Ginger shots have become a popular health trend in recent years. Some people swear by drinking a ginger shot first thing in the morning, while others use them periodically throughout the day. But is it safe to drink ginger shots every day? Here’s a comprehensive look at the potential benefits and side effects of daily ginger shots.
What are ginger shots?
Ginger shots are concentrated doses of fresh ginger root juice. They are typically made by juicing fresh ginger and combining it with lemon juice and sometimes other ingredients like honey or cayenne pepper. The spicy, zingy liquid is then consumed in one gulp as a quick health booster.
Compared to eating raw ginger, ginger shots provide a much higher concentration of the active compounds in ginger, like gingerol and shogaol. These compounds are responsible for many of ginger’s purported therapeutic properties. Just 1-2 ounces of ginger juice in a shot contains the equivalent amount of ginger as you’d get from 2-4 inches of raw ginger root.
Potential benefits of daily ginger shots
Here are some of the main health benefits associated with drinking ginger shots on a regular basis:
- Reduce nausea and vomiting – Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for nausea related to motion sickness, pregnancy, and chemotherapy. The gingerols in ginger shots can help reduce nausea and vomiting.
- Aid digestion – Ginger shots can support healthy digestion by increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes, bile, and gastric juices. This helps improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food.
- Reduce inflammation – The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger may help reduce systemic inflammation, muscle soreness, joint pain, and swelling when consumed regularly.
- Boost immunity – Ginger shots contain antioxidants like gingerol that can help strengthen the immune system and reduce DNA damage.
- Increase energy – Ginger shots act as a stimulant that can boost energy levels, especially when combined with lemon juice and/or cayenne pepper which also have energetic properties.
- Support heart health – The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger may reduce cholesterol levels and hypertension, benefiting cardiovascular health.
- Improve absorption of nutrients – Ginger increases the pH levels in the stomach, which can support better digestion and absorption of vitamins and minerals from foods.
Potential side effects of daily ginger shots
Drinking ginger shots every day is likely safe for most people when consumed in moderation. But there are some potential side effects to be aware of:
- Heartburn – Ginger can trigger heartburn or exacerbate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms in some people due to its effect on gastric acids.
- Mouth irritation – Straight ginger juice can cause mouth sensitivity or irritation due to its spicy, acidic nature.
- Diarrhea – Large amounts of ginger may have a laxative effect and cause loose stools or diarrhea in some individuals.
- Blood thinning – High doses of ginger could increase bleeding risk for people taking blood thinning medications like warfarin or aspirin.
- Allergic reaction – There’s a very small risk of an allergic reaction to ginger in sensitive individuals.
To reduce the chances of adverse effects, start with a small 1-2 ounce serving of ginger shots at first. Avoid taking ginger shots right before bedtime as they can be energizing. Also, consult your doctor before taking ginger shots if you take any medications or have any underlying health conditions.
Recommended daily intake
There’s no standardized recommended daily intake for ginger shots. The optimal amount can vary substantially based on the individual and their health goals.
As a general guideline, 1-2 ounces (30-60ml) of ginger juice diluted in 2-4 ounces of water is a good starting point to assess tolerance. This amount can be taken 1-2 times per day, either first thing in the morning, between meals, or in the afternoon for an energy boost.
People who are new to ginger shots may want to start with just 1/2-1 ounce (15-30ml) of ginger juice diluted in 4+ ounces of water once a day and work their way up slowly. Pay attention to how your body responds and cut back if you experience any digestive upset or irritation.
It’s best to keep total ginger consumption under 4 grams per day, including both ginger shots and other ginger foods like tea. Taking regular breaks from ginger shots, such as avoiding them for 1-2 days per week, can also help prevent overconsumption and side effects.
Should you take ginger shots every day?
Here are some things to consider when deciding if daily ginger shots are right for you:
- If you’re using ginger shots for a specific health concern like digestive issues, nausea, sore muscles or inflammation, taking them daily can offer more benefits.
- For general wellness and prevention, taking ginger shots 3-5 times per week is likely sufficient.
- Start with a low dose like 1 ounce per day and work up slowly over 2-4 weeks to assess your tolerance and minimize side effects.
- Take periodic 1-2 day breaks from ginger shots to give your body a rest.
- Avoid ginger shots at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.
- Talk to your doctor before taking daily ginger shots if you have any underlying health conditions or take medications.
- Listen to your body – if you experience any concerning side effects like diarrhea, heartburn or irritations, reduce your ginger shot intake.
Overall, taking ginger shots every day in moderate amounts appears to be safe and potentially beneficial for most healthy individuals. But exceeding 4 grams of total ginger per day or taking full-strength ginger juice long-term does carry a higher risk of adverse effects in some people.
Other ways to take ginger
While they provide a convenient concentrated dose, ginger shots aren’t the only way to consume ginger. Here are some other options:
- Add minced ginger or ginger paste while cooking
- Steep sliced ginger root to make ginger tea
- Take ginger capsules or supplements
- Drink ginger ale beverage
- Use ginger essential oil aromatherapy
- Add ginger powder to smoothies or juice blends
- Infuse ginger into water to make ginger water
- Blend ginger into sauces, dressings, soups or marinades
The key when getting ginger from whole foods is to use a sufficient quantity. Most people only end up consuming around 1 gram or less of ginger root per day from meals, which likely won’t have major therapeutic effects. Consuming 2-4 grams per day from whole foods like tea, broths, or dishes along with ginger shots may provide greater benefits.
The bottom line
Having ginger shots daily can be a safe, effective way for most people to take advantage of the multitude of potential health benefits offered by ginger. Starting with a low dose and increasing slowly while staying under 4 grams of total ginger intake per day can help minimize the risk of side effects.
As with any supplement, it’s smart to consult your healthcare provider before adding ginger shots to your daily routine, especially if you take medications or have any medical conditions. But for most healthy adults, a daily ginger shot or two can be a simple, natural way to boost overall wellbeing.
| Pros of Daily Ginger Shots | Potential Cons of Daily Ginger Shots |
|---|---|
| May reduce nausea and vomiting | Can cause heartburn or irritate GERD |
| Can aid digestion | May cause mouth sensitivity |
| Anti-inflammatory effects | Could trigger diarrhea if overconsumed |
| May boost immunity | Slight risk of allergic reaction |
| Increased energy | Could interact with blood thinners |
| Antioxidant and heart benefits | Can be overly stimulating before bedtime |
