Women's Health Doctor: Ginger For Weight Loss?

Dr. Nicole Sundene

Scottsdale Naturopathic Doctor

Ginger is one of the #1 best herbs for chronic pain. Check out my #1 Naturopathic Pain Doctor Recipe "Gingerberry Blaster." Don't forget to follow me below on Instagram as I don't always have time to blog about my latest Naturopathic Herbal Concoctions! Recent research shows that ginger is not only good for chronic pain but also weight loss! This explains why my patients drinking my Gingerberry Blaster recipe are reporting so much weight loss!

Ginger, also known as Zingiber officinale, is a medicinal herb used widely for its health benefits for centuries. The health benefits of Ginger are because of its active constituents mostly found in its rhizome/roots. Historically it was one of the first spices ever used, and also medicinally used to relieve nausea and vomiting.

Ginger is an important and essential herbal medicine used daily in chronic pain diets. Although the herb contains many bioactive compounds but phenolic compounds including shogaols, zingerone, quercetin, paradols, gingerenone-A, and gingerols (6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, and 10-gingerol) are of great importance.These herbal medicine compounds are mainly responsible for the medicinal effects of Ginger.

Other active constituents include Lipids, Polysaccharides, Terpenes (such as zingiberene beta-bisabolene, alpha-farnesene, and alpha-curcumene), Raw fibers, and Organic Acids. It has been reported that dried Ginger contains many of these active compounds compared to fresh and carbonized Ginger.

Health benefits of Ginger:

Medical research studies have reported the following health benefits of Ginger:

Antioxidant properties: 

The bioactive compounds in Ginger possess antioxidant activity that neutralizes and remove the free radical and toxins. Ginger relieves oxidative stress, stimulates several antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione and glutathione disulfide, and reduces free radicals and lipid peroxidation production. These free radicals can damage cellular activities and may result in the development of chronic medical conditions. The antioxidant action also helps to prevent liver and kidney damage.

Antimicrobial activity:

For years, Ginger has been studied to evaluate its antimicrobial effect against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. A study reported that Ginger prevents bacterial resistance and inhibits certain bacterial strains, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. 

Ginger targets cell membrane and damage its integrity and permeability. This action is beneficial in treating fungal infections caused by Fusarium verticillioides and Aspergillus flavus. It also helps to fight against viral infections by effectively blocking viral attachment and entering the host cell. It inhibits viruses' growth, including human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) that induce plaque formation in the respiratory tract.

Anti-inflammatory action:

Ginger is a #1 Naturopathic Rockstar Herb for pain because it also relieves inflammation by inhibiting different pathways and pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide, interleukin, prostaglandins, and tissue necrosis factors. It also increases the level of anti-inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and prevents intestinal inflammations. Medical studies showed that it improves digestive health by preventing the development of colitis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Cardio-, Neuro- and respiratory protective agent:

Ginger exhibits neuroprotective activity by supporting memory functions and protecting nerves via its anti-neuroinflammatory action. It helps to decrease the risk of neurodegeneration, especially in elders who are at high risk of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinsons. Ginger protects neuronal cells and improves Alzheimer's disease by scavenging free radicals, inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, and also by increasing the level of proteins at synaptic terminals.

Ginger is good for the Naturopathic Pain patient's long term health by supporting optimal cardiovascular health by reducing the level of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins in the blood. It improves blood supply, prevents the risk of atherosclerosis, inhibits the proliferation of vascular smooth muscles, and increases the level of high-density lipoproteins. Ginger also regulates high blood pressure via modulating angiotensin-1 converting enzyme (ACE) activity, preventing platelet aggregation, and inducing vasodilation.

Ginger supports the optimal functioning of the respiratory system and improves lung performance by exhibiting bronchodilatory effects. It helps to ease breathing and remove any airway resistance. It also prevents the risk of allergic asthma and coughing via its anti-inflammatory action.

Antiemetic activity:

Ginger can be helpful in treating gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, motion sickness, and vomiting. It shows antiemetic activity by inhibiting the transmission of emetic signals in vagal efferent neurons or inhibiting the activation of serotonin receptors, which has a crucial role in vomiting. Ginger may also help to relieve pregnancy, drugs, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Antidiabetic action:

Ginger prevents the development of diabetes by reducing the high glucose level in the blood. It regulates blood glucose levels by increasing insulin sensitivity and decreasing fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C).

Anticancer properties:

Ginger's bioactive compounds have been evaluated for its anticancer activity against cervical, prostate, colorectal, liver, pancreatic, and breast cancer. Different medical studies have reported that Ginger improves the symptoms of or prevent the development of these cancers by inhibiting the proliferation, reducing the abnormal cell division, and inducing apoptosis of cancerous cells.

Anti-Obesity activity:

Ginger shows anti-obesity activity by preventing the accumulation of fats in adipose tissues. It also helps to increase the metabolism and utilization of fatty acids and reduce body mass index with regular use in the diet.

Different medical studies have also reported that Ginger reduces the risk of steatohepatitis and liver damage. It can be used to improve allergic rhinitis by decreasing sneezing and nasal rubbing. Ginger may also be used to manage migraines and heavy menstrual bleeding by reducing blood loss.

Side effects:

Ginger usually doesn't cause any side effects; however, certain side effects can be rarely seen with Ginger's high dose. These side effects include gastrointestinal upset such as heartburn, stomach pain, gas, and mouth burning. It is recommended not to consume more than 4 grams per day.

Warnings:

GInger is generally considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, in pregnancy, breastfeeding, recent surgery, and certain medical conditions such as cardiovascular disorders, gallstones, and diabetes, it is advised to consult your Naturopathic Doctor before taking Ginger or any herbal medicine. Ginger generally only interacts with medicines that interfere with blood clotting due to its natural anti-coagulant properties. However, do not consume it concomitantly with Nifedipine, Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs, warfarin and cyclosporine.

Health benefits in short:

• Improve Cellular integrity
• Support Digestion
• Relieve inflammation (can help treat arthritis)
• Strengthen Immune system (Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant activity)
• Support Vital organ's function (Cardiovascular and Respiratory systems)
• Improve brain function/prevent neurodegeneration
• Control blood cholesterol and sugar level
• Help weight loss and motion sickness

Are you sick of being in constant pain? Tired of not feeling totally awesome? Then it is time to pop over to my appointment SCHEDULE page and treat yourself to a Naturopathic consultation immediately! We will work together as a team using Natural medicine and modern lab metrics to get you back on track and out of constant pain!

Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD

Holistic Pain Doctor

Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is considered a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety,  Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology, Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School at Bastyr University. With over 22 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones, she presents to women the best-integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease. She has been an Herbalist for over 27 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones, and Naturopathy!

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