Morning sickness is one of the most dreaded parts of pregnancy. Causing nausea, discomfort, and vomiting, this common pregnancy symptom is estimated to affect up to 90 per cent of pregnant women.
Although morning sickness is an expected part of pregnancy, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Superfood Ginger has been used as a stomach soother for millennia, helping to ease morning sickness, and even stop it completely. In this blog post, we explore exactly how it works, and how to make the most of this incredible superfood.
What causes morning sickness?
In early pregnancy, your hormones fluctuate dramatically. High levels of hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) flood the body, often causing nausea and vomiting. Other hormones like oestrogen and cortisol can also contribute to morning sickness. Luckily, however, this discomfort shouldn’t last your whole pregnancy. For most women, nausea eases once the placenta take over nourishing the baby, and hCG levels drop. This usually happens between about 14 and 16 weeks.
Ginger and morning sickness
Ginger is a well-known stomach soother. In cultures around the world, it is used to treat all kinds of stomach complaints, from stomach bugs and food poisoning to bloating and indigestion. So it should come as no surprise that this superfood is a super effective remedy for morning sickness too.
Ginger works to ease nausea by promoting the secretion of various digestive enzymes that help neutralise stomach acid. On top of that, it contains phenols – compounds that help the intestines move food and toxins through the intestinal tract.
In 2014, the effectiveness of Ginger as a treatment for morning sickness was proven in a placebo-controlled study of 1278 pregnant women. The researchers found that Ginger significantly improved the symptoms of nausea when compared to a placebo, making it a safe natural remedy for morning sickness.
How to take ginger for morning sickness
From soothing teas to nutritious soups, there are a whole load of ways to use Ginger to fend off morning sickness. Here are just a few ideas.
Ginger tea
Sipping Ginger tea is one of the best remedies for nausea. For a super stomach soothing tea, add ½ tsp Superfood World Organic Ginger Powder to a mug of boiling water and add a 1 teaspoon of honey. You can also add Superfood World Turmeric Powder & Cinnamon for that extra punch!
Carrot and Ginger soup
When you’re suffering from morning sickness, eating can feel like the last thing you want to do. So instead of forcing down big meals, try to eat little but often. For a nutritious meal that’s gentle on the stomach, this carrot and Ginger soup is just the ticket.
Ginger capsules
If the thought of eating turns your stomach, Ginger capsules might be the best option for you. Simply take one or two in the morning, or when you start to feel nauseous.
Ginger isn’t just an effective treatment for morning sickness. Its impressive nutritional credentials and unbeatable stomach soothing qualities make it an important natural treatment for all kinds of common illnesses. Find out more about the amazing health benefits of Ginger here.
Ginger Powder
Ginger Powder is the easiest and most effective way to incorporate Ginger into your daily regime. It can be used to make ginger tea, ginger soup and easily added to your favourite smoothies and recipes for that extra Zing!
