Table of contents
We have all heard it a thousand times; “there are so many benefits to ginger shots!”, “I take ginger every morning!”, “Ginger helps with inflammation!” but oftentimes, we are still left wondering “how” and “why.” If you’re sitting here nodding your head in agreement, you have come to the right place!
While yes, ginger is good for the body and helps reduce inflammation (among many other things), I am here to help you understand how exactly it does that and the 6 benefits of ginger shots.
Stick around and we will not only discuss the benefits of ginger shots but also share the BEST ginger supplement for inflammation and where to buy it for a massive discount. We will also take it one step further and discuss another common question, “Can you take ginger with aspirin?”
What Makes Ginger Shots & Ginger Supplements So Powerful Against Inflammation?
Aside from ginger being super tasty and versatile, it is a fabulous way to add various nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to your day!
For over 3,000 years, ginger has been used in traditional medicine and as a food, spice, supplement, and flavoring agent all across the globe.
Its phytochemicals, AKA its naturally occurring beneficial chemical compounds, provide a variety of benefits for our bodies.
Let’s Talk About Gingerol Ya’ll
The main component responsible for ginger’s medicinal properties is gingerol.
Gingerol is a bioactive compound, meaning it is able to carry out actions in the body that may promote good health. According to research, gingerol has great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the body.
Ginger also contains a bunch of other chemical components (no sense in boring you with their hard-to-pronounce names) that allow ginger to promote various physiological and pharmacological effects on the body. These effects range anywhere from anti-inflammatory to digestion-promoting 👍 and so many more.
The 6 Benefits of Ginger Shots
Now, let’s get into the much anticipated health benefits of ginger shots!
1. Decreases Inflammation
Decreasing inflammation is one of the primary reasons many people consume or supplement with ginger.
For a bit of background, it is important to note that our bodies produce different components that play a large role in inflammation.
In this case, we want to focus on eicosanoids (prostaglandin, leukotriene) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, TNF-α, and IL-8). It is not necessary that you understand exactly what these eicosanoids or cytokines are, but just know they are associated with promoting inflammation, and ginger can help us with managing this.
Gingerol, along with other phenolic compounds (Shogaol, Paradol) has been found to inhibit the production of the eicosanoids by suppressing 5-lipoxygenase or prostaglandin synthetase.
In other words, components of ginger decrease the production of inflammatory-promoting molecules by hindering the pathways that create them – cool right?!
Research has also found that those same ginger components can hinder the creation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines listed above. [10]
This overall decrease in inflammation may lead to long-term relief in overall pain 🙌 in the body and help manage other health conditions associated with inflammation (e.g. arthritis, gout).
Now, is there a best ginger supplement for inflammation? That info is coming soon! Keep reading!
PLEASE NOTE: There is a need for more research on the benefits of ginger shots and the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger compounds. When taking ginger supplements, like many approaches to health and longevity, it must be used with caution as the long-term benefits or side effects are not well known yet.
For more ways to lower inflammation, check out our other blog post: How to Reduce Inflammation in the Body
2. High in Antioxidants
Ginger has been found to contain a high amount of antioxidants. The only foods that contain more antioxidants than ginger are pomegranate and certian berries! 😮
It has been discovered that components of ginger, specifically shogaol, have been found to scavenge free radicals. Similar to its anti-inflammatory effects, ginger lowers the number of free radicals by hindering the system that creates them.
Some free radicals produced during our body’s oxidation process are necessary for energy production. However, a buildup of too many free radicals results in oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can change the structure of our body’s lipids, proteins, and DNA. As you can imagine, these changes typically are not beneficial to the body.
Consistently high levels of oxidative stress have actually been found to significantly contribute to the development and progression of a variety of conditions, including inflammatory diseases (e.g. arthritis, glomerulonephritis, respiratory diseases), ischemic diseases (e.g. heart disease, stroke), neurological conditions (e.g. Parkinson’s, muscular dystrophy), some cancers, and many more conditions.
Needless to say, we would like to prevent high levels of oxidative stress at all costs. Luckily ginger can help with that!
This health benefit, coupled with ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties, makes it a great boost to our immune system as well.
3. Anti-Cancer Effects
Playing off of the last listed benefit of ginger, ginger’s antioxidant properties, coupled with its ability to promote cell apoptosis (cell death) allows it to have anti-cancer effects.
While the research varies, many studies show ginger has been found to have the greatest impact on colorectal, gastric, ovarian, liver, skin, breast, and prostate cancers.[10]
Supplementation of ginger helps activate enzymes that suppress the production of cancer in the colon.
In gastric cancer, components of ginger activate a cascade of proteins that stop the activation of the tumor necrosis factor in gastric cancer cells. This helps stop this cancer from worsening.
