Is ginger good for kidneys

There is some evidence that ginger helps in removing kidney stones.

Ginger, a widely common spice, is used throughout the world. It is used as a condiment in many Asian dishes and it is widely used in making vegetables, candy, soda, pickles, and alcoholic beverages. Most importantly, Ginger has anti-inflammatory effects, and improves digestive function.

Some facts about ginger

Asian cuisines often use Ginger. It has a peppery, warm flavor and is easily available fresh, dried, powdered or as an oil. So ginger is a good source of minerals, including potassium, magnesium and zinc. Ginger also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Nutrients in Ginger

These values are according to 100g (Grams) of ginger.

Name	Amount	Unit
Water	78.9	Grams
Energy	333	KJ
Protein	1.82	Grams
Fat (Total lipid)	0.75	Gram
Carbohydrates	17.8	Grams
Digestible Fiber	2	Grams
Sugar	1.7	Grams
Calcium	16	Milligrams
Magnesium	43	Milligrams
Phosphorus	34	Milligrams
Potassium	415	Milligrams
Sodium	13	Milligrams

As we can see from this ginger nutrients table that ginger has major portion of water and carbohydrates. So as a known fact water itself is key to removal of kidney stones. Hence Water, Carbohydrates and Fiber in ginger improve digestion system of body if consumed regularly.

Consumable Forms of Ginger

• Raw (Fresh Ginger Root)
• Powdered (Dried)
• Ginger Pickle

Raw (Fresh Ginger)

Fresh ginger or ginger root is readily available in supermarkets and grocery stores, mostly in vegetable’s section. By the way It is root of actual ginger plant.

Powdered (Dried Ginger)

Dried commercially and processed up to some extent to preserve it. And available in supermarkets or grocery stores you can get it from spice aisle. Mostly used in cooking and BBQ.

Ginger Pickle

Health Benefits of Ginger usage

Ginger is natural kick ass immunity builder as a result it improves digestion system and helps in removal of abdominal gases. Mean while it helps stomach to function properly.

Ginger also helps to improving one’s memory. And due to high in energy also makes it good booster for libido.

Following is a list of researched effect of ginger on human body and animals e.g. Rats & Dogs.

• Joint Inflammation

One of the benefits of ginger is that it can help decrease inflammation, swelling, and pain. The dried ginger extract and the dried gingerol-enriched extract were both found to have analgesic and potent anti-inflammatory effects.

Studies in animals suggest that gingerol may also increase heat production, oxygen consumption, and lactate efflux.

• High Cholesterol
• Cancer
• Kidney Stones
• GI distress, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Since ginger and its metabolites tend to accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract, it makes sense that the plant would have many effects in this area – a conclusion supported by centuries of anecdotal evidence.

Due to therapeutic and preventive effects of ginger it has been used traditionally to treat a wide range of conditions, from the common cold to cancer. But much of the purported benefits of ginger lack scientific evidence to support them.

Is Ginger Good for Kidney Stones?

There is some evidence that ginger may have beneficial effects on the kidneys. And a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that ginger extract may help protect the kidneys from damage caused by

toxins. Also another study published in the journal at “Planta Medica” found that ginger may help improve kidney function in people with chronic kidney disease.

A study published at NIH website:

Supplementing ginger before ischemia/reperfusion resulted in a higher total antioxidant capacity (normalized glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities) and lower total oxidant (lower tissue malondialdehyde, NO, and protein carbon contents) status levels in rats compared to rats who were not supplemented with ginger. About Five Percent Rats experienced less kidney damage which were feed ginger, due to oxidative stress induced by ischemia/reperfusion.

Study taken from NIH website.

To confirm these findings that “is ginger good for kidneys” we need more research.

People with chronic kidney diseases should consume ginger in moderation. Mean while Ginger is considered safe when consumed in moderation.

Does ginger help fight diabetes?

There is limited evidence that ginger can help fight diabetes. But some small studies have suggested that consuming ginger may help improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. However, there is not enough evidence to know if ginger is really effective at preventing or managing diabetes.

What are side effects of Ginger?

Side effects of ginger are nominal and depend on the individual’s tolerance to ginger. Most common side effects of ginger are:

• Skin irritation, such as redness, swelling, and itching
• Headache.
• Heartburn, drowsiness.
• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) should avoid ginger because it can aggravate the condition.
• Heavy or regular use of ginger can cause high blood pressure. So patients with high blood pressure should avoid using of ginger.
• Patients on blood thinning medication also should avoid it normally.

How to use Ginger?

Ginger can be used in different forms, fresh raw, cooked or pickled. Based on these forms following are few of methods in which ginger can be consumed.

• Ginger Tea
• Cooked Ginger

How to make Ginger Tea for Kidney stone removal?

Best ginger tea is made from fresh ginger roots. Ginger Tea requires minimum ingredients and can be prepared in 5-10 minutes.

Required Ingredients are:

• Normal drinkable tap Water 2 cups
• 20 grams of Pealed ginger. wash sliced or diced according to your preference.
• Optional Honey or Sugar to taste.
• Optional few leafs of Mint if also have digestion problem.

Steps to make Ginger Tea:

• Add ginger slices to water.
• To make it taste better add few Mint leafs.
• Boil water on medium heat slightly covered with lid.
• Boil water until it is reduced to half or 1 cup.
• Let it cool down.
• Add Honey or sugar to your taste.

Conclusion

One study showed that rats who were given ginger extract had less kidney damage and better kidney function than rats who were not given ginger extract. Same time another study showed that ginger extract helped protect the kidneys from damage caused by diabetes. Also a study in humans found that ginger extract helped improve kidney function.

“Is Ginger good for Kidneys?” Yes, it is good for kidneys while, further research may revel other benefits.

Summing up ginger is also considered safe when consumed in moderation.