Up to 80 percent of pregnant women are believed to experience morning sickness. It is one of the most common discomforts and although they do not put pregnancy at risk (in extreme cases of hyperemesis medical attention is required), they generate great anguish in women. They are more common during the first trimester of pregnancy (up to week 14 or 15), but in some cases they can affect for a longer time or even not stop until the day of delivery.
The doctor can prescribe medications – not without adverse effects – but there are also natural remedies that can help, such as ginger . But does it really work against morning sickness?
Ginger properties
Ginger is a herbaceous plant whose most commonly used part is its stem or rhizome, with brown skin and white pulp, with an intense citrus aroma and a somewhat spicy flavor.
It is a root with multiple properties, including anti-inflammatory and antiemetic properties (against nausea). The gingerols present in its stem act in the gastrointestinal tract reducing that unpleasant sensation in the stomach when you feel like vomiting.
In addition, it has powerful antioxidants, even with an effect superior to those present in garlic, and is a source of vitamins, among which vitamin E and the B complex stand out, especially folic acid, an essential vitamin in pregnancy. It also provides minerals such as selenium, potassium, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Ginger against nausea and vomiting
Several scientific studies carried out with pregnant women have analyzed the effects of ginger to relieve nausea during pregnancy and the results have been positive.
It has been observed that when ginger is consumed in amounts of 1 gram daily , nausea is significantly reduced in pregnant women.
A systematic review of studies published in 2014 suggests potential benefits of ginger for reducing nausea symptoms during pregnancy. However, they found that ginger did not significantly affect vomiting episodes.
Based on the evidence, ginger could be considered a harmless and possibly effective alternative option for women suffering from morning sickness.
No adverse effects were observed from the use of ginger during pregnancy, although the recommended dose should not be exceeded, since ginger can cause certain side effects such as heartburn, stomach irritability, bad breath or gas, according to Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.
How can i take ginger
You can add small grated ginger shavings to give flavor and aroma to different preparations. The most common is to take it in the form of an infusion or ginger lemonade, although it can also be added to the preparation of sweet or savory dishes.
- Ginger tea : cut two pieces the size of a coin or grate the ginger. Boil them in half a liter of water for a few minutes. Let stand five minutes and serve.
- Ginger lemonade: you can prepare a lemonade with 5 lemons, 400 ml of water, 100 g of sugar (or sweetener) and 10 ice cubes. Here the complete recipe for 4 people. Or you can combine it with other fruits like this pineapple lemonade with a hint of ginger
You can also make cookies with ginger and honey, or black ginger tea cake, as well as candied ginger to decorate or add to cakes or other sweet dishes.
You can also make hot and salty dishes with ginger, such as a turkey with orange and ginger, a cream of carrot and ginger, some spicy noodles with chicken, chili and ginger or a curry rice with cod and egg.
Photos | Angele J and Alexander Mils at Pexels
