 Ginger Combats Morning Sickness
Powerful ginger root fights nausea during pregnancy
Whether you spend your pregnancy with your head in the toilet or just experience some occasional nausea, there are very few pregnant women who go through all 40 weeks without getting to know some degree of morning sickness (which it can hit you any time of the day or night). In a series of articles on natural ways to combat one of the most notorious side effects of pregnancy, we're focusing this month on utilizing powerful, portable ginger to remedy morning sickness.
Ginger Candies: Sucking on a piece of ginger candy is an effective and inconspicuous way to quell nausea, even if you're in the middle of a business meeting or sitting on a plane. The Ginger People create our 2 top picks: Gin Gins
(hard candy) and Ginger Chews
(softer, chewable candy). Make sure that the candy you choose contains actual ginger and not just "natural ginger flavor". Then, fill up your purse and pockets for emergency waves of morning sickness.
Gingersnaps: For some pregnant women, gingersnaps become a morning addiction. For the good health of both you and your baby, choose gingersnaps made from organic flour and natural sugars, since these cookies may be the only thing you eat for breakfast on some days. Most health food stores (and mainstream grocery stores with a health food section) will carry at least one brand that fits the bill. Our pick: Mi-Del Swedish Style Ginger Snaps
Ginger Beer and Real Ginger Ales: If you live in the U.S. and read the label on, for example, Canada Dry Ginger Ale, you won't find ginger listed anywhere. Unlike mass-market ginger ale, many companies still brew ginger ale and ginger beer (which is non-alcoholic) from actual ginger root. Seek out bottles in health food stores and beverage warehouses. Ginger beer can be extremely strong and spicy, so if you find it hard to drink, you can mix it with sparkling water, seltzer, or still water. Some women also find that drinking ginger beer flat feels better on a queasy stomach; you can open a bottle the night before you need it, or hold the bottle several inches above the glass while you pour, then vigorously stir until most of the carbination has disspated.
Some ginger-based beverages also contain caffeinated tea, ginseng (which should NOT be consumed during pregnancy), artificial sweeteners, or other ingredients not appropriate during pregnancy, so be sure to read the label first.
Ginger Root and Ginger Powder: The most obvious way to get ginger into your diet, adding ginger root (fresh or dried) to your food could result in the welcome sensation of keeping that meal in your stomach. If you're not much of a cook, try ordering meals containing ginger from Asian restaurants, or adding a teaspoon of ginger powder to prepared meals.
In upcoming issues, we'll cover eating strategies, acupressure points, and aromatherapy to help keep nausea at bay.
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