One food that is often ignored and yet may bring relief to people with chronic heartburn, as well as constipation and other gastrointestinal problems such as nausea and seasickness, is ginger. That's right, the spice that's in gingerbread, gingersnaps, and other foods. Some studies from other countries indicate that ginger can be effective at enhancing peristalsis, the wavelike contractions that move food down the esophagus and into the stomach.
Ginger has many other beneficial properties. For example, it has been used for centuries to control nausea and vomiting, and is still recommended in mainstream medical literature to reduce the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.
Because ginger acts directly on the gastrointestinal system, you should avoid interactions with other medications.
Ginger is also used to decrease symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is available in powder, pressed juice, oil, and capsules. When taken for seasickness, the recommended dose for adults and children over age sic is 0.5 to 2g of ginger rhizome for a half hour before traveling and then 0.5 to 2g every four hours thereafter.
Ginger has also been studied for its impact on arthritic pain and even ulcers. For some people, ginger can alleviate diarrhea - or its opposite, constipation. It brings the system back into balance.
Ginger can be consumed in a tea or can be taken as a powder either before or after mealtimes. Do not assume that more is necessarily better.
Also, check with your doctor first before adding ginger to your dietary regimen! You may be taking other medications or may be suffering conditions that would make it inadvisable to try this.