Ginger chews are bite-sized candies made from the root of the Zingiber officinale plant, created by concentrating the ginger extract and mixing it with sweeteners. This portable form allows users to access the herb’s properties, which have been used as a natural remedy in traditional Asian medicine for thousands of years. Ginger is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea capabilities, primarily benefiting digestive comfort.
Alleviating Motion Sickness and Nausea
The most recognized application for ginger chews is reducing feelings of nausea and quelling an upset stomach. Ginger’s anti-emetic action makes it a popular choice for mitigating motion sickness during car, sea, or air travel. Studies suggest that consuming ginger before travel can help reduce the intensity of motion-related queasiness.
Ginger chews are utilized by pregnant individuals to manage “morning sickness,” the nausea and vomiting experienced in the first trimester. The American Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology acknowledges ginger as an acceptable nonpharmaceutical option. While studies often use 1,000–1,500 mg of ginger daily, pregnant patients should consult a healthcare professional before consistent use.
Ginger has been investigated as a complementary therapy for severe forms of nausea. It has shown promise in reducing the severity of acute nausea experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Ginger may also help those recovering from surgery, offering a natural option to settle the stomach after an operation.
Supporting General Digestive Health
Distinct from its anti-nausea effects, ginger offers broader support for overall gastrointestinal function. The active compounds in the chews encourage better digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes and bile. This stimulation helps the body break down food more efficiently and supports nutrient absorption.
Ginger is also known for its carminative effect, which helps relieve uncomfortable symptoms like gas and bloating. By promoting smoother movement of food and gas through the intestines, ginger helps prevent excessive fermentation and constipation. This ability to accelerate gastric emptying is beneficial for general indigestion and feelings of upper abdominal fullness.
Understanding How Ginger Chews Work
The benefits of ginger chews are largely attributable to two main classes of compounds: gingerols and shogaols. Gingerols are the primary active components in fresh ginger, while shogaols are more concentrated in dried or cooked forms, such as those used in chews. These pungent principles work on multiple biological pathways to exert their effects.
Gingerols and shogaols interact with certain receptors in the gut and the brain, including the serotonergic 5-HT3 receptors, which are involved in the nausea reflex. By weakly inhibiting these receptors, ginger helps block the signals that trigger feelings of sickness. Furthermore, these compounds possess anti-inflammatory properties and a mild calcium-blocking effect that helps relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, easing cramping and supporting proper motility.
While ginger is considered safe for most people, consuming chews requires responsibility. Many ginger chews contain added sugar, so users should be mindful of their overall sugar intake. High doses of ginger, above 5 grams daily, may increase the risk of side effects like heartburn or diarrhea, or interact with blood-thinning medications.