Let's be honest; we’ve all been there. When you're enjoying a nice meal with your friends or loved ones, you suddenly feel a burning sensation in your chest. You know what it is - acid reflux has struck again!
And you may not know this but ginger has been used as a remedy in traditional African medicine for this pesky problem. But does science support the use of ginger as a good remedy for acid reflux? Read on to find out!
What Is Acid Reflux and What Are the Symptoms?
Acid reflux occurs when the stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. Common signs of acid reflux are nausea, chest pain which may radiate to other body parts like the arms or back, frequent belching or burping, and difficulty swallowing.
Stomach acid flowing back or up may be a result of a weakened or malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Regurgitation of food or sour liquid is another indication of acid reflux.
If you have any of these symptoms for longer than two weeks, it is best to seek medical advice, as the proper diagnosis is essential for early treatment to reduce discomfort and avoid more severe conditions developing over time.
What Are the Causes of Acid Reflux?
This condition is usually caused by a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the muscle between the stomach and the esophagus that helps keep the contents of the gut inside it. When this muscle becomes weak, acid from the stomach can flow back into the throat, causing irritation and pain.
Other factors contributing to acid reflux include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, caffeine intake, pregnancy, and stress.
What Are the Risks Associated With Acid Reflux?
One significant risk associated with acid reflux is esophageal cancer. Constant irritation from the acidic stomach contents causes long-term changes to the lining of the esophagus, thereby leading to pre-malignant and ultimately malignant cellular transformation.
A second severe risk is Barrett's Esophagus, a condition in which cells in the lower part of your esophagus become damaged and produce abnormal cells, making you more susceptible to cancers.
Additionally, frequent gastroesophageal reflux disease can contribute to laryngitis and vocal nodules where small bumps form on your vocal cords causing hoarseness.
Lastly, your stomach acids may further irritate your throat and increase coughing episodes at night. An appropriate treatment plan must be discussed with your doctor to lessen any risks associated with acid reflux.
Is Ginger Good For Acid Reflux?
There has been no scientific research to support the use of ginger specifically for acid reflux. But you can certainly see why it has been used in African medicine. Ginger has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve the symptoms of acid reflux. However, it should not be used as a long-term treatment plan and must be discussed with your doctor before using it.
How Can Ginger Help To Relieve Acid Reflux Symptoms?
Ginger has several ways in which it can help relieve acid reflux symptoms. These ways include:
Reduce inflammation:
Not only is ginger a delicious, flavorful addition to teas and sauces, but it's also a natural remedy worth adding to our dietary routines. Ginger has been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to its ability to reduce inflammation in the stomach, esophagus, and throat caused by acid reflux.
Science now backs up how helpful ginger can be as it contains specific compounds that appear to help soothe inflammation and improve digestion. This supports its use for helping with various digestive issues such as acid reflux. So if you're looking for ways to reduce inflammation from acid reflux naturally, consider making ginger part of your go-to routine!
Relax the muscles of the stomach:
Relaxing the muscles of the stomach is essential to managing acid reflux. One way to do this is by adding ginger to your diet.
Ginger contains muscle-relaxing properties that can decrease muscle tension, relieving tightness in the abdomen and thus helps reduce symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion associated with acid reflux.
Whether consumed fresh, powdered, or dried, incorporating ginger into your daily routine may be beneficial to provide long-term relief from the pain associated with acid reflux.
Reduce nausea:
Ginger is known to help reduce nausea which can be a symptom of acid reflux. Research has found that ginger may help reduce the number of episodes of nausea and vomiting and improve symptoms associated with acid reflux.
How Is Ginger Consumed for Acid Reflux?
Ginger can be consumed in different ways to help with Acid reflux. These ways include:
- Incorporating ginger into your diet: You can add fresh or powdered ginger to your food, such as teas, ginger ale sauces, soups, and stir-fries.
- Taking a supplement: Ginger supplements are available in most health stores. Always check with your doctor when taking supplements, as they may interact with other medications.
- Drinking ginger root tea: Ginger tea is particularly beneficial for acid reflux as it helps to coat the digestive tract, reduces inflammation, and relaxes muscle spasms. This can be made by boiling the fresh ginger root in water for 10 minutes before straining it out and adding a touch of honey or lemon juice if desired.
- Chewing fresh ginger: Chewing on the fresh ginger root can also help reduce symptoms of acid reflux.
Recipes for Acid Reflux:
If you're looking for delicious, flavorful recipes to help reduce acid reflux, try these:
Ginger and Honey Tea
Boil a cup of water with fresh ginger root for 10 minutes. Strain the tea into a mug and add natural honey to taste. Enjoy this soothing beverage any time during the day.
Ginger and Lemon Stir-Fry
Heat oil in a pan, then add cubed chicken, garlic, onions, and diced ginger. Saute until cooked, then add soy sauce, lemon juice, and freshly ground black pepper. Serve with steamed rice or quinoa.
Ginger Soup
In a pot, bring chicken broth to a boil and add fresh ginger root. Simmer for 10 minutes before adding diced onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook until the vegetables are soft, and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy this comforting soup or serve it over noodles or rice.
How Much Should Ginger Be Taken for Best Results?
The amount of ginger taken for best results depends on the individual and their symptoms. Generally, it is recommended to take 1-3 grams of fresh or dried ginger root per day or 2-4 milliliters of a liquid extract per day for symptom relief.
It is essential to consult with your doctor before taking any herbal supplement, as it may interact with other medications.
Conclusion
Ginger is an excellent natural remedy for relieving the symptoms associated with acid reflux. It contains compounds that help soothe inflammation and reduce gastric contractions. It can be consumed in various ways, including adding it to your diet or taking a supplement.
Always consult your doctor before taking any herbal remedy, as it may interact with other medications.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6341159/