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Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
What Happens to Your Body When You Take Ginger Shots Every Day
Reviewed by Dietitian Maria Laura Haddad-GarciaGinger shots may ease inflammation and support gut, heart, and immune health. Daily ginger shots can help reduce nausea and improve digestion naturally. Most people can enjoy ginger shots, but check with a doctor if you have health your grandmother told you to sip ginger ale for an upset stomach, she may have been onto something. While the soda version of ginger doesn't quite pack the same punch, the root itself is popular thanks to its powerful health benefits and bold has long been used for its medicinal and culinary benefits. And while ginger shots are definitely trendy, they're more than just a wellness trend. Turns out, there's science to back the benefits of ginger. 'Ginger has many potential benefits, including aiding digestion, reducing nausea and acting as an anti-inflammatory,' states Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD. 'Ginger has a potent and fiery flavor, that's great in smoothies, recipes and ginger shots.'So what happens when you take a ginger shot daily? We asked registered dietitians and dove into the research to find out. Ginger juice, along with ginger tea and other forms of the root, has been shown to limit the body's inflammatory response and help improve its ability to tolerate oxidative stress.. That's thanks to compounds like gingerol, shogaols, paradol and zingerone—all of which have anti-inflammatory properties.(1) 'Ginger is a long-studied flowering plant with a rhizome that has been used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties,' says Katie Andrews, M.S., RDN, not a cure-all, research suggests ginger may help ease symptoms related to inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).(2) A healthy gut—which is made up of trillions of microorganisms—is key to overall well-being, and ginger may help by positively influencing your gut microbiota. In one study, participants who took about 20 mL (roughly two-thirds of an ounce) of ginger juice daily saw significant positive changes in their gut microbiota, without altering their diet any other way, compared to those who received a placebo drink.(3) While more research is needed, daily ginger shots could support a healthy digestive system. Pair them with fiber-rich prebiotics and probiotic foods, such as yogurt or kimchi, to better support your microbiome. Ginger is perhaps most famous for its ability to soothe an upset stomach. Unfortunately, most ginger ales don't contain real ginger, so they won't do much good. 'Ginger stimulates digestion, may decrease bloating and gas, and helps soothe nausea,' says Isabel Smith, MS, RDN, CDN, founder of Isabel Smith Nutrition. Ginger shots may be especially helpful for pregnancy-related nausea, and could also provide relief from chemotherapy-induced nausea, motion sickness, or vertigo. Some studies have found mixed results, but many suggest ginger can help speed up stomach emptying and reduce discomfort. The same gingerols that fight inflammation may also support immune function. Ginger has a long history in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for helping the body ward off illness. 'Ginger also acts as an antimicrobial to help fight viruses and bacteria,' notes Smith. Research shows ginger can be effective against certain pathogens, thanks to its ability to break down cell membranes—possibly enhancing the effects of traditional antibiotics. While a daily shot won't guarantee you'll avoid getting sick, it may help your immune system stay strong. Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties can benefit cardiovascular health too. In fact, some studies show daily ginger intake may help support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. One recent meta-analysis found that ginger reduced triglycerides, LDL ('bad') cholesterol, and total cholesterol, while increasing HDL ('good') cholesterol. Other research links ginger consumption to a lower risk of hypertension. So while it's not exactly 'a ginger shot a day keeps the cardiologist away,' it might help your heart in the long run. Most store-bought ginger shots are sold in 2-ounce bottles and typically contain ginger juice, water, or another juice to balance the strong flavor. Some include ingredients like lemon, turmeric, or cayenne for added wellness benefits. Here's the breakdown for a 2-ounce ginger shot, per USDA data: Calories: 10 Carbohydrates: 2 g Dietary fiber: 0 g Total sugar: 0 g Added sugar: 0 g Protein: 0 g Total fat: 0 g Saturated fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 0 mg Some versions may contain added sugars, especially if honey or fruit juice is used, but generally ginger shots are very low in calories and sugars. For most people, yes. But there are some caveats. Ginger may cause side effects like heartburn, diarrhea, or throat irritation in some individuals. Smith warns, 'People with reflux, gallstones, or those taking blood thinners should be cautious, as ginger may interact with certain medications.' And while ginger is often recommended during pregnancy, Andrews notes that 'concentrated ginger is contraindicated close to labor or for those at risk for bleeding disorders.' Always talk with your healthcare provider if you're unsure. Sure, you can grab a pre-made ginger shot from Trader Joe's, Target, or Whole Foods—but you can also make your own and customize it to your taste. Mohr recommends sticking with pure ginger juice or grated fresh ginger over soda or overly sweetened drinks. Frozen Lemon-Ginger-Turmeric Shots: Prep ahead and simply add hot water for a warm, spicy elixir. Pineapple-Ginger-Turmeric Shots: Packed with vitamin C and no juicer required. Orange-Carrot-Turmeric