Ginger shots have been a go-to for many people for years, but I never really understood the hype until I tried them for myself – and the results were surprising
My mate has been raving about the benefits of ginger shots for boosting immunity for years, writes Diana Buntajova from the Express.
She first introduced me to their potential perks when we were perusing a local organic shop and she grabbed a small bottle of the cloudy yellow concoction. Despite my notorious weak immune system, I didn’t give it much thought at the time as my student budget only stretched to the bare necessities.
However, since swapping textbooks for payslips, I’ve become more cautious about avoiding any bugs so I can keep up with my busy life as a working adult. This year, I decided to get a jump on cold and flu season by trying out these little drinks before autumn officially kicks in on September 23.
But, I was taken aback by just how powerful these ginger shots could be, despite my friend’s glowing reviews. Armed with ginger shots from a Cheshire-based juice bar, Remedy on The Park, I diligently downed the small bottles at the same time after my lunch for a week.
Before I embarked on the week with my first taste of the sweet yet spicy liquid, I had a chat with Justin Gasparovic, a life coach and behavioural psychology expert, about what effects I might anticipate. Gasparovic informed me that the main ingredient in the drinks – ginger root – is loaded with antioxidants, antiviral and antibacterial properties that should boost my immunity, digestion and energy levels.
An expert has revealed: “Ginger shots can potentially be a formidable ally in reinforcing your immune system. By reducing chronic inflammation in our bodies, ginger shots could potentially bolster our defences against seasonal infections and diseases.”
This is something I can personally vouch for. On the fourth day of my new ginger shot routine, I felt the onset of a cold. The familiar feeling of extreme fatigue and odd warmth began to take hold as the day wore on into the afternoon. By evening, my throat started to feel scratchy and I went to bed bracing myself for a full-blown illness.
The following morning, I was rudely awakened by a headache before my alarm even had a chance to signal the start of the work week. However, my cold wasn’t as severe as I had anticipated. You see, I haven’t been blessed with the best health, having inherited coeliac disease and thalassemia from my mother. This medical cocktail means my immune system has always been less than stellar.
Even minor illnesses like colds usually floor me for about two weeks, but not this time. As the day progressed, my symptoms didn’t worsen and any nasal congestion was instantly alleviated by my daily dose of ginger, which cleared my sinuses within minutes.
When day seven rolled around, I woke up feeling completely normal, convinced that this was undoubtedly the mildest cold I’ve ever had. During the trial week, an instant surge of energy was a standout benefit credited to ginger’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels, Gasparovic pointed out.
He detailed that the consumption of this vibrant yellow beverage could lead to a “sharper” cognitive function, thanks to the abundance of antioxidants in ginger and its reputed power to enhance brain blood circulation. Particularly invaluable was the vitality boost during the typical post-lunch dip – considering my caffeine-free lifestyle, any extra pep is much appreciated at these times.
Nonetheless, a let down came from the shots’ impact on my digestive tract. Gasparovic hailed the concoctions as a “go-to elixir” for individuals dealing with digestive woes like indigestion and bloating. Despite that, I couldn’t shake off severe bloating and other gut issues over the duration of the experiment.
In fairness, the shots were up against my chronic bowel inflammation and peptic ulcers, conditions that render my stomach rather finicky. But reflecting on the mildest cold I’ve had coupled with elevated energy, ginger shots have certainly earned their place in my shopping cart.