Small amounts of ginger may help reduce acid reflux in some people, but more research is needed. Ginger is available in powder, capsule, oil, or tea form. You can also add fresh ginger to food.
While over-the-counter (OTC) medications and lifestyle changes can help you manage acid reflux, some natural remedies, like ginger, may also help ease symptoms.
Ginger is a central ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine. In small doses, its components may have an anti-inflammatory effect on the digestive tract.
But too much ginger can cause stomach upset and other digestive symptoms.
Keep reading to learn about the potential benefits of taking ginger for acid reflux and when to get help from a doctor.
Ginger is rich in chemicals and antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds. These may provide health benefits, such as reducing inflammation associated with acid reflux.
Plus, ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties
Small doses of ginger
Ginger may also support faster gastric emptying. This refers to the movement of food from your stomach to the rest of your digestive tract.
Once food passes from your stomach to your small intestine, your stomach no longer needs to produce acid to digest it. So faster gastric emptying may reduce the likelihood of acid regurgitation, which is when stomach acid flows up into the esophagus.
Ginger may also have
- nausea
- bloating
- feelings of fullness
- epigastric pain (pain in the upper abdominal area)
Ginger
Not much research supports using ginger alone as a treatment for acid reflux. It is not likely to be as effective as OTC or prescription medications. But it may help when used along with other treatments or for mild and occasional symptoms.
A 2023 review of research suggests that ginger
Yet scientists have not specifically studied ginger’s effects on acid production in relation to acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
One study from 2023 suggests that ginger
- heartburn
- early fullness
- nausea
Additional research is still needed to better understand ginger’s effect on acid reflux and acid production.
To use fresh ginger for acid reflux, start by peeling the ginger root. Then, you can grate, slice, dice, or shave the ginger. You can consume it:
- raw
- as ginger tea, after steeping it in boiling water for 15 minutes
- as a ginger shot
- in dishes such as soups, stir-fries, or sauces
- pickled
You can also buy ginger as a powder, supplement, oil, or tea. That said, it’s best to talk with a doctor before consuming ginger supplements regularly. This is because some supplements can interact with other medications you may be taking or cause side effects.
If you have acid reflux, sipping small amounts of liquid, including ginger or chamomile tea, may help you feel better.
Ginger is
Possible side effects can include:
- digestive discomfort
- gas or bloating
- diarrhea
If home remedies, including ginger, do not relieve your acid reflux symptoms, consider talking with a doctor.
If your symptoms are mild and occasional, you can try OTC medications for acid reflux.
If your acid reflux symptoms are severe or chronic, a doctor may recommend a test to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as GERD or a hiatal hernia.
If you have GERD, they may recommend prescription medications to manage your symptoms and prevent complications, like damage to the esophagus. In some cases, doctors may recommend surgery to repair a part of the esophagus.
Small doses of ginger may be a safe, effective remedy for acid reflux. But like many alternative treatments, more research is needed to determine ginger’s effectiveness for acid reflux.
If you do choose to try ginger, be sure to let your doctor know. They can offer more guidance and make sure it won’t interact with any medications you may be taking. Your doctor can also help if your reflux has become severe by recommending treatment options.
