Ginger is a common home remedy for reducing nausea, especially during pregnancy or after surgery. But new research suggests that ginger can also be beneficial in reducing symptoms of IBS.
Its anti-nausea effects and its ability to reduce the occurrence of diarrhea, loss of appetite, and flatulence are all helpful for IBS.
In this post, we will discuss how ginger can help treat IBS symptoms, how you can incorporate ginger into your diet, and a few other natural solutions that might also help you treat your IBS.
So, let’s get right into it!
How does ginger help with IBS?
IBS is a functional disorder of the GI tract that causes the digestive system to become highly sensitive and changes how your bowel muscles contract.
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for IBS. However, you can help manage your symptoms by making dietary changes like reducing FODMAP intake and incorporating ginger into your diet.
Ginger contains several helpful natural substances like gingerol and shogaol. These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are great for gut health and can even relieve intestinal allergies associated with IBS-D (the diarrhea-predominant form of IBS).
Gingerol also helps prevent gut muscle spasms and can therefore reduce IBS-associated cramping and abdominal pain.
Ginger and its extracts also contain several enzymes that are helpful in breaking down and expelling the gas that forms inside your gut. This can provide relief from bloating and stomach discomfort.
Lastly, studies have shown that ginger aids gut motility and gastric emptying. This means that the spice may help prevent — or at least relieve — constipation to some degree in people suffering from IBS-C (the constipation-predominant form of IBS).
Even though more studies are needed to fully establish ginger’s effectiveness for helping patients with IBS, it’s an all-natural and healthy addition to your diet, which means there’s nothing wrong in giving it a shot.
However, just like any other food addition with IBS, it’s always best to first figure out and evaluate if your tummy can tolerate it.
If it doesn’t help your IBS symptoms, it still has other health benefits like reducing inflammation and discomfort in people with joint pain and osteoarthritis.
To top it all off, the main component gingerol has also been suggested to decrease tumor and cancer cell growth!
What forms of ginger can you take for IBS?
At present, there isn't a consensus on the dose or form of ginger that is the best for IBS. Most studies use doses of 1-2 grams each day.
If you wish to add ginger to your diet for IBS, you can consume it in whichever form you choose. Powdered, fresh root, ginger tea, or supplements/capsules are all commonly used options.
If you aren’t fond of ginger’s taste, consider giving a 1-gram capsule/supplement a try to see if it helps your symptoms.
Just be sure to buy from a trusted supplement brand as most dietary supplements are not tightly regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). You can ask a nutritionist about how to evaluate safe brands.
Also, if you want to add ginger to your diet in the form of ginger tea, consider making it with ground ginger so that you can keep better track of how much ginger you’re consuming daily.
How much ginger can you take for IBS?
According to experts, 1-1.2-gram capsules of ginger are safe for consumption. This is roughly equivalent to half a teaspoon of powdered ginger or two teaspoons of fresh ginger. This dosage is often enough to help manage nausea and promote healthy gastric motility.
For adults, the maximum recommended daily intake amount of ginger is 3-4 grams. Pregnant women are advised not to consume more than 1g of ginger per day. Lastly, ginger isn’t recommended for toddlers under the age of 2.
Are there any side effects of ginger?
While ginger is mostly considered a safe and natural remedy, it can have a few minor adverse effects in some users like:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Heartburn
- Gas
Additionally, there are a few concerns that ginger may interact with certain drugs like anticoagulants. Therefore, it’s always best to speak with your doctor about how ginger may cross-react with the drugs you take before adding it to your diet.
What other steps can you take for IBS?
There are many dietary and lifestyle changes other than taking ginger that you can adopt for alleviating IBS symptoms.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms and what you find practical, you can try a few of the following methods to help manage your IBS symptoms at home.
- Try avoiding trigger foods: It’s always a good idea to steer clear of foods that trigger your IBS symptoms. Some of the most common foods that can set off your symptoms include dairy, alcohol, chocolate, and vegetables like beans or broccoli.
- Curb caffeine: Caffeine-containing products like coffee are known to stimulate your entire digestive system and can worsen IBS-associated diarrhea.
- Be more physically active: Physical activity and exercise can reduce your IBS symptoms by reducing stress, improving sleep, and promoting healthy bowel movements.
- Manage stress: Many individuals with IBS have a flare-up of symptoms during high-stress periods. De-stressing and keeping your stress levels in check by incorporating meditation and yoga into your daily routine may help your IBS.
- Take smaller meals: Eating smaller and more digestible meals can help reduce your symptoms by preventing overstimulation of your gut.
