A doctor has shared the benefits of taking a shot a day of a ‘superfood’ drink to lower your chances of falling ill this cold and flu season. With Brits told that UK flu cases have quadrupled as the NHS battles a winter quad-demic of covid, flu, norovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), looking after your health and doing all you can to avoid catching an illness is a top priority.
Dr Eric Berg, DC, says boosting your immune system is key to reducing your likelihood of contracting one of these illnesses. One of the top natural remedies to consider is taking ginger shots.
The healthy keto and intermittent fasting health expert says: “Ginger shots are small amounts of fresh ginger juice extracted from raw ginger root. They are an incredibly rich source of gingerol, a health-promoting phenolic compound that profoundly benefits human health.
“Ginger shots are often used as a natural remedy to boost immunity and lower your risk of microbial infections. Research suggests that regularly consuming ginger promotes digestive and cardiovascular health, helps to ease nausea, and may support weight loss.”
Dr Berg recommends taking a daily shot of ginger during cold and flu season, as it may help lower your risk of respiratory tract infections. Gingerol has potent antibacterial and antiviral properties that support immune function. A laboratory study using test tubes revealed that fresh ginger exhibited antiviral properties against RSV.
Ginger contains bioactive compounds that can reduce inflammation and strengthen your immune system
He added: “Studies have shown gingerol effectively inhibits the growth of bacteria and the proliferation of viruses, significantly lowering the risk of microbial infections. Additionally, gingerol’s anti-inflammatory effects stimulate immune cell activity, boosting your body’s capacity to combat infections and lowering your risk of developing inflammatory conditions, including asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.”
Besides gingerol, ginger is also packed full of phytochemicals called shogaols, and zingerone, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The health expert says: “Regularly consuming ginger shots rich in anti-inflammatory phytochemicals supports your body’s immune defences and helps to naturally lower the production of inflammatory compounds that can perpetuate inflammation.
“Gingerol’s antioxidant effects can protect your cells from harmful free radicals, a group of metabolic by-products that can cause DNA damage and cellular inflammation. This may explain why ginger consumption is linked to a lower risk of developing cancer.”
How to make your own ginger shots
To make ginger shots, Dr Berg recommends combining 280g of fresh peeled ginger root with one cup of filtered water and half a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice in a high-powered blender. To make the drink more palatable, you can blend the shots with other ingredients, including more water and lemon juice.
Or you could add turmeric, honey, cayenne pepper or apple cider vinegar. If you make your own ginger shots, you can freeze them for up to three months. Also, research indicates that fresh ginger is more effective than dried ginger.
You can buy ginger shots at most supermarkets. However, they can often be quite expensive and contain high amounts of sugar and syrups to mask gingerol’s strong flavour.
Potential side effects
Ginger is typically considered safe, and taking a daily ginger shot is not likely to have negative health effects for most people. However, some individuals may be sensitive to gingerol and could experience digestive problems like heartburn, reflux, upset stomach, and bloating, particularly if they consume ginger shots on an empty stomach.
Ginger has blood-thinning properties and may interact with blood-thinning medications, raising the risk of bleeding. If you are on medications like warfarin or aspirin, you should consult your doctor before adding ginger supplements to your routine.
While research on ginger shots for protecting against cold and flu, it is not a magical solution. If you want to add ginger shots to your diet, speak to your GP first.