For ovarian cancer, ginger prohibits NF-κB from being activated. NF-κB is largely involved in the development and progression of cancer, so we love that ginger stops this transcription factor from being activated! Additionally, ginger helps limit the secretion of VEGF and IL-8, which are growth factors and cytokines that promote the growth and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells.
Gingerol promotes cell cycle arrest and cell death of cancer cells in the liver. It can also reduce the expression of the transcription and tumor necrosis factors in patients that have liver cancer.
Ginger’s role in treating skin cancer is through its ability to stop the development of new blood vessels in the skin. Allowing new blood vessels to reach the cancer cells would provide them with more oxygen and nutrients, promoting their growth. Preventing the growth of these cells ultimately helps lead to cell death.
Treatment of breast cancer can also be supported by ginger supplementation. It has been found that the components of ginger significantly decrease mammary tumor development and growth.
Lastly, prostate cancer can be treated by ginger through its ability to signal pathways that promote cell death.
4. Helps Treat Nausea
Whether the nausea is stemming from chemotherapy, pregnancy, or just a general upset stomach – Ginger can help!! It is safe to say that there are many benefits of ginger shots, but this is probably ginger’s most well-known medicinal purpose.
So, how does ginger help with nausea?!🤢
A variety of studies show that ginger is an effective antiemetic (drug that combats nausea and vomiting). These studies found that ginger has carminative effects, meaning it can help break up and excrete intestinal gas.[4]
Ginger also contains properties that increase gastric tone, emptying and motility.
This is key because oftentimes, things like nausea and abdominal pain stem from a decrease in overall gastric motility, which is the process of how food travels through the digestive tract. By speeding up this process, there is often a decrease in symptoms of nausea.
5. Aids in Digestion
To add to the prior information regarding how ginger can help nausea 🤢 and vomiting, for similar reasons, it can also help in overall digestion.
Because ginger has carminative effects, it not only helps with nausea but can decrease stomach cramps, alleviate dyspepsia/indigestion (a feeling of pain or burning in your upper middle stomach), and help prevent bloating and flatulence.[3]
Additionally, ginger can help manage symptoms of GI-related conditions, such as IBS and gastroenteritis.
Adding a ginger shot to your morning routine may be a great way to promote digestion daily!
6. Helps Support the Management of Blood Sugar
While more research is still needed on this topic, it seems as though ginger is capable of reducing the risk of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and insulin resistance.
Ginger was found to increase glucose uptake into muscle cells as well as regulate insulin release. In peripheral tissue that still responds to insulin, ginger increases glucose clearances.[2,10]
Additionally, ginger has lipid-lowering properties, which leads to an increase in insulin sensitivity.
When all of these benefits are put together, it ultimately results in lowered blood glucose and the ability to maintain those healthy levels.
Aside from the health benefits of ginger shots, there are a variety of benefits to consuming ginger as a shot in general!
Drinking ginger shots is a great way to have ginger in a very concentrated way.
My personal favorite thing about ginger shots is how customizable they are! You can add so many ingredients to pack an even greater “health” punch. Pineapple, lime juice, honey, orange juice, cayenne pepper, and (my personal favorite) turmeric are great ingredients to add to your ginger shot!
Simply throw everything in your blender with some liquid (water, coconut water, etc.), blend it up, and strain it using a strainer or cheesecloth and TA-DAA – Ginger shots!
If ginger shots aren’t for you, give ginger tea a try, or simply add some ginger to your meals or smoothies.
To read more about turmeric and our favorite turmeric supplements for inflammation, check out our post on the 3 best turmeric supplements to fight inflammation!
The Best Ginger Supplement for Inflammation
When looking for the best ginger supplement, especially if you’re looking for the best ginger supplement for inflammation 🔥, be sure to take a close look at these four criteria:
- The number of gingerols per dose
- Other ingredients on the bottle to be sure it is void of inflammation-causing ingredients such as various forms of sugar, syrups, and artificial sweeteners or coloring
- The supplement is manufactured in a GMP-accredited facility
- The supplement is from a brand that undergoes 3rd parting testing for its supplements. To make it easy, be sure to check out our list of the best supplement brands.
The Best Ginger Supplements List
1. Ginger Extract by Pure Encapsulations
- Best pure ginger supplement
- A powerful dose of 500 mg of 5% standardized gingerols
We love supplements from Pure Encapsulations due to their commitment to creating supplements that are free of artificial additives, allergens, environmental contaminants, and more.
The Pure Encapsulations Ginger Extract is 500mg of 5% gingerols, all in just one capsule. So, whether you’re using it to aid in digestion, boost your immune system, or support your cardiovascular system, this is a great supplement that can do all of that in just one capsule taken several times a day based on your health needs and the recommendations of your healthcare provider. Please consult your doctor or dietitian for specific dosing recommendations.
