Is ginger good for acid reflux?

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux is a digestive disease in which stomach acid or bile irritates the food pipe lining.  Acid reflux and heartburn that occurs more than twice a week is GERD.  It is estimated that 15 to 30 million Americans have GERD, that is about 20% of our population (1).   The symptoms can be uncomfortable and lead to more serious complications.  If let untreated,  it can lead to more serious conditions such as Barrett’s esophagus which is a rare form of cancer.

Symptoms include a burning pain in the chest that occurs after eating and worsens when lying down.  

Symptoms of acid reflux

• Regurgitation
• Bloating
• Burping
• Dysphagia
• Nauseas
• Wheezing, dry cough hoarseness or chronic soar throat

Treatment includes

• Limiting foods that may cause heartburn
• Over the counter antacids
• Prescription medication

Foods that can trigger GERD

• Spicy foods
• Tomato sauces
• Fatty or Fried foods
• Carbonated beverages
• Chocolate
• Alcohol
• Sugary Foods
• Caffeinated beverages
• Large Meals

 Also lifestyle factors that can contribute to GERD

• Obesity especially abdominal obesity
• Smoking
• Laying down after you eat
• Tight clothing
• Medications
• Pregnancy
• Hiatal hernia

How does ginger work?

Some research has shown that ginger and its compounds may increase digestive responsiveness and may speed stomach emptying, which may reduce nausea.  Increasing stomach emptying can help with digestion and move foods through the GI tract more quickly.

Ginger is used mainly to treat nausea, upset stomach, and other stomach issues such as GERD. Ginger reduces nausea through a direct effect on the stomach rather than on the central nervous system.

There are conflicting reports about whether ginger increases the speed of stomach emptying. A large study showed it had no effect. But it increases movement of the rest of the gastrointestinal system.

Ginger contains gingerol and shogaol. They both aid in pain relief and decrease inflammation.

Types of Ginger

• Fresh ginger root-flowering plant that can be used as a spice, side dish, natural remedy and for flavoring.  It can be found in grocery stores.  
• Pickled ginger- frequently found with sushi.  It is used to cleanse the palette and enhance the taste between different types of sushi
• Dry ginger- Is the ginger root that has been dried, skin removed and made into a powder form.  Also has excellent health benefits.
• Ginger spice- typically found in your spice cabinet, it may have the same flavor but not the same health benefits.

What is the best way to consume ginger

• Ginger Tea
• Add ginger root to smoothies
• Add ginger to dishes such as stir fries
• Add to vegetables such as broccoli, green beans or peppers.
• Pickled ginger as served with sushi

Is ginger tea good for acid reflux?

Ginger tea is a great source of ginger.  The ginger in the tea may help speed stomach emptying, reduce inflammation and aid in the digestive process.  

If ginger is good for acid reflux, Is ginger good for GERD?

Ginger would also be beneficial for GERD as well as acid reflux.  The difference between GERD and acid reflux is that GERD is a more chronic condition and acid reflux is more occasional discomfort.

Any side effects or interactions with ginger?

There are no major food or medicine interactions linked with ginger. But some experts think it may change the effects of blood thinners (anticoagulants). Talk with your healthcare provider before taking ginger if you take blood thinner medicine.

[1] El-Serag HB, Petersen NJ, Carter J, et al. Gastroesophageal reflux among different racial groups in the United States. Gastroenterology. 2004;126:1692–1699.