How many ginger pills should i take

With its natural anti-inflammatory effects, ginger is also commonly used to treat arthritis, high cholesterol, menstrual cramps, and other health conditions.

Ginger, used either fresh or as a powdered spice, is a common ingredient in many food recipes. It is also used for medicinal purposes. The spice is made from the root of the plant, which is widely grown throughout warmer parts of Asia, Africa, and South America.

Ginger has been used for centuries to treat a wide array of medical conditions, including:. Many alternative practitioners also believe that ginger can help prevent heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. Some of these claims are better supported by research than others.

The health benefits of ginger can be broadly categorized as being either gastrointestinal, anti-inflammatory, or metabolic.

A number of studies have supported ginger's stomach-soothing effects. In addition to easing post-surgery nausea and vomiting, the herb appears to reduce motion sickness and morning sickness symptoms. Perhaps the best proof of this anti-nauseal effect is in people undergoing cancer treatment.

A study from the University of Rochester found that ginger supplements decreased post-chemotherapy nausea by 40 percent.

The largest reduction was seen in those who took between and 1, milligrams mg. The benefits of ginger with other types of gastrointestinal illness are less clear.

A study from the University of North Carolina concluded that ginger provided no greater relief of IBS symptoms than a placebo. While ginger also appears to have minimal effect on acid reflux , according to a study from India, it may aid in the healing GERD-related gastric ulcers when used in combination with a probiotic. Ginger contains an anti-inflammatory substance known gingerol that may have help treat chronic or acute pain. Current research is split on how effective gingerol really is.

A review of studies concluded that ginger was only "modestly efficacious" in treating osteoarthritis. Similar results have been seen with rheumatoid arthritis and non-arthritis conditions like tendonitis and bursitis. Although a review of studies suggested that ginger may perform as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in relieving severe menstrual pain, the researchers were quick to admit that the overall quality of the studies was poor.

What all of this suggests is that ginger may support, rather than replace, standard pain relievers used to treat arthritis and other chronic or acute disorders. There is limited but compelling evidence that ginger can help treat conditions like high cholesterol or high blood sugar. A study from Iran concluded that a daily 3-gram supplement of ginger, given over 45 days, improved the lipid profile of 45 people with high cholesterol. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, and "bad" low-density lipoprotein LDL cholesterol were seen to decreased, while "good" high-density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol increased significantly.

The reduction of these values alone corresponds to an overall reduction in the risk of heart disease and stroke. Similarly, a study from Iran reported that a daily ginger supplement improved many of key diagnostic measures for type 2 diabetes. After 12 weeks, people given a daily 2-gram supplement had a 12 percent decrease in their fasting glucose level and a 10 percent decrease in their HbA1c.

Similar results were seen in a study from China. To date, there is limited evidence that ginger can either prevent or treat cancer. The current body of research is mainly limited to test tubes. While gingerol does appear to slow the growth of certain cancer cells in vitro especially colorectal and ovarian cancer cells , it is hard to reach any reasonable conclusion at this stage. The same applies to Alzheimer's disease. This article reviews the effectiveness and safety of ginger for nausea and the best ways to use it.

Ginger is often marketed as a natural way to reduce nausea or calm an upset stomach. In fact, its ability to alleviate nausea and vomiting is its best-supported use 2. Some studies have found that the spice may be as effective as some anti-nausea medications with fewer side effects 3 , 4.

Shogaols are more concentrated in dried ginger, with 6-shogaol being its main source of antioxidants. Meanwhile, gingerols are more abundant in raw ginger 2 , 5 , 6. Some research has shown that ginger and its compounds may increase digestive responsiveness and speed stomach emptying, which may reduce nausea 7. The spice has anti-inflammatory properties and may improve digestion and support the release of blood-pressure-regulating hormones to calm your body and reduce nausea 8.

Some people may experience side effects like heartburn, gas, diarrhea, or stomach pain after consuming it, but this depends on the individual, dosage, and frequency of use 9 , A review of 12 studies in 1, pregnant women found that taking less than 1, mg of ginger per day did not increase the risks of heartburn , miscarriage, or drowsiness However, doses above 1, mg per day appear to be slightly less effective at reducing nausea and may have more adverse effects Still, pregnant women should avoid taking ginger supplements close to labor, as it may worsen bleeding.

For the same reason, the spice may be unsafe for pregnant women who have a history of miscarriage or clotting disorders You should also be cautious if you use blood thinners, as ginger may interact with these drugs, though the evidence is mixed 9 , Ginger has shown to be a safe, natural, and effective way to reduce nausea for many people. However, certain populations should be cautious about using it. Studies show that ginger may prevent and treat nausea and vomiting caused by various conditions 7 , 14 , As such, most research on this application for ginger has been conducted in the first and second trimester 2.

Ginger has been found to be more effective than a placebo at reducing morning sickness during pregnancy for many women 2. A study in 67 women who experienced morning sickness around 13 weeks of pregnancy found that taking 1, mg of encapsulated ginger daily reduced nausea and vomiting significantly more than a placebo Research indicates that consuming up to 1 gram of ginger per day appears to be safe to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy 2. Related Articles. Calcium: 1mg Iron: 0.

A 1g ginger capsule also contains very small amounts of vitamins B-2, B-3 and B Tip Have you run out of ground ginger to use in your cooking? Warning Although there are no known drug interactions with ginger, it does affect your circulatory and digestive systems; even if you're not pregnant, you should let your doctor know about ginger and any other supplements you're taking. Tip Although there is not yet conclusive evidence of its efficacy, ginger is also being studied as a potential treatment for cancer.

Tip Often, people seeking relief from motion sickness will chew ginger candies instead of taking ginger capsules. Luteinizing Hormone. Although the study is limited by lack of placebo control and disclosure of dosage, ginger is associated with a One study found a notable improvement in mood, physical, and behavioral symptoms with mg of ginger daily. This study needs replication.

Seminal Motility. Preliminary evidence suggests a Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile. An increase in seminal glutathione has been noted to reach Ejaculate Volume. In infertile men, an undisclosed amount of ginger for three months is able to increase ejaculate volume by an average of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone.

Sperm Count. A somewhat minor increase in sperm count Sperm Quality. Seminal viability An increase in testosterone has been noted to reach Thermic effect of food TEF.

Ginger has been found to increase the thermic effect of coingested food products. Blood glucose. Metabolic Rate. Despite an increase in the thermic effect of food, overall metabolic rate does not appear affected. Stay on top of the latest research. Start your day free trial. Study Deep Dives. Can you spice your way to better health with ginger?

Ginger, vitamin B6 , or neither for nausea during pregnancy? Click here to become an Examine Member and stay on top of the latest research. Things to Note.

Primary Function: Gut Health. Other Functions: Testosterone Boosting.