The Role of Ginger in Reducing Exercise-Induced Inflammation

As you may have noticed, at Active Root, we are all about Ginger! This versatile and potent ingredient has been a staple in both culinary and medicinal practices for centuries, but did you know it can also be an invaluable component in sports nutrition? We use natural root ginger in all our nutrition products; scientifically proven to help prevent bloating, nausea and stomach discomfort during exercise, thereby allowing athletes to focus on their performance rather than their stomach.

Another famous benefit of ginger is its anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation can lead to prolonged recovery times and increased muscle soreness after intense workouts. The compounds in ginger have been shown to reduce inflammation and can help athletes recover faster, ensuring they are ready for their next session much sooner.

Why Does Training Cause Inflammation?

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to the temporary damage caused to muscles during exercise. The damage caused during a workout is then repaired by the body; it’s a necessary step to building strength. Inflammation occurs during the repair process when the body increases blood flow to the affected muscles to replenish oxygen and flush out waste. Symptoms such as the dreaded DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness), swelling, redness and pain often peak 24-72 hours after exercise, and occur as the body repairs the damage caused.

Consistent training can reduce these symptoms as the body naturally adapts to inflammation. Persistent pain is the body signalling that rest and recovery is required - overtraining or high-impact exercise can result in the body struggling to adapt and repair.

How Does Ginger Help With Inflammation?

Studies have shown that ginger can help reduce intense muscle pain and soreness. For athletes dealing with chronic injuries or those who are prone to muscle pain after workouts, having nutrition that features ginger can help with these issues and support their bodies with recovery. Ginger has also been found to improve cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol levels and improving blood circulation. Better cardiovascular health means a better supply of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles during exercise, enhancing endurance and performance.

Ginger is a great source of vital vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B6 and C, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Combined with its high antioxidant content, Ginger can help strengthen your immune system. This is particularly important for athletes who put their bodies under significant stress during training periods, especially in the colder months when colds and flu are prevalent.

Ginger also stimulates appetite, making it easier for athletes to consume necessary nutrients and fluids during prolonged exercise sessions. This appetite boost becomes increasingly crucial during endurance events where maintaining fuel and hydration levels is critical.

Incorporating Ginger Into Your Sports Nutrition

At Active Root, almost all of our products contain ginger. Whether you’re looking to improve performance, enhance recovery, or simply maintain better overall health, Active Root can be a powerful addition to your nutrition arsenal!

• Sports Drink Mix contains 239mg Ginger per serving
• Electrolite Drink Mix contains 203mg Ginger per serving
• Energy Gel Mix contains 102mg Ginger per serving
• Energy Gels contain 50mg of Ginger per serving
• Energy Chews contains 1452mg Ginger per serving
• Recovery Drink Mix contains 199mg Ginger per serving

Not Just For Race Day!

Incorporating ginger into your nutrition daily can pay dividends for everyday life, not just during training and racing. The health benefits of ginger are multiple, and as part of your daily routine can help with stomach discomfort, strengthening your immune system, reducing inflammation, and improving blood flow.