Inflammation and the role of ginger
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is the natural response of your immune system to an irritant, for example bacteria, or a foreign object such as a splinter. It's designed to protect your body from harm and is not a problem in the short term. However, if the underlying issue isn’t resolved, and the inflammation becomes chronic, it can become a problem.
What's the problem with Inflammation?
Inflammation is often the root cause of many age-related diseases, including obesity and type 2 diabetes. In particular, it can cause the body to store more fat, especially in the belly area, and make managing weight harder. As we age, we have a greater chance of inflammation and can feel it's effects more harshly.
How to tackle Inflammation
The good news is that it’s totally possible to reduce inflammation with food and lifestyle changes. These include:
Fresh ginger is absolutely my go-to spice for tackling inflammation and one of the staples in my kitchen. There is a lot of evidence to show that ginger is anti-inflammatory and, in addition, it's very good for stomach issues, such as nausea, and can help calm reflux and bloating. For any stomach issue, sipping ginger tea can be really helpful. I use ginger pretty much daily, particularly as a herbal tea; it stops me drinking so much tea and coffee!
Inflammation is the natural response of your immune system to an irritant, for example bacteria, or a foreign object such as a splinter. It's designed to protect your body from harm and is not a problem in the short term. However, if the underlying issue isn’t resolved, and the inflammation becomes chronic, it can become a problem.
What's the problem with Inflammation?
Inflammation is often the root cause of many age-related diseases, including obesity and type 2 diabetes. In particular, it can cause the body to store more fat, especially in the belly area, and make managing weight harder. As we age, we have a greater chance of inflammation and can feel it's effects more harshly.
How to tackle Inflammation
The good news is that it’s totally possible to reduce inflammation with food and lifestyle changes. These include:
- Avoiding inflammatory foods i.e. ultra-processed foods such as white bread, cakes & pastries and eating whole natural foods such as whole grains, fruit and veg, good quality protein, etc.
- Including herbs and spices in your cooking e.g. ginger, garlic etc.
- Moving your body
- Prioritising sleep
Fresh ginger is absolutely my go-to spice for tackling inflammation and one of the staples in my kitchen. There is a lot of evidence to show that ginger is anti-inflammatory and, in addition, it's very good for stomach issues, such as nausea, and can help calm reflux and bloating. For any stomach issue, sipping ginger tea can be really helpful. I use ginger pretty much daily, particularly as a herbal tea; it stops me drinking so much tea and coffee!
- It can be sliced (2 -3 slices) and steeped in hot water (with a slice of lemon if desired) and drunk as a herbal tea
- It can be grated and added into stir-fries, stews, curries and soups
