Is Ginger Good for Acid Reflux or Does It Make It Worse?
Ginger for Acid Reflux Remedy
If you experience acid reflux and feel like it is burning your throat, you have probably already tried different things to help.
Along with Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and changes to your lifestyle, natural remedy options like ginger root may also help relieve your symptoms.
Ginger has been recommended to people with stomach problems since the beginning. It has a lot of antioxidants and is naturally anti-inflammatory, which can help relieve the symptoms of a wide range of reasonably common illnesses.
Heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux, which happens when acid from the stomach travels back into the esophagus.
Understanding Acid Reflux – A Brief Overview
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a muscle ring that acts as a valve. It is at the top of your esophagus, right before the opening to your stomach.
In a normal situation, the LES will turn off as soon as food has passed through it.
However, the acid your stomach makes could get into your esophagus (food pipe) if the LES does not close completely or if it opens too often. It could lead to problems like heartburn –a burning sensation in the chest.
Also, if you have acid reflux symptoms more than twice a week, you might have acid reflux disease, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Ways to Treat Acid Reflux Symptoms
Most of the time, people with acid reflux disease can get their symptoms under control by making changes to their lifestyle and taking OTC medicines.
Commercial antacids like Mylanta and Maalox can neutralize your stomach's acid. But if you use them for a long time or too much, you might get diarrhea or have trouble going to the bathroom.
If antacids do not work, your GPs may try other medicines.
For example, your GPs may suggest that you take a drug called a proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole and lansoprazole), which can lower the amount of acid your stomach makes.
If a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) does not help your symptoms, your GPs may suggest you try an H2 receptor antagonist (Pepcid or Tagamet) –a different drug type to reduce acid production.
Most people take this kind of medicine for four to eight weeks, depending on their acid reflux.
NOTE
You should speak with your GPs or pharmacists if you have questions regarding acid reflux medications, including information about potential adverse effects or reactions.
Is Ginger Good for Acid Reflux?
Ginger is an Asian flowering plant native to Southeast Asia. This herb is one of the world's healthiest (and tastiest) spices. It is closely related to turmeric, cardamom, and galangal, with which it shares the Zingiberaceae family.
The rhizome (the stem's underground portion) is often used as a spice, referred to as ginger root or just ginger.
Ginger may be used fresh, dried, powdered, in oil or juice form, or as a powder. It is a frequent cooking component and is sometimes included in processed foods and cosmetics.
Reasons to Add Ginger to Your Remedy
Ginger has a lot of compounds and antioxidants, both of which could be used in medicine.
People think that the phenolic chemicals in ginger might reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and make stomach cramps happen less often. This means that ginger might make it less likely for stomach acid to come back into the esophagus.
Ginger can also stop inflammation from happening. In a scientific study, people who took ginger supplements had lower levels of inflammatory markers after one month than people who didn't take the pills.
Researchers are especially interested in finding out how these anti-inflammatory effects work, especially concerning acid reflux. This happens because the esophagus is inflamed, a typical characteristic of reflux.
Ginger may also help eliminate edema, reduce muscle pain, and make you feel less sick.
The FDA considers 4 grams of ginger root safe for daily usage. Meanwhile, most research on ginger efficacy used dosages between 250 mg and 1000 mg, taken four times a day.
Ginger tea is one of the folk home remedies to reduce symptoms of GERD, acid reflux, gastric contractions, and other digestive problems.
How to Use Ginger to Treat Acid Reflux
When used in food preparation, ginger must first be peeled before being grated, sliced, diced, or shaved. Then, it is possible to consume it in its raw state, soak it in water to produce ginger tea, or include it in dishes such as stir-fry, salad, or soup.
Ginger contains many compounds, one of which is used to produce some antacids. Additionally, it can also be purchased as powder, capsules, oil, or tea.
However, Please Keep in Mind
The most crucial thing to remember is that ginger should be used in moderation.
Maintaining a dosage of around four grams, which is less than an eighth of a cup, is sufficient to provide you with some comfort without making your symptoms much worse.
You may also divide this into smaller doses and take them at different times throughout the day.
Is ginger ale good for acid reflux?
Because of its carbonation and the fact that it frequently contains caffeine, ginger ale has a lower probability of being helpful. Additionally, most commercial ginger ale drinks do not possess good ginger to have a beneficial impact.
You may increase the amount of ginger in your diet by drinking ginger tea, which also provides a pleasant and calming effect.
Make Your Own Ginger Tea!
Ginger tea might help you consume more ginger and create a warm, calming experience. Below is a recipe for ginger tea you can give a try!
- Peel and mince an inch-long piece of ginger root.
- Bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add ginger.
- Ginger is simmered in water for five minutes. Turn off the heat.
- Cover and let soak for twenty minutes.
- Strain and add honey and lemon juice to taste.
To remedy acid reflux and heartburn symptoms, you may consume ginger root tea up to twice daily.
However, remember that ginger should only be taken infrequently as a remedy for heartburn relief, not as a long-term remedy.
If raw ginger or tea is not your thing...
You may take ginger in pill or capsule form instead. Ginger pills are widely available in supermarkets and health food shops, with many being advertised as a one-a-day remedy for digestive issues.
A Warning Word
Ginger has a low potential for causing adverse effects when consumed in quantities considered safe. However, some people have minor side effects, such as flatulence or bloating.
If you already have an inflammatory disease like acid reflux, ingesting more than four grams of ginger in one day may cause extra heartburn.
Powdered ginger is typically connected with a variety of adverse consequences.
Avoid Use If…
You have a bleeding issue, take blood thinners, or take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs).
You have gallstones, are pregnant, or are nursing, you should not use ginger supplements.
Finally…
Ginger, taken in moderate amounts, has shown promise as a therapy for acid reflux when used appropriately. However, as with many alternative therapies, there is insufficient proof. For a more accurate assessment of its usefulness, further research is required.
If you decide to give ginger a shot, see your GPs, pharmacists, or certified herbal practitioners first! They can provide additional assistance and confirm that there will be no adverse interactions with your drugs.
If your reflux has gotten severe, you should also get advice from your GPs and pharmacists.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for formal and individualized diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed medical professional. Do not stop or alter your current course of treatment. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
© 2022 Dr apt MT Ghozali
