug's probiotics for balanced gut relief.
Tips to include ginger in your diet
So far, we’ve discussed the amazing benefits of ginger for gas troubles and other stomach problems. Though we saw a few ginger remedies, you must always remember that the spice comes with its set of side effects.
While including ginger in moderate amounts is generally safe, you should reduce or discontinue use if symptoms worsen or you experience heartburn or belching.
Here’s a quick guide to enjoying the goodness of ginger without unwanted side effects:
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Find your perfect dose: As ginger does not offer a universal solution, you must listen to your body's cues. Consider factors like health conditions and symptoms while including ginger in your diet. Consulting a healthcare professional will also help you choose the right form and dosage of ginger.
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Start with a small amount of ginger: If you’re new to adding ginger to your diet, it’s better to start with a small amount and gradually increase your intake. This allows your body to adjust and minimises the risk of any digestive discomfort.
Just like how important it is to watch the dosage of ginger to avoid more trouble, the particular form in which we take ginger also matters. So, here are the different forms of ginger and how you can include them in your diet:
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Fresh ginger: Generally, a small piece of fresh ginger (around 1-2 grams) daily is considered safe for most people. You can grate or chop it and add it to your meals, make tea, or even enjoy chewing it.
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Ginger tea: Substitute your regular chai with ginger tea! Ginger tea is made by boiling water with sliced/grated ginger and simmering it for a few minutes to extract all the essence. Strain the water and add a dash of honey and lemon for a soothing effect.
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Ginger powder: Ginger powder is a convenient way to add a touch of ginger flavour and its benefits to your cooking. Start with a ¼ teaspoon and adjust to your taste preference. Remember, ginger powder is more concentrated than fresh ginger, so a little goes a long way.
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Candied ginger: While delicious, candied ginger is high in sugar and should be enjoyed in moderation. If you prefer candied ginger, opt for natural, minimally processed ones.
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Ginger supplements: Ginger supplements offer a concentrated form of ginger. However, it's important to be cautious and follow the recommended dosage on the label. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, including ginger.
Here’s a question: Do you now find the piquant taste appalling after learning the benefits of ginger for gas issues? Hardly not.
So, when you reach for that comforting cup of ginger tea or add a dash of ginger to your meals, remember you're not just adding flavour; you're giving your gut a helping hand!
Explore more ways to unlock the power of gut health with The Good Bug. We offer a range of prebiotics and probiotics to improve digestion and boost immunity. Visit our website and connect with our expert dieticians today to develop a new healthy regime!
References
https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8072989/spice-to-reduce-bloating-recommended-by-expert/
https://www.takecareof.com/articles/benefits-of-ginger
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265990#risks
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/ginger-uses-and-risks
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6341159/
https://www.dhaendoscopy.com/blog/923424-can-ginger-actually-help-your-upset-stomach
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ginger-benefits.
