2023-09-26 08:01:01
Ginger Shows Potential in Managing Autoimmune Diseases, Study Finds
Ginger has long been known for its medicinal properties, but its specific anti-inflammatory effects in humans have remained largely unexplored. However, a recent small study suggests that ginger could be effective in managing autoimmune diseases by halting the activity of white blood cells that cause inflammation.
Dr. Christine Demoruel, an associate professor of rheumatology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora and one of the senior authors of the study, explains that while ginger has been used as a home remedy for various ailments, there has been a lack of research on its effects in people with autoimmune diseases. However, the study now provides evidence of a specific pathway through which ginger exerts its anti-inflammatory effect, supporting the use of ginger supplements to reduce inflammation.
The study, published in the journal JCI Insight, involved conducting laboratory tests to evaluate the impact of ginger supplements on the immune system, particularly focusing on the activity of white blood cells called neutrophils. Neutrophils are vital in fighting infections, but their overactivity can lead to inflammation, which is the root cause of many autoimmune diseases.
In the study, mice with autoimmune diseases were given ginger supplements containing 6-gingerol, the antioxidant chemical in ginger, which resulted in reduced neutrophil hyperactivity. Similarly, when healthy human volunteers took ginger supplements for a week, their immune systems showed increased resistance to cellular processes that lead to neutrophil overactivity. The supplements also appeared to prevent neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, a process associated with inflammation in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, antiphospholipid syndrome, lupus, and even Covid-19.
However, the study’s findings should be interpreted with caution. Dr. Lawrence Tao, clinical professor and director of the Center for East-West Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, who was not involved in the study, emphasized that more research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of prescribing ginger supplements for autoimmune diseases. He also pointed out that ginger supplements may not be beneficial for all types of inflammation, and individuals should be cautious about potential interactions with medications and an increased risk of bleeding.
Dr. Samantha Heller, a clinical nutritionist at NYU Langone Health in New York City, who was also not involved in the study, suggests incorporating ginger into the diet as a safer approach. Cooking with ginger or adding it to dishes has been practiced for thousands of years due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-nausea properties. While further research is needed, including ginger in meals may provide some healing benefits.
In conclusion, ginger supplements show promise in managing autoimmune diseases by reducing inflammation. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen, as individual circumstances vary, and potential risks and interactions need to be considered. In the meantime, incorporating ginger into the diet through cooking and food preparation remains a safe and potentially beneficial option.]
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