Ginger's Magic: What It Does for Your Health
Ginger has been known for its healing properties in China for more than 2,500 years and has played an important role in Chinese, Indian, and Japanese traditional medicine since the 1500s. This sweet-smelling spice isn’t just a delightful addition to your tea or stir-fry; it also has numerous health benefits. Both traditional and modern medicines recognise ginger as an excellent remedy, especially for nausea and vomiting. Most studies on ginger's effectiveness have focused on dietary supplements rather than food, showing that ginger can effectively treat mild pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. But that's not all. Ginger is a powerful plant that may also be used as an anti-inflammatory to relieve joint pain and stiffness
The Impact of Arthritis on Your Joints
Arthritis is a condition that damages your joints, the places where two bones meet. As we age, it's natural for some joints to wear down, and many people develop arthritis from this normal wear and tear. Injuries that damage a joint can also lead to arthritis.
Arthritis involves swelling and tenderness in one or more joints. The main symptoms are joint pain and stiffness, which usually worsen with age. If you have arthritis, you know how painful and debilitating it can be. This condition affects the joints, causing pain and swelling, and some types can even lead to long-term damage to bones and cartilage.
Types of Arthritis
Arthritis is a term used to describe various conditions that cause pain and stiffness in your joints and the tissues around them
Osteoarthritis: The most common type, usually caused by joint wear and tear. It's more prevalent among older adults.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks healthy cells. It typically affects multiple joints, causing swelling, pain, and stiffness.
Gout: Caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body, leading to crystal formation in the joints. It often affects the big toe but can occur in other joints as well.
Ginger and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Is It Worth Trying? What the Research Says
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system can trigger inflammation in one or more joints. Normally, inflammation helps your body fight infections by sending extra fluid and blood to the affected area. For example, if you have an infected cut, the surrounding skin may become swollen and change colour due to this immune response.
However, with rheumatoid arthritis, this inflammation is unnecessary and causes significant problems. When the inflammation subsides, the capsule around the synovium remains stretched, leading to joint instability and unusual joint positions. Effectively managing rheumatoid arthritis involves reducing chronic inflammation to prevent joint damage and maintain joint stability.
Ginger supplements might be a game-changer for people with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have shown that ginger extract can protect cartilage cells and prevent collagen breakdown, which is crucial for healthy joints. Additionally, ginger's anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate pain and inflammation related to arthritis, making it a valuable natural remedy for those seeking relief from these chronic conditions.
A recent study published in May 2024 in JCI Insight explored how ginger affects white blood cells called neutrophils, focusing on NETosis, a process that plays a significant role in inflammation. Neutrophils usually help fight infections by forming NETs (neutrophil extracellular traps) to catch and kill bacteria. However, in autoimmune diseases, these NETs can cause excessive inflammation.
The study found that ginger makes neutrophils less likely to form these troublesome NETs. This is great news because it means ginger can help reduce inflammation and the risk of clotting associated with autoimmune diseases like lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.
"There are many diseases where neutrophils are too active. We found that ginger can help calm them down, which is important because it's a natural supplement that might help treat inflammation and symptoms for people with different autoimmune diseases," says Dr Kristen Demoruelle from the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
How Clinical Research Impacts Health for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
In a clinical trial, healthy volunteers took a daily ginger supplement (20 mg of gingerols) for seven days. Researchers found that this boosted a chemical called cAMP inside the neutrophils. Higher cAMP levels helped stop NETosis, demonstrating that ginger can significantly control inflammation.
"Our research shows for the first time how ginger can reduce inflammation in people," said Dr Jason Knight from the University of Michigan. This study provides solid evidence that ginger can be a helpful addition to your treatment plan if you have an inflammatory condition.
Many people with inflammatory conditions often ask their healthcare providers about the benefits of natural supplements like ginger. While some already use ginger supplements to manage their symptoms, the exact impact on their conditions is still not well understood. The researchers hope that by providing more evidence about ginger's benefits, especially how it affects neutrophils, healthcare providers and patients can have more informed discussions about including ginger supplements in their treatment plans.
"There aren't many natural supplements or even prescription medications that can effectively calm overactive neutrophils. We believe ginger has the potential to complement existing treatment programmes," says Dr Knight. "Our goal is to make treatments more strategic and personalised to help relieve people's symptoms."
Whether you're dealing with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions, Sona Ginger Max could be an excellent addition to your health regimen. These capsules provide a potent dose of ginger's beneficial compounds, making it easier to take advantage of its anti-inflammatory properties.
References
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/09/230922141250.htm
https://caringmedical.com/prolotherapy-news/ginger-joint-pain-research-says-help/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319106#how-does-ginger-work