Does pickled ginger help with bloating post meals?

Many people experience bloating post meals owing to eating too fast or having too much fibre in the meal. While prevention is always better, an age-old remedy that diet expert Simrat Kathuria swears by to deal with bloating is pickled ginger which can be made at home.

“This adrak ka achaar is super easy and quick. It is the perfect buddy to your food and is loaded with health benefits,” said Kathuria.

How to make pickled ginger?

Recipe

*Peel and julienne ginger.
*In a jar, add ginger, black salt, green chillies, and lemon juice.
*Shake the jar vigorously.
*Let the pickle rest.

When is it ready?

When the ginger is a little pink, it means the pickle is ready to eat, said Kathuria, adding, that it is perfect to consume this achaar during the winter.

Kathuria mentioned the following benefits of ginger 

*Ginger roots contain ingredients like Aryl alkanes that improve the appetite and enhance nutrient absorption

*Ginger has compounds that can reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, potentially alleviating bloating.

*Ginger promotes the production of digestive enzymes, helping to break down food and prevent gas buildup.

*It may help relax the muscles of the digestive system, reducing spasms and easing bloating.

How does the pickled ginger help?

Pickled ginger, like many pickled vegetables, is a low pH food that is high in good microbes, particularly, lactobacillus bacteria, which is recognised as a primary probiotic.

Sarika Kumari, dietician, HCL Healthcare shared the benefits:

*Eating pickled ginger every day alleviates symptoms of cold, cough, flu, joint pain, and indigestion.

*Contains bioactive compounds, such as gingerol, shogaols, and zingiberene which demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties thereby helping to reduce inflammation in the body and boost immunity.

*Used as a palate cleanser to refresh the tastebuds.

*It is low in calories, making it flavourful and a health-conscious addition to the meals.

How much to have?

• We can have 3-4 gm (1 teaspoon) per day, said Sarika

What happens if you have it every day?

It improves immunity and gut health, said Sarika.

However, one must consume it cautiously as eating it regularly may trigger the following symptoms in some individuals:

*Due to its high sodium content, it can affect high blood pressure and can be a risk factor for heart disease, said Sarika. Concurred Dr G Krishna Mohan Reddy, consultant physician and diabetologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, and shared that pickled ginger may contain a significant amount of salt due to the pickling process. “High sodium intake can be detrimental to individuals with hypertension or those monitoring their salt intake,” said Dr Reddy.

*Due to the acidic and spicy nature of this condiment, it may trigger acidity, bloating, and upset stomach, mentioned Sarika. Dr Reddy also noted that the acidity and chewy texture of pickled ginger may have implications for dental health. “Rinsing the mouth with water or consuming it in moderation can help minimise potential effects on tooth enamel,” said Dr Reddy. 

Another aspect to consider is people with allergies or sensitivities to ginger or other ingredients in pickled ginger should avoid it to prevent adverse reactions, added Dr Reddy. 

Some individuals may not enjoy the taste or find pickled ginger too strong. “Personal preferences play a role in whether someone will benefit from or be averse to consuming pickled ginger,” said Dr Reddy. 

Here’s how to have ginger (Source: Pixabay)

Kathuria also added that one needs proper diet and lifestyle changes along with this remedy. “Don’t stop any of your medication without consulting your doctor or dietitian,” said Kathuria.

 

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