You may purchase Ginger Extract by Pure Encapsulations on Amazon. A better option, however, is to 👉buy it through Fullscript👈, which is nearly $20 cheaper 🤯when you use our affiliate link to create your Fullscript account.
2. Ginger Tussin Syrup by Designs for Health
- Best for a combination of treating a sore throat & boosting your immune system at the same time.
As noted above, if you’re looking for a high-quality ginger supplement that reduces inflammation, you don’t want one with a bunch of sugar or artificial sweeteners. This is where Designs for Health Ginger-Tussin Syrup shines, as this herbal syrup elixer with immune support uses glycerin and organic honey.
Glycerin has actually been found in research to be anti-inflammatory so the combination of this and organic honey allows this tasty throat syrup to have a nice flavor with adding inflammation-causing ingredients.[14]
In addition to a pleasant taste, this ginger elixer includes cherry bark which can help a sore throat and cough, and lovage which can help support the immune system in addition to ginger.
Save over $10 by 👉buying it through Fullscript👈.
3. Solspring Fermented Ginger Powder, Biodynamic Organic by Dr. Mercola
- Best for those who want a powder to add to smoothies easily, use ginger as a seasoning or add it to tea.
The brand Solspring was created by Dr. Mercola to bring biodynamically grown foods, oils, vinegars, and more to the larger market. Being certified organic and by the Demeter Certified Biodynamic program means the farming was not only done organically but also met strict standards on water conservation, fertilization, on-farm management of weed, pests, and disease, and biodiversity. Basically, biodynamic farming is the highest standard of organic farming and farm management.
The Solspring Fermented Ginger Powder uses fermentation to make the ginger easier for your body to digest and absorb the gingerols, the most powerful part of the ginger.
This amazing ginger powder can be used as a seasoning, in tea, or in your favorite smoothie.
4. Mango Ginger Chews by Prince of Peace
- Best for those who want a cleaner & healthier version of ginger candy. AND this particular flavor of mango is nice for those who struggle with the strong “bite” that ginger has to offer.
The bottom of our list is at the bottom for a reason- it has some added sugar. However, if you’re someone who likes candy with ginger, we would prefer you choose one with 100% real ginger in it, made of cane sugar instead of corn syrup, and free of artificial flavors, additives, or coloring.
BTW- If this type of treat is your jam, you can save nearly $5 by creating a Fullscript account with our link and buying it through Fullscript! Just do us a favor and keep this ginger supplement as an occasional treat.🙂
What is the Best Form of Ginger to Take?
Eating a whole-food diet is always a good idea, but, often, without supplementation, it’s challenging to achieve a large enough dosage to receive the anti-inflammatory or digestive boosting benefits if consumed solely from whole foods. Additionally, often it is not easily palatable (taste-wise) to stick with something when using it in high concentrations.
So, if you’re looking to consume ginger for reducing inflammation, nausea, improving digestion, or more, the best form of ginger to take may be in a capsule form that makes it easy to be consistent with dosages that are high enough to be effective.
Is it OK to Take Ginger Supplements Every Day?
In the appropriate dosages, as long as side effects are not being experienced and you’re under the supervision of a trained health professional, it is OK to take ginger supplements every day. However, we recommend taking 1 day a week off from most, if not all, supplements.
If you prefer to take your supplements 7 days per week, it may be good to plan a “supplement holiday” every 2-3 months where a complete week is taken away from supplements as the body responds best to intermittent exposure to things (i.e., intermittent bouts of high-intensity exercise instead of daily high-intensity exercise).
Can You Take Ginger With Asprin?
Now, while ginger may be a great tool in pain management, it is important to be cautious when consuming ginger with some over-the-counter pain meds.
Ginger may thin the blood, so taking it with aspirin may result in excessive bleeding.[13]
The same concern goes for other blood-thinning medications such as warfarin and clopidogrel.[13]
As stated before, ginger may also lower blood sugar levels, meaning if you are consuming ginger along with blood sugar medication, it may result in dangerously low blood sugar levels.
In general, it is best to speak with your doctor and discuss if it is safe for you to consume ginger along with other medications you may be taking.
Now that you know all of the benefits of ginger shots, consider using a high-quality ginger supplement, and be sure to take a look at our list with the best ginger supplement for inflammation. In combination with other potent anti-inflammatory supplements, a whole-food diet, regular practices of intermittent fasting and proper sauna use, you can dramatically improve your health for years to come by including ginger to your routine!
References
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34239993/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4277626/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6341159/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4818021/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249911/
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ginger
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/ginger-health-benefits/
- https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/ cancer-terms/def/bioactive-compound
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3665023/
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ginger-benefits
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/ pii/S0955286320305180?via%3Dihub
- https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/ginger#:~:text=Possible%20 Interactions&text=Blood%2Dthinning %20medications%3A%20Ginger%20 may,(Plavix)%2C%20or%20aspirin
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26370610/
