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From Stomach Aches to Arthritis – How Ginger Can Help Relieve Inflammation Naturally- Plus: Ginger Limeade Recipe
Did you know that ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent? Ginger has been used by traditional medicine for thousands of years to treat many ailments associated with inflammation, including gastrointestinal problems like stomach aches. In fact, India and China have been using ginger root for over 5,000 years to treat various ailments. Recent studies have shown that ginger can be effective in reducing inflammation associated with more than stomach ailments but also arthritis, migraines, and other chronic health conditions like autoimmune disorders. This is why ginger is one of my favorite anti-inflammatory foods!
So how does ginger work? Ginger contains many phytochemical compounds, one of which is called gingerol, which is responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. Phytochemicals are very powerful antioxidants found in plants that prevent harmful damage to cells in the body. Research shows they are powerful natural anti-inflammatories and have many health benefits.
Inflammation is the root cause of most diseases including chronic diseases like autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions. Inflammation is not always bad for us. When we are exposed to a virus or bacteria or injury, the body responds with our immune system to fight back, aka the inflammatory response. Our immune system releases cytokines and other proinflammatory cells to help rid the body of infection or injury. Normally once the invading cells are destroyed, the body stops sending out pro-inflammatory cells and resets and waits for the next virus, bacteria, or injury.
However, inflammation can become chronic when the body continues to send out these proinflammatory cells even when there are no invading cells or injury. Instead, the immune system attacks healthy cells. This immune response is what happens in autoimmune diseases like lupus, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis. This chronic inflammation can cause damage to healthy cells, tissues, and organs leading to chronic disease. Therefore, reducing inflammation is critical in preventing and managing diseases.
Common symptoms associated with chronic inflammation are:
fatigue
headaches
joint pain
muscle aches and pains
abdominal pain
muscle weakness
poor sleep or insomnia
chest pain
digestive issues (constipation, diarrhea, cramping, gas, or bloating)
depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders
Luckily, ginger is a readily available and affordable spice that can help decrease inflammation naturally. Here’s a delicious anti-inflammatory recipe to help relieve common symptoms associated with many autoimmune diseases, migraines, and other chronic health conditions, as well as quench your thirst! This recipe calls for honey as a sweetener, but you can substitute it with stevia or another sweetener to taste.
Ginger Spiced Limeade
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
· 8 ounces filter water
· 1 lime
· 1/8 cup grated turmeric
· 1/4 cup grated ginger
· 1 tsp. honey
· Ice
Optional: mint
Directions:
1. Bring water to a boil and cool slightly, until warm. While the water is boiling, juice half the lime and slice the rest into wedges.
2. Add turmeric and ginger and cover. Place in the fridge for 5 minutes to steep and cool.
3. Strain into a glass of ice and add lime juice and honey. Garnish with mint and a lime wedge and enjoy!
Ginger isn't just for sweet treats, here are some additional ways to incorporate more ginger into your anti-inflammatory diet:
1. Blend ginger and dark leafy greens together to create a nutritious and filling anti-inflammatory smoothie start to your day.
2. Make a ginger tea by simmering fresh ginger in water for a few minutes and sweeten it with honey or stevia if desired. Drink this tea throughout the day to help relieve symptoms associated with inflammation.
3. Use fresh ginger as a seasoning in stir-fries for an extra zing of flavor.
4. Enjoy a refreshing and spicy green salad with sliced fresh ginger root.
5. Mix minced ginger into salad dressings or hummus for a zesty flavor.
Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that can help with stomach aches and boost the body's ability to naturally decrease inflammation. If you're looking for a natural way to reduce inflammation, consider adding ginger to your diet. Not only can it help with stomach aches and other gastrointestinal issues, but it may also provide relief from chronic health disorders conditions like psoriatic arthritis, migraines, graves disease, and most autoimmune diseases.
And what could be more refreshing than a tall glass of cold ginger limeade on a hot summer day or a post-workout cooling drink?
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