5 Ways Ginger Benefits Digestion

Ginger is one of the healthiest spices on the planet. It’s been used for its medicinal purposes for nearly 2,000 years by various cultures. Today it’s used as a natural remedy for fighting cancer, protecting against Alzheimer’s Disease, aiding weight loss, and improving immunity. Plus, researchers also say ginger is great for digestive health. Below we have outlined the top five ways ginger benefits digestion:

1) Helps Relieve IBS Symptoms

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that affects between 25-45 million Americans. Some common symptoms of IBS include stomach cramps, gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Adding ginger to your diet can help relieve these symptoms because the spice can actually relax your intestines during flair ups. Not only will this ease symptoms, it will protect against further damage to the intestinal tract. 

2) Relieves Gas

While gas is a symptom of IBS, we thought it deserved its own spot on the list. Doctors say drinking a cup of ginger tea before bed or prior to eating meals can help clear out the digestive system and relieve embarrassing gas. 

*See our ginger tea recipe below!

3) Relieves Heartburn 

Heartburn is the main symptom of acid reflux. If you’ve ever experienced it before, then you know how painful it can be. Ginger has been proven to protect against heartburn because it prevents the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) from loosening, which means acid cannot regurgitate back into the esophagus. Additionally, ginger can kill harmful bacteria that is linked to acid reflux. 

4) Boosts Nutrient Absorption

Have you ever heard the popular saying, “You are what you eat?” Well, that isn’t entirely true. Instead, people should really say, “You are what you absorb.” You may not even realize it, but when you eat a nutritious meal, often times your body doesn’t absorb all of the beneficial vitamins and minerals. In fact, people typically absorb anywhere from 10-90 percent of thenutrients in their food. Some foods have been shown to boost nutrient absorption and ginger is one of them! Add ginger to your meals or drink ginger tea before meals to help your body absorb more nutrients. 

5) Helps Ease Motion Sickness

If you are someone who gets sick when riding in a car, bus, or plane, try drinking some ginger tea before traveling. Researchers say ginger has powerful healing effects that can settle an upset stomach. 

Ginger Tea Recipe