Ginger gum

maestraz · Post by **maestraz** » Sun Jun 17, 2012 6:22 pm

UGH, bad day today. A flare started almost immediately after breakfast--I was feeling fine when I got up, but after eating, had a bout of nausea that lasted all day. No D only because we had *planned* to spend the day in NYC, so I had taken Immodium earlier. Maybe If I had D I would have at least gotten rid of the offending substance, which, from the burning in my gut, was most likely inadvertent dairy.

Anyhow, DH went to CVS for a remedy and came back with Sea Band anti-nausea ginger gum. It is GF, but it contains soy lecithin. It actually helped, so I thought I'd mention it. I did a search and about 600 threads came up, basically any that mentioned the words ginger or gum, so I apologize if this is repeat info.

I have never had nausea issues in my life outside of pregnancy, but this last year I've had several episodes, very nasty, and also motion sickness, which I never suffered from. I feel for those of you who suffer from it regularly.

So anyhow, one of those days, made worse by it ruining plans for something DH really wanted to do for Father's Day. Bummer.

Joefnh · Post by **Joefnh** » Sun Jun 17, 2012 6:37 pm

Hi Suze I'm sorry to hear your dealing with nausea. Ginger works great for me as well. I have been taking Imuran which is a immunosuppressant for the control of mc and Crohns. Imuran is a form of chemotherapy and does cause nausea when you first start taking it or when adjusting to a higher dose. Recently I did adjust my dosage upwards and was thankful for ginger.

Ginger contains several alkoloids and phenol groups. The phenols actually act to sedate and relax the stomach muscles and nerves. It's this action that reduces the sensation of nausea. It should be noted that too much of these phenols will increase motility, but I believe it would take a pretty large dose to affect motility to any bothersome degree

I have not seen the gum as of yet, but I purchase the candied slivered ginger that's served with sushi, it comes in a jar and is sold at most supermarkets. It has a good flavor and 1 or 2 slivers stops the nausea for hours. I often will have some by itself or take a piece and wrap it around a little piece of chicken and its a nice snack.

carolm · Post by **carolm** » Sun Jun 17, 2012 7:31 pm

HI Suze,
I am also sorry that you are dealing with nausea. I have nausea waaaaay too much and have to stay diligent to try to prevent it or 'head it off'. I'm glad to know about the ginger gum-- anything to increase my 'bag of tricks'. My GI reminded me this past week that Benadryl can also be helpful in taking the edge off nausea, when you can't take the prescription meds (because they are sedating).

I have also started acupuncture to help me with nausea, because I don't want to keep relying on the meds. I've only had 1 treatment. The Dr thought it would take about 4 treatments although some people respond more quickly. I felt good after my first treatment. Hungry-- very hungry in fact, the rest of the day and evening. For me hunger is like the 'anti-nausea' state.

I'll go back on Tuesday for treatment #2.

I'm sorry too that you had to change your plans. For me that is the most demoralizing part of the illness.

Take care,
Carol

brandy · Post by **brandy** » Mon Jun 18, 2012 9:02 pm

Hi everyone,

I think ginger is a pretty decent anti inflammatory herb. My dance instructor recommends it to help with dizziness when doing spins. I've peeled ginger from the market and diced about 1/2" section and put it into regular black tea or sometimes ginger tea. I don't belive the ginger tea bags have enough ginger to be effective for anti inflammatory. Brandy

PS. Joe---love the candied ginger slivers. My problems is stopping at two slivers.

Joefnh · Post by **Joefnh** » Mon Jun 18, 2012 9:07 pm

Hi brandy I know what you mean, I love the stuff... I'm not sure if I described it properly as I noticed that they also make a dry candied ginger, what I pick up is a jar of sliced ginger in a somewhat sweet water solution....it's the same stuff they serve with sushi. if I don't feel too hungry I'll often have a few slices chopped up with some reheated chicken for a quick snack.

It's absolutely amazing that just a small piece or 2 stops the nausea cold for several hours...so much for the expensive meds that make you drowsy.

humbird753 · Post by **humbird753** » Tue Jun 19, 2012 1:48 pm

That's interesting to hear ginger is also good for reducing inflamation. Are there others here who take it for inflamation?

Paula

Deb · Post by **Deb** » Tue Jun 19, 2012 3:24 pm

Joe, I think the ginger you described is considered "pickled" while the candied ginger is kind of a gel texture and rolled in sugar (usually used in baking). I love the pickled stuff.

maestraz · Post by **maestraz** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 8:33 pm

Whew! Today, was able to do a previously scheduled bus trip to NYC. A little nausea in the AM, but was able to control and think it was mostly anxiety about logistics, as it disappeared once my friend showed up (late) and we got on the road. Did take some liquid anti-nausea med before leaving, and ginger gum until I settled myself down. Next time, will definitely take an anti-anxiety med before setting out.

Should have brought some meds along to take on the return, LOL, as an afternoon game at Yankee Stadium wreaked gridlock traffic havoc on the return trip.

I remain minority pissed off that I have to get myself out of bed 2+ hours before any day trip (this morning, before 5 AM) figure out something to eat that will hold me for several hours, get into the bathroom 2-3x before leaving, take Immodium, and now anti-nausea meds. Guess I'd better get over that and be thankful that if I do those things, I can have a fun day away.

And, the KIND apricot/nut bar that I brought for a snack, I discovered has coconut, blecch, one of my major skeevy foods, in it. Must not have been wearing my reading glasses the day I bought those. Guess the cranberry is my only option there.

maestraz · Post by **maestraz** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 8:36 pm

UGH, hate auto-correct. MINORLY pissed off.

carolm · Post by **carolm** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 9:17 pm

Suze,
I hear you. That sounds just like many mornings I've had especially before an event, and I feel like I'm patching myself together with meds. Still- You did it!. You made it work. Sounds like it developed into a good day overall.

Carol