Stop nausea and bloating by adding 55p natural ingredient to hot water

A simple 55p supermarket ingredient can be added to hot water to make a beverage that can reduce bloating and nausea while helping to fight inflammation. Ginger encourages efficient digestion and also provides nausea relief, according to Harvard Health. It has long been known as a safe treatment for vomiting – particularly for those who are either pregnant or undergoing chemotherapy.

It contains a compound called gingerol which helps with the digestive process – meaning the food can also be used to relieve bloating and intestinal gas. Studies have also shown that eating ginger can help alleviate pain and inflammation such as muscle soreness – and may also be able to control inflammation associated with Crohn’s disease and lupus. Ginger also has antioxidants, Johns Hopkins explains, which can help slow down or prevent cell damage caused by unstable molecules.

The British Heart Foundation recommends ginger tea as a heart-healthy hot beverage, and suggests that you can make it fresh by grating or slicing a small piece of peeled ginger root. You can then pour boiled water over it and leave it to brew for about 10 minutes.

Ginger can be bought from most supermarkets – either in a bag or loose. Ginger tea can also be bought in the form of tea bags, which contain dry ginger and sometimes other ingredients too. They store well and may have a milder flavour than tea made with fresh ginger.

The root can also be beneficial for menstrual cramps and arthritis-based conditions, dietician Candace O’Neill from Cleveland Clinic, explained.

She also said that ginger can play a role in steadying blood sugar levels, adding: “The ginger reduces enzymes that break down carbohydrates and so it helps with glucose (sugar) metabolism.”

O’Neill suggested keeping fresh ginger in the freezer which will allow you to store it for longer and grate it straight into recipes as and when it is needed.

You can also buy ginger in powdered, dry, or pickled form, while ginger shots are also popular. However, ginger beer may not be as healthy as it has a lot of added sugar. The dietician said: “Drinking ginger tea would be probably more advantageous since it does not contain added sugar.”