- Consume more probiotics: Although more research is needed to understand the effectiveness of probiotics for improving IBS symptoms, some studies have suggested that probiotic supplements can be helpful.
- Restrict your intake of spicy and fried foods: Deep-fried and spicy meals may irritate your gut’s sensitive lining and can make symptoms of IBS worse.
- Follow low-FODMAP or Paleo diets: FODMAP stands for fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols. Diets that restrict the intake of these sugars — like the low-FODMAP and Paleo diets — have been found to be effective in reducing IBS symptoms.
Medically Reviewed by Onikepe Adegbola, MD PhD
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FAQs
How much ginger should I take for IBS? ›
It may be worth taking 1 or 2 grams of ginger per day to see whether it helps you manage your IBS. If your IBS symptoms worsen, change, or disrupt your daily life, it's a good idea to see a doctor to discuss further treatment plans.
Does ginger help irritable bowel syndrome? ›Previous studies have shown that ginger effectively treats gastrointestinal symptoms, has antiemetic as well as pain relieving effects, and is one of the most widely used herbal medicines by IBS patients1, 2, 4–7. These observations suggest a role of ginger in the treatment of IBS.
Is ginger good for bowel problems? ›Eating ginger can cut down on fermentation, constipation and other causes of bloating and intestinal gas.
What is the best herb for irritable bowel syndrome? ›Peppermint Oil: is the first herb to be approved by the American College of Gastroenterology for treating IBS. Peppermint oil is thought to relax the muscles of the gut to improve motility (the passage of food through the gut). Studies show the herb is more effective than antispasmodic medication.
Can too much ginger cause bowel problems? ›Digestive effects
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) note that ginger may cause: abdominal pain, or stomachache. gas and bloating. diarrhea.
How much ginger should you take daily? Ginger is safe to eat daily, but experts recommend limiting yourself to 3 to 4 grams a day — stick to 1 gram daily if you're pregnant. Taking more than 6 grams of ginger a day has been proven to cause gastrointestinal issues such as reflux, heartburn and diarrhea.
Is ginger or peppermint better for IBS? ›One study shows that peppermint reduces the severity of IBS pain. ¹ It's antispasmodic and works by relaxing painful stomach cramps. While it works best in capsule form, taking it as a tea can also be beneficial. Ginger tea provides a quick and efficient remedy for nausea.
How can I cure my IBS naturally? ›- A Specialized Diet Might Be Enough. ...
- Psyllium Powder for Added Fiber. ...
- L-Glutamine to Aid in the Function of Intestinal Tissue. ...
- Acupuncture to Treat Chronic Pain. ...
- Mindfulness for Stress Relief. ...
- Yoga Brings IBS Symptom Relief. ...
- Try Peppermint Oil to Help With Gas and Bloating.
Research increasingly points to the value of ginger as a natural diarrhea remedy. Herbal practitioners have long used ginger to prevent muscle spasms. This property of ginger can reduce the frequency of urges to have a bowel movement, and can ease the pain of diarrhea.
How much ginger should I take daily for inflammation? ›Experts say that consuming up to 4 g of ginger a day may help manage pain and inflammation and is likely safe. A person might consume ginger in foods and drinks, take ginger capsules, or use a cream that contains it.
What's the best way to eat ginger? ›
Chop or grate it into sauces, salad dressings, or right on top of your salad, poultry or seafood. Snack on candied ginger or make it part of your dessert. Use pickled ginger as a condiment. Drink freshly brewed tea steeped along with a thumbnail piece of chopped ginger daily.
How do I stop IBS ASAP? ›- Try an OTC supplement. When it comes to quick relief from IBS symptoms, targeted over-the-counter supplements may help. ...
- Apply a heating pad. ...
- Brew a cup of tea. ...
- Eat light, healthy foods. ...
- Try meditation or deep breathing exercises. ...
- Go for a walk. ...
- Give hypnotherapy a try.
You can ease your IBS symptoms by eating a balanced diet that is low in FODMAPs and saturated fat. These include lean meats, eggs, fatty fish, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fruits that are lower in sugar. Fermented foods may also be good for the gut flora in you have IBS. National Institutes of Health.
Can ginger make your stomach worse? ›Upset stomach
Ginger tends to stimulate the secretion of bile, which aids in digestion. But, on an empty stomach, it causes digestive distress and an upset stomach. The gingerol that is present in ginger irritates the stomach lining, by making it produce more acid. Thus, there will be abdominal distress.
Ginger has powerful components that lower blood sugar levels and prevent heart disease. Eating ginger every day can regulate the production of insulin in patients with diabetes. Due to the cholesterol-lowering abilities in ginger, it prevents heart-related diseases and strokes.
