Ginger before and after surgery: post-operative nausea and recovery

The nausea and post-operative vomiting (NVPO) affect 30 to 50% of patients after general anesthesia. The ginger is the most studied natural antiemetic in this context — with results comparable to reference drugs.

Meta-analysis: ginger vs placebo in surgery

A Cochrane meta-analysis including 18 randomized clinical trials and 2166 patients (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018) concludes that ginger:

• Reduces theincidence of post-operative nausea of 30% (RR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.57-0.86)
• Reduces the post-operative vomiting by 24%
• Is as effective as metoclopramide for moderate PONV
• Has an excellent safety profile, with no interaction with anesthetics

How ginger works on PONV

Anesthesia triggers PONV via three pathways that ginger blocks simultaneously:

1. 5-HT3 receptors : shogaols block these serotonergic receptors in the vomiting center (like ondansetron/Zofran®)
2. NK1 receptors : action on substance P, reducing emetic signaling
3. Gastric motility : anesthesia slows down the stomach (post-op gastroparesis) — ginger accelerates gastric emptying

Pre/post-surgery protocol

Before the operation

• D-3 to D-1 : 2 NRTI shots per day (morning and evening) to saturate the anti-emetic receptors
• D-0 (day of surgery) : 1 NRTI shot 2 hours before anesthesia (if authorized by the surgeon — ginger does not significantly affect coagulation in dietary doses)

After the operation

• Upon resuming fluids : 1 INTI shot diluted in lukewarm water, every 4-6 hours
• D+1 to D+7 : 2-3 INTI shots per day — reduces theinflammation post-surgical and accelerates the sports recovery

Post-surgical recovery

Beyond nausea, ginger accelerates overall recovery:

• anti-inflammatory-science-use">anti-inflammatory ginger : reduces post-surgical edema and pain (studies in orthopedic surgery: -25% consumption of painkillers)
• Antioxidant : protects fabrics against ginger stress oxidative of anesthesia and surgery
• Pro-healing : gingerol stimulates the proliferation of fibroblasts and the synthesis of turmeric-wrinkles-natural-skin-2026">collagen

The turmeric of INTI reinforces this effect with a complementary anti-inflammatory action (COX-2 pathway and NF-κB).

Why INTI is ideal perioperatively

Post-surgery, food is often limited. INTI offers:

• A format concentrated liquid easy to ingest
• Zero sugar added (1.19 g/100 ml) — important because blood sugar spikes worsen PONV
• A double action ginger + turmeric in one shot

Note: always consult your surgeon before taking ginger perioperatively.

Conclusion

Ginger is a natural antiemetic validated by 18 clinical trials for post-surgical nausea. INTI Drink — organic ginger in Belgium concentrate, turmeric, sugar free — is the ideal companion for a peaceful surgery and accelerated recovery.