Sexual HealthNew Study Proves Ginger Benefits Nausea Sufferers
For thousands of years ginger has been treasured for its reputed health benefits, in particular for treating digestive problems including nausea.
Until recently the evidence for treating nausea has been inconclusive, but a new double blind study conducted by US researchers with the University of Rochester Medical Centre and funded by the National Cancer Institute seems to have identified the crucial importance of consuming ginger 2-3 days before Chemotherapy treatment instead of just before which has been the case in other studies.
More than 600 people took part in the study. All had felt sick after previous cycles of chemotherapy and were scheduled to have at least three more cycles. Researchers gave them one of four treatments to take three days before chemotherapy and three days after: 0.5 grams of ginger, 1 gram of ginger, 1.5 grams of ginger, or a placebo. The treatments were given as capsules that looked and smelled similar. Participants were also given anti-vomiting drugs when they received their chemotherapy, which is standard practice.
Using a seven-point scale, people rated the severity of their nausea throughout the day. Overall, people who had ginger at any dose had less nausea after chemotherapy than those who had the placebo. Interestingly, those who had the smallest daily doses of between 0.5 grams to 1 gram had the biggest improvement - their nausea was 40 percent less severe than those having the placebo.
One of the important factors in the success of chemotherapy treatment is the patient"s ability to continue the treatment to the end which is often stopped due to the severe nausea caused by the powerful and toxic drugs.
It has also been reported Cancer patients require up to 20% more protein while undergoing Chemotherapy which is unlikely to be achieved if the patient is feeling nauseous.
The Ginger People based in California have been producing high quality ginger products for over 15 years and have extolled its virtues for a wide variety of digestive conditions.
Mark McCarty from World Foods Brand Management who distributes the Ginger People commented "This is fantastic news for Ginger which has always been accepted a valuable digestive aid and safe anti nausea treatment. Importantly this trial has discovered the importance of consuming it 3 days before you require its beneficial effect"
The Ginger people sweets are available in various formats and provide between 8 - 30% fresh Ginger with each of the original chews providing just under 0.5gms of Ginger.
The Ginger people chews can be found at Holland & Barrett, Julian Graves and Health stores priced from ÷£1.09 - ÷£1.95.
University of Rochester Medical Centre