How to use ginger for gut health? ›Ginger offers many wonderful digestion-promoting properties, and is especially helpful for those who experience constipation. To consume it before a meal, slice a 2-inch piece of fresh ginger into long, thin strips and place in jar. Cover with lime juice (optional) and Himalayan rock salt to marinate.
Does ginger heal the stomach? ›Fortunately, ginger can be a helpful and natural remedy to ease that upset stomach. How? Ginger is believed to speed up the movement of food through the GI tract, while also protecting the gut. It may also ease bloating, cramping, and gas.
Can ginger heal stomach lining? ›Ginger is also used as home remedy and is of immense value in treating various gastric ailments like constipation, dyspepsia, belching, bloating, gastritis, epigastric discomfort, gastric ulcerations, indigestion, nausea and vomiting and scientific studies have validated the ethnomedicinal uses.
Does ginger affect gut bacteria? ›Ginger has been shown to modulate the composition of gut microbiota. Studies investigating treatments for antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) have shown that ginger significantly improved the diversity of gut microbiota, which accelerated overall microbiome recovery.
What tea calms your intestines? ›Chamomile tea is light, flavorful, and often considered one of the most soothing types of tea. It's often used to relax your digestive muscles and treat issues like gas, indigestion, motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Is oatmeal good for IBS? ›
Certain grains: Gluten-free oatmeal and brown rice are usually well-received by people with IBS and provide soluble fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements.
Is cinnamon good for IBS? ›IBS Relief: IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating and constipation. Cinnamon can effectively kill the bacteria and infections that are a common culprit to those with IBS. On top of that, it can even reduce gas caused by IBS!
How do I get my IBS back to normal? ›- Keep stress levels low. ...
- Try progressive relaxation. ...
- Go to counseling. ...
- Eat more fiber. ...
- Stay away from known trigger foods. ...
- Drink plenty of fluids. ...
- Be aware that some medications can trigger IBS. ...
- Be aware that menstruation can cause worsened symptoms.
Fermented products are thought to be good news for digestive issues, and apple cider vinegar is becoming increasingly popular in treating IBS symptoms. Mix drops of apple cider vinegar with water and honey (it's too harsh to take on its own!) or add a few drops to your herbal tea or fruit juice.
What triggers irritable bowel syndrome? ›What causes irritable bowel syndrome? While the exact cause of IBS is not clear, some common IBS triggers include diet, stress, infection and medicines. You may find that some foods make your symptoms worse, but these 'trigger foods' differ from one person to the next.
Does lemon water help IBS? ›Lemon water for your digestion
Lemon contains citric acid, which has shown to increase gastric acid secretion in the stomach, and these fluids help your body break down and digest what you eat. However, drinking citrus-based drinks may not be suitable if you suffer from digestive issues like IBS.
Fruits lower in fructose, such as berries, citrus and bananas, may be a better choice for people with IBS.
What are the worst foods for IBS? ›- Cow's Milk and Dairy. Heavy cream, cheese, ice cream, and other dairy products contain lactose, a sugar in cow's milk. ...
- Cruciferous Vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower contain a type of sugar called raffinose. ...
- Beans. ...
- Fried Foods. ...
- Caffeine. ...
- Alcohol. ...
- Fatty Fish. ...
- Probiotics.
It can cause mild side effects including heartburn, diarrhea, burping, and general stomach discomfort. Taking higher doses of 5 grams daily increases the risk for side effects.
What are the side effects of eating ginger? ›Ginger can have side effects such as abdominal discomfort, heartburn, diarrhea, and mouth and throat irritation, especially if taken in large doses. Some studies of the use of ginger during pregnancy suggest it is safe, but the evidence is not conclusive.
How quickly does ginger work for inflammation? ›
Ginger was shown to reduce inflammation when taken in high doses for four weeks.
Is ginger better than turmeric for inflammation? ›Ginger and turmeric both have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that daily consumption of ginger can reduce inflammation in osteoarthritis patients. Turmeric, on the other hand, has been found to be as effective as common anti-inflammatory medicines like aspirin or ibuprofen.
Are ginger capsules better than fresh ginger? ›While many forms of ginger boast health benefits, Dr. Lee says capsules provide better benefits than other forms. She advises people to look for brands that use “super-critical extraction,” because it results in the purest ginger and will provide the greatest effect. She also suggests taking ginger capsules with food.
Is it better to chew or swallow ginger? ›It's okay to swallow the root as it turns to pulp, or you can spit it out if the pulp irritates you. Chew on a piece of ginger root two to three times per day for relief. This is the most intense way to take ginger due to the herb's spicy heat.