Ginger Shots: A vibrant, antioxidant-rich juice with a citrusy zing. And if shots aren't your thing, you can still reap ginger's benefits by adding fresh ginger to smoothies, stir-fries, marinades, or sipping on ginger tea. Ginger shots aren't just another fleeting wellness trend—they're backed by research and approved by registered dietitians. From reducing inflammation and supporting digestion to boosting immunity and promoting heart health, ginger earns its superfood status. Of course, a ginger shot won't undo an otherwise unhealthy lifestyle. But as part of a well-balanced diet and wellness routine, it can be a smart, easy addition with real benefits. How often should you have a ginger shot? Consistency matters. Daily consumption is more likely to offer benefits than sporadic use. On days you skip the shot, incorporate ginger in other ways. Who should avoid ginger shots? Those who are pregnant, taking blood thinners, or managing gallstones, reflux, or bleeding disorders should consult a doctor before adding ginger shots to their routine. Can ginger help with weight loss? Some studies link ginger with weight loss, but the evidence is limited. Ginger can support weight goals by reducing inflammation and adding flavor without extra calories. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Washington Post
an hour ago
- Washington Post
Living with dying: A breathtaking collapse in the writer's health
It happened so quickly. On June 1, I was still looking the picture of health and free to move around the city. A week later, I was gasping for breath and without the oxygen to walk from my sofa to my kitchen. We had always known the disease would catch up with me in some form or another, but the speed and suddenness still took me by surprise. It probably shouldn't have. For the past six months, my doctors had been looking at me with a quizzical eye, noting that I was in much better shape than a Stage 4 Ewing's sarcoma patient who had forgone systemic chemo treatment should normally be. 'It's kind of amazing,' one of them said. 'We have no real scientific data on this, but I can't help feeling your attitude is part of it. But whatever it is, keep doing it, we'll take it!' I, of course, began to feel as though I might indeed be charmed. Nobody who met me could believe I was really sick — and I began to believe this resilience might just go on and on. I knew the science said otherwise, but I was a bit self-satisfied and a bit smug about still being able to do a downward dog. Hubris! My anchor oncologist, Karim Boudadi, was also glad to see me doing well, but he never failed to offer a gentle reminder to do everything I wanted now rather than put it off. And I'm glad I took his advice. I undertook the 'wear more cashmere, go to Paris' treatment. I made sure to get to Seattle to celebrate Passover with my sister, brother-in-law, nephews and their expanded friend group — an important event on my calendar for more than four decades. When DOGE rode into D.C., I amused my radiation therapists with my 'radiation and demonstration' protocol, which took me directly from photon therapy to pickets at a wide number of federal agencies. And I visited many of my close friends, enjoying the rapport that comes from shared times and experiences, from a communal passion for justice and 'good trouble,' from a mutual love for the written word and for each other. I am so grateful for all of that. Because the transition from health to infirmity was brutally swift. That first week in June, I started to notice a slight shortness of breath, and my right arm bone, where the cancer had metastasized, was achier and feeling weaker. So on June 5, I went to Sibley Memorial Hospital for a scan to see what was going on. Afterward, when I returned via Metro, it took me at least half an hour and much gasping to get myself the five blocks home. That whole weekend, I gasped for air, which confirmed that I was unwilling to have that be a way of life. If that was my future, I wouldn't be buying into it. My brother, Gene, arrived on the following Monday. On Tuesday, the team at Sibley removed about five cups of fluid from my lung. And the next day, almost exactly eight months since the leading adult sarcoma expert at Johns Hopkins had met with me and laid out my options and my roughly year-long prognosis, I was approved for home oxygen — and a narrower road ahead. It's ironic that the publication of my first article about learning I was terminal appeared in The Washington Post that very week. In it, I observed that I was about eight months into my projected terminal year — still enjoying life and not yet a 'dead duck.' Now, here I was, a few days later, unable to easily breathe or move and feeling quite a bit closer to my final quack. I can't say this transition is edifying or comfortable, but I still seem to be of relatively sound mind, still not in serious pain, still loving my friends and family and engaged with the world. In the next month, I'll be tying up some loose ends, making the transition from Hopkins to hospice, and settling into my final months. I am still feeling good about my choices. Still interested in the philosophical landscape of how we categorize luck and loss and what makes life worth living. No telling what's down the road, but for now, I think I'm good for a few more quacks.
Washington Post
an hour ago
- Washington Post
How I told my family and friends about my cancer
You've just found out you have a life-threatening disease. Whom do you tell? And what the heck do you tell them? Figuring this out has been both perplexing and illuminating. In this installment of what I call my 'living with dying' series, I'm going to share how I told my friends about my terminal diagnosis. As with all of these pieces, one size does not fit all. But I hope others might snag something useful from it.
