How Ginger Can Work to Fight Pain

It is amazing to see how medicine can work with Mother Nature to derive the modern-day treatments we rely on for a good quality of life. In fact, several foods out there are still relied upon for their therapeutic benefits. Foods such as salmon, olive oil, leafy greens and ginger all have good nutritional qualities and anti-inflammatory properties that may boost your pain relief efforts. Ginger is particularly powerful, and can alleviate many different types of pain.

Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties can also provide relief to those suffering from joint pain caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, making it a natural and accessible option for pain management treatment.

What makes ginger effective?

The word “superfood” gets thrown around a lot in marketing, but ginger contains two active compounds that work together to fight inflammation. These are gingerols and shogaols, the latter being the more effective of the two and found primarily in dried ginger. The root is highly popular in Asian cuisines and many have found its use to be effective in fighting inflammation, osteoarthritis and rheumatism.

How ginger works to reduce muscle pain

Some studies have found ginger to be effective in reducing the intense muscle pain that comes from a good workout. They found that ginger can be effective in reducing the daily progression of pain and that it can also work to reduce soreness. The effects may not come about immediately; you might benefit from consuming 2 grams of ginger per day for at minimum of 11 days. Ginger can be added to teas as well as to soups, coffee or even hot chocolate! It is an excellent spice for beef, poultry, and fish like salmon, another food that is rich in omega-3s.

Anti-inflammatory properties ease Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is a degenerative type of arthritis. Arthritis is an umbrella term for conditions that cause inflammation of joints. Osteoarthritis develops when the layers of cartilage that support the joints erode due to aging.

Since ginger works to reduce inflammation, you may find relief by consuming ginger if you suffer from this disease. Researchers believe the anti-inflammatory effects are due to the ginger’s ability to inhibit leukotrienes, inflammatory mediators that play a key role in inflammatory diseases.

Ginger can relieve menstrual cramps

Mighty ginger has also been shown to work as effectively as over-the-counter pain relievers containing mefenamic acid and ibuprofen to relieve menstrual symptoms in a 2009 study, Comparison of effects of ginger, mefenamic acid, and ibuprofen on pain in women with primary dysmenorrhea. If you typically experience painful and discomforting symptoms during menstruation, it may help to include ginger in your diet in the days leading up to it and at the onset of your period for effective relief.

At Garden State Pain Control, we understand the complex nature of chronic pain. We utilize a variety of tests to get to the root cause of your pain and employ many modern techniques to get you the relief you deserve. A healthy diet can work wonders in conjunction with our efforts for effective pain management. Contact one of our New Jersey clinics near you to book an appointment.