Does ginger juice on an empty stomach alleviate digestive issues?

Does ginger juice work?

Manvi Lohia, MP, registered dietitian and head of holistic health and International business, Ekaanta, Haridwar said that as someone who works extensively with IBS and IBD patients, she thinks that ginger juice on an empty stomach is more than just a trend; it’s a practice rooted in both historical and modern understandings of digestive health and wellness.

Gingerol, the active component of ginger, acts as a catalyst for digestive enzymes, enhancing the breakdown and absorption of nutrients. “It’s like waking up your gut in the morning, setting a positive tone for the day’s digestion. Then there’s nausea relief, a boon for many seeking a natural remedy,” described Lohia.

Alpa Momaya, head of nutrition, R&D, Healthify said that it can help alleviate digestive issues and nausea, especially during pregnancy. “It can also have a calming effect on the stomach and help with stomach upsets. Additionally, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body,” said Momaya.

Dr Dilip Gude, senior consultant physician, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad concurred with Lohia and said that ginger juice/extract has many benefits, especially digestive system-wise. “It reduces inflammation through its various antioxidants and may help gastroesophageal reflux. It is also known to have anti-emetic (helps nausea/vomiting) properties. The spasmodic symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and the acid peptic disease symptoms of stomach ulcers may also improve with ginger extract use,” said Dr Gude.

Here’s what to understand (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Is it advisable on an empty stomach?

Lohia cited a review in the American Family Physician that demonstrated its utility in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea. Consuming it on an empty stomach might amplify these effects, providing a sort of “clean slate” for the ginger compounds to work their magic more directly on the gut lining, Lohia said. The immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects are perhaps the most compelling for holistic health enthusiasts, mentioned Lohia.

“In a world where oxidative stress and inflammation are almost inevitable, ginger is a protective agent. Its antioxidant capacity on an empty stomach might be particularly potent, as it interacts directly with the gut mucosa, potentially offering a first line of defense against the day’s onslaught of toxins and stressors,” said Lohia.

However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all remedy. The potency of ginger can cause discomfort for some, especially on an empty stomach. It’s a reminder that while nature offers powerful remedies, they must be approached with respect and caution, tailored to individual tolerances and conditions, added Lohia.

As with any dietary intervention, it should be considered a complement, not a panacea, to a balanced and informed approach to health.

Dr Gude also warned that when taken in concentrated extract/form on an empty stomach (more than 6 grams), it may worsen acid reflux and heartburn, abdominal discomfort, and cause flatulence.