Can I put ginger in my Virginia? ›The antimicrobial properties of ginger are just what you need to promote a healthy gut, a healthy vagina, and ward off any vaginal infections, keeping Miss Vayjayjay smelling au-naturel! This citrusy wonder is rich in vitamin C and acidic in nature.
Is it OK to chew raw ginger? ›Raw ginger is a wonderful ingredient that's both healthy and delicious! You can add raw ginger to some of your favorite recipes to give them a bit of spice. Ginger is great in soup, main dishes like stir-fry, and even in dessert. You can also chew on raw ginger or make a tea from it to help with certain health issues.
How do I reset my digestive system with IBS? ›Eat fermented foods.
Include plenty of probiotic-rich foods like kimchi, kombucha, miso, or sauerkraut. Sometimes, you can also eat yogurt if you are not allergic to dairy. Try unsweetened sheep or goat yogurt. These are all foods that help your gut flora get and stay healthy.
Nope, peanut butter does not trigger symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). In fact, research shows it is one of the types of foods that individuals with IBS can tolerate.
Is salad good for IBS? ›Salads and IBS
As many of you know, salads are a nutritious powerhouse chock full of antioxidants, healthy fats, and lean proteins. They are also a great source of fiber, a nutrient that is essential to gut health whether you have IBS-C, IBS- D, or IBS-M.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved tenapanor (Ibsrela)—a 50 mg, twice daily oral pill—for the treatment of individuals with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C), according to a press release issued by its manufacturer, Ardelyx.
What can I take daily for IBS? ›
- Alosetron (Lotronex). Alosetron is designed to relax the colon and slow the movement of waste through the lower bowel. ...
- Eluxadoline (Viberzi). ...
- Rifaximin (Xifaxan). ...
- Lubiprostone (Amitiza). ...
- Linaclotide (Linzess).
Most probiotics used in IBS treatment fall under two main groups: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These probiotics are thought to assist the digestive system. Among other functions, they may strengthen the intestinal barrier, assist the immune system in removing harmful bacteria, and break down nutrients.
How do I get rid of IBS once and for all? ›There's no cure, but diet changes and medicines can often help control the symptoms. The exact cause is unknown – it's been linked to things like food passing through your gut too quickly or too slowly, oversensitive nerves in your gut, stress and a family history of IBS.
How much ginger to eat to reduce inflammation? ›Experts say that consuming up to 4 g of ginger a day may help manage pain and inflammation and is likely safe. A person might consume ginger in foods and drinks, take ginger capsules, or use a cream that contains it.
How much ginger do I need for gut motility? ›Ginger has been shown to affect the enzymes trypsin and pancreatic lipase during digestion to speed up motility and emptying of the stomach. This can help prevent against constipation, gas, bloating, and indigestion. One study showed that 1.2 grams of ginger powder before a meal increased stomach emptying by 50%!
Is ginger good for intestinal inflammation? ›Ginger has antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcer effects, and has also been used for many years throughout the world to treat vomiting, diarrhea, and infections [65].
What happens to your body when you eat ginger every day for a month? ›Ginger has powerful components that lower blood sugar levels and prevent heart disease. Eating ginger every day can regulate the production of insulin in patients with diabetes. Due to the cholesterol-lowering abilities in ginger, it prevents heart-related diseases and strokes.
What is the healthiest way to consume ginger? ›Many of ginger's vitamins and minerals are heat-sensitive. Accordingly, eating ginger raw is the best way to get the most out of it. Gingerol, the nutritious and spicy compound found in the root, is highly concentrated in its raw form.
When is the best time to eat ginger for digestion? ›Ginger soothes an upset stomach and will do so more efficiently if you take it before a meal. Your body processes and absorbs the nutrients of food in the order they are ingested.
How long does it take for ginger to reduce inflammation? ›Ginger was shown to reduce inflammation when taken in high doses for four weeks. Researchers in one 2010 study found that ginger was an effective pain reliever for human muscle pain resulting from an exercise-induced injury.
What foods soothe inflamed intestines? ›
- Diluted juices.
- Applesauce.
- Canned fruit.
- Oatmeal.
- Plain chicken, turkey or fish.
- Cooked eggs or egg substitutes.
- Mashed potatoes, rice or noodles.
- Bread – sourdough or white.
- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet. Share on Pinterest. ...
- Try an elimination diet. ...
- Reduce your stress levels. ...
- Take probiotics. ...
- Ensure you're getting the right amount of nutrients. ...
- 5 of the Most Anti-Inflammatory Foods You Can Eat.