Ginger is widely used in cooking and also in sectors such as beauty. But, in addition, it has many other properties that are beneficial to treat some health problems and discomforts. Among them, for example, are digestive ones. But you have to be careful because you cannot treat all conditions of the digestive system with this root. And, in some cases, its use is especially contraindicated, even becoming harmful. Do not forget that it is a product with a lot of aromata and something spicy, depending on the amount we use we can notice it more or less, which is possible to cause some stomach discomfort. So, is it good? Does ginger irritate the stomach? How can it be taken to take advantage of its benefits? From, we are going to answer these and other questions about ginger so you know what to do if you are thinking of taking it.
Properties of ginger for the stomach and digestive system
Ginger to treat problems of the stomach has been used for centuries and, in general, of the digestive system. In fact, it has many properties and benefits, being one of the best foods that exist today to treat this type of ailments.
And it is that there are many positive effects that derive from the presence of phenolic compounds, as well as gingerol and shogaol, which are those that help treat gastrointestinal irritations or bile problems, avoid gastric contractions and stimulate the production of saliva to favor the swallowing of food. For all these reasons, ginger is good for:
- Antibacterial: ginger has a great antibacterial power, being very useful to treat all digestive system conditions that are caused by the presence of bacteria or other related microorganisms.
- Generator of good bacteria: ginger can not only kill bacteria that cause various discomfort and stomach problems, but it is also useful to increase bacteria that are beneficial to the body. Specifically, those that are naturally present in the intestinal flora. In this way, it helps to eliminate the bad bacteria that cause, for example, episodes of diarrhea.
- Digestive: ginger also helps to make a better digestion because, with its consumption, the pancreas is stimulated and there is an increase in the production of enzymes that facilitate digestion.
- For nausea: ginger is also very useful to end nausea and the urge to vomit.
- For heartburn: these discomforts can be combated with ginger, since it has a great ability to neutralize and reduce excess gastric acid, which is generated in the stomach. It is even helpful for the prevention of ulcers. You can check out this other article on How to Cure Heartburn with Ginger.
You can learn more about what are the properties of ginger in this other article from.
However, despite all these benefits, it is important to know how to consume it well because it also has a series of contraindications when taken precisely for the digestive system. Thus, instead of relieving all the discomfort that we have explained above, you can accentuate them if your intake is done badly. In the next section, we are going to talk about why ginger irritates the stomach if taken badly.
Does ginger irritate the stomach? – the response and precautions to take it
As we have mentioned in the previous section, ginger has benefits for the digestive system, but it can also cause discomfort. So, does ginger irritate the stomach or not?
The key is that if it is taken very often or the amount is abused, it can produce a rather annoying irritation in the stomach. In this way, it is always recommended to make a moderate consumption and, above all, act with caution.
And how much can it be taken? In general, the recommended dose is 4 grams of ginger a day in the case of an adult to treat problems such as heartburn or nausea.
But, be careful, because the consumption of these four grams of ginger includes everything you eat that contains it throughout that day: from cookies to infusions or as a condiment of a dish, as well as possible preparations in capsules or vitamin complexes, among other of the many options that are available.
Not taking more than the daily amount recommended is especially important because several studies have shown that, when exceeding four grams, some discomfort begins to appear. The most frequent and immediate stomach discomforts are:
- Mild, moderate or stronger heartburn depending on how much ginger has been consumed.
- Stomach pain and similar stomach discomfort. That is, it is noticeable that the stomach is not well, even if there is no acidity.
- Gases in the form of belches.
Before any of these symptoms, you should stop taking ginger immediately not only that day, but also in the following ones. Thus, it will be necessary to look for an alternative to treat the ailments that are had.
The best way to take ginger without irritating the stomach
Whether because you like to take ginger or because you want to benefit from all its health properties or treat some ailment of the digestive system, there is a way that is the least likely to irritate the stomach. But remember: you should never exceed the recommended daily amount.
And this way is to take ginger in the form of an infusion. That is, you have to make a ginger tea, although in reality it is a decoction. Its elaboration is also very easy. Need:
Ingredients
- Fresh ginger (the four grams daily should be distributed throughout the day in several infusions because they are excessive for a single cup)
- A few drops of lemon juice
- Water
- A tablespoon of honey
These ingredients also have the advantage that they are also beneficial for the stomach, so that the chances of the stomach becoming irritated are reduced.
Preparation
- Put a saucepan or kettle with water to boil
- Add the ginger
- Bring to a boil for about five minutes
- After the time, remove from the heat and let stand for a few minutes
- Strain the ginger infusion and add the lemon drops and tablespoon of honey
- Remove everything well and you are ready to take
With these explanations we hope we have answered you if ginger irritates the stomach. From, we always recommend that you consult with the doctor the convenience or not of taking ginger because, although it is a natural product, it is not indicated for everyone, as it happens with people who have problems in the circulatory system.
