Is Ginger a Safe Choice for Nausea Relief?

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1. Does ginger really help with nausea?

Ginger is often marketed as a natural product, with few side effects, to help relieve nausea or soothe an upset stomach. In fact, the ability to reduce nausea is known as the main use of ginger.

2. How it works

Ginger derives its medicinal properties from gingerol, the main bioactive ingredient in fresh ginger, as well as related compounds known as shogaols, which give it its characteristic pungent taste. Shogaols are more concentrated in dried ginger, with 6-shogaol being the main antioxidant. Meanwhile, compounds gingerols are found abundantly in raw ginger.
Some studies have shown that ginger and its compounds can increase digestibility and speed up gastric emptying, thereby reducing nausea.
Similarly, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can improve digestion and aid in the release of hormones that regulate blood pressure to calm the body and reduce nausea.

3. Is ginger safe to use?

There are many studies that have shown that ginger is a safe food to use for most groups of people and with different health conditions. Some people may experience side effects from using ginger such as heartburn, gas, diarrhea or an upset stomach, but this depends on the individual, dose, and frequency of use.

A review of 12 studies in 1,278 pregnant women found that taking less than 1,500 mg of ginger per day did not increase the risk of heartburn, miscarriage or drowsiness. However, doses above 1,500 mg per day appear to be less effective in reducing nausea and may have more side effects.
However, pregnant women should avoid taking ginger supplements near labor, as ginger can cause more bleeding. For the same reason, this spice may not be safe for pregnant women who have had a history of miscarriage or bleeding disorders. In addition, taking large amounts of ginger can increase the flow of bile in the body, so it is not recommended for people with gallbladder problems. It is for these reasons that it is advisable to consult a health professional before using ginger for medical purposes such as reducing nausea.

4. Some common usages

Studies show that ginger can prevent and treat nausea caused by various conditions.
4.1 Pregnancy An estimated 80% of women experience nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Studies have shown ginger to be effective in reducing morning sickness during pregnancy for many women when compared to a placebo. A study of 67 women with morning sickness around 13 weeks of pregnancy found that taking 1,000 mg of packaged ginger daily significantly reduced nausea and vomiting compared to a placebo. Research has also shown that consuming up to 1-gram of ginger per day appears to be safe to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
According to a recent study, this amount of packaged ginger is equivalent to 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of crushed fresh ginger, 1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) of liquid extract, 4 cups (950 ml) of tea , 2 teaspoons (10ml) syrup or two 1 inch (2.5 cm) pieces of ginger
4.2 Motion sickness Motion sickness is a common condition in some people that makes the body feel tired while riding uniformly moving vehicles such as trains, boats, or cars. The most common symptoms are nausea and fatigue.
Studies show that ginger is effective in reducing motion sickness in some people. Scientists think that ginger works by keeping digestive function and blood pressure stable, thereby reducing nausea.

In a small study in 13 people with a history of motion sickness, taking 1 to 2 grams of ginger before a train ride reduced nausea. In many cases, ginger was even more effective than Dramamine, a drug commonly used to treat motion sickness, in reducing nausea.
However, some recent studies indicate that the relief of motion sickness with ginger is inconsistent or not really effective.
4.3 Nausea as a side effect of chemotherapy and surgery Nearly 75% of people undergoing chemotherapy report nausea as a major side effect of treatment. In a study in 576 people with cancer, taking 0.5 to 1 gram of ginger root extract twice daily for 6 days, starting 3 days before chemotherapy, significantly reduced nausea. within the first 24 hours of chemotherapy, compared with placebo.
Ginger root powder has also been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy is complete. Plus, this spice can reduce nausea in other medical conditions. A review of 5 studies in 363 people found that a reasonable daily dose of ginger was more effective than a placebo in preventing nausea after surgery.
Another study in 150 women noted that those who took 500 mg of ginger 1 hour before cholecystectomy had less postoperative nausea than those who took a placebo.
4.4 Digestive Disorders Research shows that taking 1,500 mg of ginger divided into several smaller doses per day can reduce nausea associated with digestive disorders.
Ginger has the ability to increase the body's emptying of the stomach, thereby reducing intestinal spasms, preventing indigestion and bloating, and at the same time reducing pressure in the digestive tract, thereby reducing the feeling of nausea.
Many people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition that causes unpredictable changes in bowel habits, have seen positive effects when using ginger.
A 28-day study in 45 people with IBS found that those who took 1 gram of ginger per day experienced a 26% reduction in symptoms. However, the use of ginger to treat completely does not bring results. In addition, some studies indicate that ginger can reduce nausea and stomach pain caused by conditions such as gastritis and inflammatory bowel disease when combined with other therapies.

5. Effective uses and dosages

Ginger can be used in many different ways, but there are some specific methods that are especially effective in reducing nausea such as:
Ginger tea: The recommended amount of ginger tea is 4 cup (950ml) to relieve nausea. Ginger tea can be made at home by steeping fresh sliced ​​or ground ginger in hot water. Ginger tea works when taken slowly, as taking it too quickly can have the opposite effect, increasing nausea
Supplements: Ground ginger is often sold packaged in supplement stores. Users should consider purchasing products with 100% fresh ginger ingredients, no fillers or unwanted additives Crystallized ginger: Some pregnant women claim that this ginger helps with morning sickness, but often contain a lot of sugar in the manufacturing process. Ginger essential oil: One study found that inhaling ginger essential oil reduced nausea after surgery more than a placebo Although the Food and Drug Administration says it's safe to consume up to 4 grams of ginger per day. Overall, most studies recommend using smaller amounts.
Regardless of the condition, most researchers seem to agree that dividing 1,000 to 1,500 mg of ginger into multiple doses is the best way to use it in the treatment of nausea. Higher doses are usually less effective and may have side effects. Therefore, it is necessary to consult with medical professionals before using ginger for medical purposes.

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Healthline.com Reference Article