Ginger shots have become a popular health drink in recent years. Typically made by pressing fresh ginger root to extract the juice, ginger shots deliver a powerful dose of ginger’s active compounds like gingerols and shogaols. Some people drink ginger shots every day with the goal of reaping health benefits from the spice.
But is this daily habit actually good for you? Here’s a detailed look at the potential benefits and downsides of drinking ginger shots daily.
Potential benefits of daily ginger shots
Several studies suggest potential upsides to making ginger shots part of your regular routine. Here are some of the touted benefits:
May reduce nausea
Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for nausea related to motion sickness, pregnancy, and chemotherapy. The compounds gingerol and shogaol are thought to be the primary anti-nausea agents.
Consuming ginger daily may help keep nausea at bay or provide relief when you’re already feeling queasy. Having a ginger shot each morning could help set you up for a nausea-free day.
May reduce inflammation
Chronic inflammation is at the root of many diseases. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds like gingerol, shogaol, and paradol that may help quell inflammation.
Regularly sipping ginger shots could help lower systemic inflammation and associated health risks. One study found taking ginger supplements for 3 months significantly decreased inflammatory markers in people at high risk of colon cancer.
May support digestive health
Ginger has traditionally been used to ease digestive troubles, including constipation, gas, bloating, and indigestion. Studies confirm ginger stimulates the production of saliva, bile, and gastric juices to aid digestion.
The phenolic compounds in ginger are believed to help relax gastrointestinal muscles to speed transit time and reduce gut spasms, gas, and discomfort. Daily ginger shots may help keep your digestive system humming along smoothly.
May reduce muscle pain and soreness
Ginger is commonly used to try to prevent or alleviate muscle pain and soreness, especially after exercise. Research suggests ginger baths and supplements may reduce muscle pain stemming from exercise and other causes.
Ginger is thought to act as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant in muscles, which helps reduce pain and damage. Having a ginger shot every day could help mitigate recurring muscle aches.
May support heart health
Ginger contains compounds like gingerols and shogaols that may benefit cardiovascular health and reduce risk factors for heart disease. Research shows ginger may:
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduce LDL and total cholesterol
- Lower blood sugar
- Improve blood flow
- Have anti-clotting properties
Through these mechanisms, daily ginger shots could support heart health and reduce heart disease risk over time.
May have anti-cancer activity
Emerging research demonstrates ginger’s compounds exhibit anti-cancer abilities, such as killing cancer cells, stopping growth of tumors, and preventing spread of cancer.
Although human research is limited, animal and test tube studies are promising. One study found treating ovarian cancer cells with ginger powder for 48 hours led to 70-75% cell death.
More research is needed, but routinely consuming ginger shots may offer protective effects against cancer development and growth.
Potential downsides of daily ginger shots
For most people, daily ginger shots are likely safe and free of adverse effects. But some potential drawbacks are worth knowing:
Blood-thinning effects
Ginger may have blood-thinning properties. This could be beneficial for cardiovascular health by improving circulation and reducing clotting risk. However, it also raises concerns about increased bleeding risk.
People already taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin should be cautious with high ginger intake. Discuss ginger supplement use with your healthcare provider to ensure safety if you take blood thinners.
Digestive irritation
While ginger is often used to tame an upset stomach, high doses may paradoxically cause digestive issues like heartburn, gas, bloating, and nausea in sensitive people.
Consuming ginger shots daily could irritate the stomach lining and cause discomfort. Reduce your dose or frequency if you experience digestive upset.
Mouth or throat irritation
Ginger shots have a spicy, warming effect in the mouth and throat. For some people, drinking ginger shots daily leads to mild mouth, tongue, or throat irritation.
You can often prevent this by diluting your ginger shot in water or another beverage. Discontinue use if it persists.
Medication interactions
Compounds in ginger can alter absorption and metabolism of some medications, raising the risk of side effects or reduced effectiveness. If you take any prescription medications, check for ginger interactions.
Ginger may be risky with drugs like blood thinners, diabetes medications, and high blood pressure drugs. Tell your doctor about ginger supplement use.
Recommended daily ginger shot intake
There’s no official consensus on the best daily ginger shot dose. Recommended amounts in studies and supplements range widely from 250 mg to 15 grams of ginger root daily.
Most pre-made ginger shots contain around 1-3 grams of ginger root per ounce. A typical 1-2 ounce (30-60 ml) serving once or twice per day is likely safe for most healthy adults, provided you tolerate it well.
Talk to your doctor to confirm ginger shot safety and dosing if you take any medications or have ongoing health conditions.
How to make ginger shots at home
Want to start taking daily ginger shots? It’s easy and affordable to make them yourself at home.
Here’s a simple ginger shot recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 4 inches fresh ginger root, peeled
- 2 small lemons
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Wash, peel, and roughly chop the ginger root.
- Juice the lemons to yield around 2-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.
- Place ginger root and lemon juice in a blender with 1 cup water.
- Blend on high until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Pour through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
- Store strained ginger lemon juice in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- To serve, pour 1-2 ounces in a shot glass and drink.
This makes a spicy, tart ginger shot you can take each morning. Add extra water or dilute with another juice if it’s too strong.
You can also double or triple the recipe and make a big batch for the week. Just store in the fridge and shake before pouring shots.
Precautions for daily ginger shots
When taking daily ginger shots, keep these precautions in mind:
- Start with a small dose like 1 ounce to assess tolerance.
- Reduce dosage or frequency if you experience any stomach upset or irritation.
- Avoid very high doses above 4 grams of ginger root daily.
- Consult your doctor if taking medications or if you have bleeding disorders.
- Check for medication interactions online or with a pharmacist.
- Drink each shot slowly instead of taking it like a shot of alcohol.
- Stay well hydrated and eat something after taking ginger shots to minimize acidity.
As with any supplement, it’s wise to err on the side of caution and monitor your body’s response.
Conclusion
Incorporating daily ginger shots into your routine may offer a range of potential wellness benefits, from easing nausea and pain to supporting heart, brain, and immune health. However, high doses may cause side effects in some people.
Most healthy adults can safely drink a 1-2 ounce ginger shot daily, provided they tolerate it well. But consult your healthcare provider first if you take medications or have any medical conditions.
Overall, ginger shots are a simple, natural way to reap the benefits of this powerful medicinal root. Pay attention to your body’s signals, start slow, and adjust the dose to find the right amount for you.
Nutrition facts for ginger shots
The nutrition facts for ginger shots can vary based on factors like ginger variety, preparation method, and added ingredients. But here are some general nutrition facts for a 1-ounce (30 ml) serving of fresh ginger juice:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 17 |
| Total Carbohydrate | 4 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Sodium | 2 mg |
| Calcium | 7 mg |
| Potassium | 72 mg |
Ginger shots are low in calories, carbs, and sodium. They contain minimal amounts of vitamins and minerals. Ginger root is rich in antioxidants like gingerol, shogaol, zingerone, and flavonoids.
These nutrients provide the anti-inflammatory, digestive, and medicinal effects. Adding lemon juice boosts the vitamin C content for additional benefits.
The bottom line
Drinking small ginger shots each day may support digestion, immunity, heart health, brain function, and more. However, very high intakes may cause side effects in some people.
Most healthy adults can safely consume a 1-2 ounce ginger shot daily, ideally made from fresh ginger root. But introduce them gradually and adjust the dose based on your body’s response.
Talk to your doctor before adding daily ginger shots if you take medications or have bleeding disorders or other medical conditions.
