Ginger and stress : how gingerol acts on the ginger cortisol and theanxiety

In a world where 40% of Belgians report experiencing a high level of stress (Sciensano 2024 survey), natural solutions are receiving increasing attention. The ginger and its active compounds — mainly [6]-gingerol — show promising effects on the biological mechanisms of stress.

The chronic stress : an inflammatory problem

Chronic stress triggers a hormonal cascade via the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis:

• Release of cortisol from the adrenal glands
• Activation of inflammatory pathways NF-κB
• Depletion of magnesium and vitamin C reserves
• Disruption of the microbiota intestinal

Chronic stress andinflammation share the same biological pathways. What reduces one acts on the other.

Mechanisms of action of ginger on stress

1. Inhibition of NF-κB

[6]-gingerol inhibits the transcription factor NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B), which regulates both systemic inflammation and the stress response. A study of Molecules (2019) confirms that ginger shogaols block this pathway at physiological concentrations.

2. Regulation of cortisol

Studies on animal models (rats subjected to restraint stress) show that ginger reduces corticosterone peaks by 22 to 38% (Hasenohrl et al., 2018). Corticosterone is the animal equivalent of human cortisol.

3. Anxiolytic effect via GABA receptors

Zingerone (gingerol metabolite) interacts with GABA-A receptors on brain, the same mechanism as benzodiazepines — but without side effects addiction (Rani et al., 2016, Journal of Ethnopharmacology).

4. Serotonin modulation

Ginger inhibits serotonin reuptake, similar to SSRI antidepressants, suggesting a role in mood regulation (Bhattacharyya et al., 2011).

Vitamin C and magnesium: the role of lemon in INTI

The organic lemon present in INTI provides natural vitamin C. Cortisol massively consumes vitamin C in the adrenal glands: each episode of intense stress can empty up to 50% of adrenal reserves. Vitamin C supplementation reduces post-stress cortisol levels measurably.

INTI Drink as a tool anti-stress : the protocol

INTI is a shot of organic ginger in Belgium from Peru concentrated combining:

• organic ginger from Peru rich in [6]-gingerol
• turmeric-black-pepper-synergy-benefits">Turmeric (curcumin anti-inflammatory-science-use">anti-inflammatory ginger)
• Organic lemon (vitamin C for the adrenals)
• Black pepper (piperine ×20 curcumin bioavailability)
• Cayenne pepper (slimming-thermogenesis-weight-loss-shot">capsaicin, thermal adaptogen)

Acute stress protocol

• 1 INTI shot in the morning fasting
• Repeat if intense stress in the middle of the day
• Combine with 15 minutes of walking (synergistic with cortisol effects)

Chronic stress protocol

• 1 NRTI shot daily for at least 4 weeks
• The anti-inflammatory effects of gingerol are cumulative
• Results observed clinically: improvement in quality of ginger and sleep-insomnia-quality-recovery">sleep and reduction fatigue in 3-4 weeks

Dosage optimal

Studies typically use 1 to 3g of dry ginger per day. A 60ml NRTI shot corresponds to approximately 1.5g of active ginger — within the therapeutic window of the studies.

Precautions

• Ginger is a supplement to treat stress, not a medical substitute
• ginger and burnout proven: consult a doctor
• Potential interaction with certain medications (anticoagulants) at high doses

INTI is an organic, pasteurized natural elixir with 1.19g of sugar/100ml. Made in Belgium.