Can Chewing Ginger Relieve Bloating?

Bloating occurs when gas builds up in your stomach and intestines. Besides the unsightly distension of your abdominal area, bloating can also be accompanied by abdominal cramps and pain. Several factors can lead to gas and bloating, such as stress, smoking, eating fatty foods, suddenly increasing your intake of fiber, or a health problem such as irritable bowel syndrome or a food intolerance. Chewing ginger is a natural way to relieve bloating. However, you should speak to your doctor before taking ginger for this purpose if you have a medical condition.

How Ginger Relieves Bloating

Ginger has been used as a digestive aid by several cultures for thousands of years, according to James A. Duke, the former head of the USDA’s Medicinal Research Laboratory and author of “The Green Pharmacy Guide to Healing Foods.” It removes gas from your digestive tract that causes bloating and settles the intestines to help quell the flatulence that often accompanies bloating. In a rat-model study published in the journal “Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology” in 2001, researchers from India found that ginger had the potential to improve bloating and abdominal discomfort that can accompany various gastrointestinal illnesses.

Dosage

Chewing raw ginger, which has many beneficial nutrients and is low in sugar, is an effective way to relieve bloating. For gas and other digestive problems, such as bloating, use between 2 to 4 grams of fresh ginger root daily, recommends the University of Maryland Medical Center. The Center says that you can chew a ¼ ounce piece of fresh ginger as needed to relieve symptoms. However, do not consume more than 4 grams of ginger per day.

Considerations

Ginger has a strong, pungent taste, which might make it a bit difficult to tolerate. You might find it more palatable in tea form, which is also effective for gas and bloating. Also, although ginger is a commonly consumed herb, it can still cause a few side effects. For instance, in doses higher than 4 grams, ginger may lead to mild heartburn, stomach upset or belching. Also, speak to your doctor before chewing ginger for bloating if you have a blood-thinning disorder or you’re taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or warfarin.

Caution

Besides chewing ginger, you can also use bloating-blasting methods such as eating more slowly, gradually increasing fiber rather than suddenly, avoiding foods that trigger bloating and not smoking. If these home remedies do not work and you experience accompanying symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, fever, nausea or prolonged abdominal pain, seek medical attention as soon as possible.