Hey there, health-conscious friends! Today, let’s dive into the wonderful world of ginger and its potential to ease the inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases. It’s a spicy topic that might just add some zing to your wellness journey.
What Are Autoimmune Diseases, Anyway?
First, let’s get the basics straight. Autoimmune diseases are conditions where our immune system, which is supposed to protect us, goes a bit haywire and starts attacking our own healthy tissues. This leads to chronic inflammation, and you guessed it – inflammation is the culprit behind all those pesky symptoms like pain, swelling, and fatigue.
Managing inflammation is a key part of dealing with autoimmune diseases. And that’s where ginger, our friendly neighborhood root, comes into play.
The Ginger Goodness
Ginger has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for a reason – it’s loaded with health benefits. What makes ginger so special are its bioactive compounds, gingerols, and shogaols, which are packed with incredible anti-inflammatory powers.
But hold on, science is here to back up the ginger hype. Research has shown that ginger can significantly reduce inflammation in the body, making it a potential ally for those dealing with autoimmune diseases.
RELATED: 8 Benefits Of Drinking Ginger Tea
What the Research Says
New research has added evidence to support the impact of ginger on white blood cell function, particularly a type of cell called a neutrophil.
The researchers were particularly interested in neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, also called NETosis, and its role in controlling inflammation.
When healthy people take ginger, the study found, their neutrophils are more resistant to NETosis.
NETs are microscopic spider web-like structures. They propel inflammation and clotting, which contribute to many autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
“There are a lot of diseases where neutrophils are abnormally overactive,” senior co-author Dr. Kristen Demoruelle, associate professor of medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, said in a university news release. “We found that ginger can help to restrain NETosis, and this is important because it is a natural supplement that may be helpful to treat inflammation and symptoms for people with several different autoimmune diseases.”
Another notable study, published in the journal “Arthritis and Rheumatism,” found that ginger extract could reduce symptoms of