Is Ginger Good for Acid Reflux?
- Several studies have concluded that ginger is good for acid reflux.
- The chemicals gingerol and shogaol present in ginger have antiemetic properties. Antiemetic medicines help to relieve nausea and vomiting.
- The oleoresin of ginger is found in many antacids.
- According to clinical research, taking one gram of ginger before surgery reduces nausea and vomiting following surgery.
Jump Ahead
- Benefits of Ginger
- How Ginger Calms Acid Reflux Symptoms
- Available Forms of Ginger
- Side Effects and Warnings for Ginger
- Resources
Benefits of Ginger
Ginger has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Today, ginger is used as a topical pain reliever and is used for various conditions, including upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, arthritis, menstrual pain, and cough. The jury is still out on the use of ginger for many conditions, but there seems to be some merit in ginger for digestive complaints. [1]
How Ginger Calms Acid Reflux Symptoms
If your acid reflux is causing indigestion, ginger may just be the natural solution to ease your symptoms. The use of ginger to relieve feelings of nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, and bloating is more than just folklore. Several studies have found that the chemicals gingerols and shogaols present in ginger have antiemetic properties. Antiemetic medicines help to relieve nausea and vomiting. [2] Further, the oleoresin of ginger is found in many antacids. [3]
According to clinical research, taking one gram of ginger before surgery reduces nausea and vomiting following surgery. There is also some evidence that it reduces the symptoms of dizziness associated with nausea. [4]
The US Department of Health and Human Services HIV/AIDS bureau suggests ginger capsules or foods that contain ginger to counter the nausea side effects common with antiretroviral medications. [5]
Available Forms of Ginger
Ginger comes in a variety of forms and is readily available. Always follow dosage instructions and heed warning labels. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplement.
Foods Containing Ginger: You can add ginger to your diet with foods such as ginger ale, ginger snaps, and gingerbread.
Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger is convenient because it can be added to foods or beverages. You can purchase fresh ginger at most grocery stores in the produce section. You will need to peel it first, but only peel the portion that you will presently use and store the remainder for later use.
Powdered Ginger Root: Just like fresh ginger, you can add powdered ginger root to foods or beverages. You can purchase powdered ginger root at specialty and health food shops. Do not exceed four doses daily.
Ginger Capsules: For those who don’t like the taste of ginger, capsules may be your solution. Available at many pharmacies and health food stores.
Ginger Root Liquid Extract: Can be taken directly for faster absorption. Available at many pharmacies and health food stores.
Side Effects and Warnings for Ginger
According to the US National Library of Medicine, ginger is likely safe for most people. There may be some concern for pregnant women and those breastfeeding. You should not take ginger if you have a bleeding disorder or a heart condition. Also, don’t take ginger if you are on any medication that slows blood clotting. [6]
Resources
- [1] Mount Sinai – “Ginger Information.”
- [2] Abdel-Aziz, Heba, et al. “Mode of Action of Gingerols and Shogaols on 5-HT3 Receptors: Binding Studies, Cation Uptake by the Receptor Channel and Contraction of Isolated Guinea-Pig Ileum.” European Journal of Pharmacology, vol. 530, no. 1-2, 2006, pp. 136–143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2005.10.049.
- [3] Chandrasekar, Arumugam, et al. “Identification of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in Ginger Using Expressed Sequence Tags.” Bioinformation, vol. 4, no. 3, 2009, pp. 119–122. https://doi.org/10.6026/97320630004119.
- [4] Medline-Plus US National Library of Medicine – “Ginger.”
- [5] US Department of Health and Human Services-HIV/AIDS Bureau – “Guide for HIV/AIDS Clinical Care.”
- [6] WebMD – “Ginger: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, and More.”
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