Ginger and digestion: how it accelerates gastric emptying by 25%

Digestive problems (bloating, heaviness, reflux) affect 1 in 4 people in Europe. Ginger is a documented natural prokinetic that accelerates gastric transit without the side effects of medications.

The key study

Wu et al. (European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 2008) conducted a randomized clinical trial:

• Result: ginger accelerates gastric emptying by +25%
• Dose: 1.2g ginger powder
• Mechanism: stimulation of antral contractions (lower part of the stomach)
• Effect: significant reduction in bloating and feeling of fullness

Why digestion slows down

Functional gastroparesis (slow gastric emptying) is caused by:

• Meals high in fat (slow down emptying by 50%)
• Chronic stress (activation of the sympathetic nervous system)
• Sedentary lifestyle (reduces peristalsis)
• Certain medications (opioids, anticholinergics)

Ginger vs prokinetic drugs

Agent	Mechanism	Effectiveness	Side effects
Ginger	Antral stimulation + 5-HT	+25% emptying	Minimal
Metoclopramide	D2 antagonist + 5-HT4	+30-40% emptying	Dyskinesia, drowsiness
Domperidone	D2 antagonist	+20-30% emptying	Heart risk
Erythromycin	Motilin agonist	+40-50% emptying	Antibiotic resistance

Ginger offers a significant prokinetic effect without the neurological or cardiac side effects of medications.

Optimal digestive protocol

• Before meals: 15ml of ginger concentrate in a little water, 15-30 min before the meal
• After a heavy meal: 15ml in hot water (immediate prokinetic effect)
• In treatment: 15-20ml/day for 21 days for a lasting effect on gastric motility

Adding turmeric for digestion

Curcumin stimulates the production of bile (+62%, Rasyid et al., 1999), essential for the digestion of fats. The ginger (prokinetic) + turmeric (choleretic) combination covers both aspects of digestion: motility and emulsification of fats.

In practice

TheINTI Essence combines organic ginger (prokinetic +25%) + organic turmeric (choleretic +62%) + organic black pepper. A shot before a meal = easier digestion. 1.1g of natural sugar/100ml.