You’ve probably heard it countless times from your grandmother: “Eat pickles to reduce nausea and vomiting.” We all adore the sour, tangy, and tart taste of pickles. But do pickles actually have any effect on nausea? Can they alleviate feelings of sickness?
The Power of Pickles: An All-Natural Remedy
It turns out that pickles contain a probiotic called lactobacillus acidophilus, which competes with E.Coli for attachment sites on the inner wall of your intestines. This competition helps reduce nausea and vomiting. So, the next time you’re feeling under the weather, treat yourself to some high-quality pickles to combat morning sickness. These sour fruits are packed with cucumbers that can help ease your upset stomach.
Image source: Family Cuisine
What Makes Pickles a Natural Nausea Reliever?
You might be wondering how pickles actually relieve nausea. Well, here’s the scoop:
Pickles work by altering the pH levels of the stomach, which can help reduce stomach acid and alleviate feelings of sickness. The acidity in pickles stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, aiding digestion and reducing nausea. But that’s not all! The acids in pickles also have the added benefits of reducing cramps and gas. Plus, cucumbers, the main ingredient in pickles, are a great source of vitamins A and C. Some pickles even contain anti-nausea compounds like ginger or turmeric. And let’s not forget that some people find pickle juice itself to be soothing for nausea symptoms.
Soothing More Than Just Nausea: Headaches and Hangovers
Believe it or not, pickles can even help with headaches and hangovers. While scientific evidence may be lacking, many people claim that consuming pickles can help break down alcohol in the body faster, providing relief from headaches. Additionally, drinking pickle juice can speed up the metabolism process, offering relief from both headaches and hangovers.
Pickles for an Upset Stomach?
If you are experiencing an upset stomach, pickles might just do the trick. When consumed with water, the sodium in pickles can aid in hydration, reducing nausea. Studies have also revealed that individuals who suffer from motion sickness show improved tolerance when they eat pickles before exposure.
Pickles: A Pregnant Woman’s Best Friend
Did you ever notice that pregnant women seem to have an insatiable craving for pickles? Well, there’s a reason behind it!
Morning sickness is a common side effect of pregnancy that can last for months, especially during the first trimester. Pickles have been traditionally known to soothe pregnant mothers experiencing morning sickness. The acid in pickles helps decrease nausea, making them an excellent choice for fighting pregnancy-related sickness.
Are Pickles Always Beneficial?
While pickles offer numerous health benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone. People with high blood pressure or kidney disease should be cautious due to the high sodium content in pickles. The vinegar in pickles can also irritate stomach ulcers and contribute to acid reflux. Moreover, excessive consumption of pickles may lead to dehydration and other related problems arising from consuming too much sodium.
The Science Behind Pickle Juice and Nausea
A study conducted by the Indiana University School of Medicine suggests that dill pickle juice can help alleviate nausea. Some physicians believe that the sourness of dill pickles can stimulate the stomach to produce more hydrochloric acid, aiding in digestion.
The Magic of Dill Pickles for Nausea Relief
If you’re wondering which type of pickles to choose, look no further than dill pickles. These green gems are not only tangy and flavorful but also rich in Vitamin C. Dill pickles can aid in the breakdown of food for better digestion. The salt used in the pickling process preserves these beneficial properties and eliminates any harmful bacteria.
For those experiencing morning sickness, dill pickles can be particularly helpful. They contain a chemical compound called thiosulfate, which prevents stomach ulcers and stimulates the appetite.
Make Your Own Appetizing Pickled Ginger
Have you ever wondered how Japanese pickled ginger is made? It’s actually quite simple!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup white vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced
Instructions:
- Coat the ginger slices with salt and transfer them into a glass jar. Let them sit for half an hour.
- In a saucepan, combine the vinegar and sugar, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into the jar.
- Refrigerate the jar for at least 7-10 days. And voila! You can now enjoy your homemade pickled ginger.
- How long does it last? You can keep it fresh for up to six months.
Remember, when it comes to finding natural remedies for nausea, pickles are a fantastic option. So embrace the power of pickles and let them work their magic on your upset stomach!
