Maybe it’s just me, but everyone and their moms are taking ginger shots. Some are for detox (whatever that means) and some are for boosting the immune system. I understand that. Ginger is loaded with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it the perfect antidote to all the viruses that invade us during the fall and winter months. But what people *really* like about it, other than making it a little less infested with seasonal bugs, is the effect it has on your energy and mood.
Now I’m a caffeine girl. I’ve been drinking coffee since I was 13 (yes, I know I have a problem) and I drink at least 12 ounces every day. In rare cases, when caffeine doesn’t enter your bloodstream, you feel sluggish, tired, and downright irritable. It’s safe to say that my body relies on caffeine for all kinds of energy and positive mood. So when TikTok claimed that ginger shots had energy and mood-boosting effects, perhaps even better than caffeinated drinks, I naturally had to try it.
To get this experiment right, I tagged on some experts to get their thoughts on the relationship between natural antioxidants (like ginger!) and mood and energy levels. Ahead, find out how my body reacted when I replaced my daily caffeine intake with ginger shots.
Many benefits of ginger
Before we get into the nitty-gritty details of the experiment, let’s outline the many benefits of ginger.
depression, anxiety, mood
We know that ginger can boost your immune system, but did you know that it can also affect your mood? Ginger is a feel-good food that can help you feel better. It is rich in antioxidants such as gingerol, shogaol, and paradol, which protect the body from free radicals and chronic inflammation. Because depression is associated with inflammation, he says, consuming foods rich in antioxidants (such as ginger and turmeric) can help treat depression. Alicia Bigelow, NDnaturopathic physician, holistic therapist, and member of the Very Well Mind review committee.
Dr. Bigelow adds that ginger and other anti-inflammatory foods can help improve mood, and eating healthy fats like omega-3s and vitamins like B6, B12 and folic acid can have a positive impact on mood. It points out that it gives. When it comes to anxiety, studies have shown that ginger has been linked to treating anxiety. Early animal studies have reported reduced anxiety levels after consuming ginger extract. Although it’s too early to tell how effective ginger is for anxiety, there is evidence that there is a link between the two.
energy level
Having energy means you need to “get restful sleep, get good nutrition and maintain balanced blood sugar levels,” Dr. Bigelow says. “Simple carbohydrates, such as sugary drinks and pastries, cause blood sugar levels to spike and then crash, making you feel tired.”
This is where ginger comes in handy. Ginger helps manage blood sugar levels, boosts energy, and reduces fatigue. “It also warms and dilates blood vessels, which helps us wake up brighter and feel more alive,” Dr. Bigelow added.
It also warms and dilates blood vessels, brightening your mood and making you feel more awake and alive.
drink ginger shots every day
So how did drinking ginger shots every day affect my mood and energy?Here’s how I felt after drinking ginger shots every day.
Day 1
It was a Saturday, so I was already feeling pretty rested and in a good mood after a good night’s sleep. I felt a little sluggish after breakfast (which is normal for me), so I took my first ginger shot around 11am. I didn’t notice any effects at first, but as the days went on, I felt refreshed and more alert. Usually I need to take a little nap in the mid-afternoon, even if I’ve had coffee. In the evening, I still felt a little sluggish and tired, but not as bad as usual.
2nd day
Just like the first day, I slept well and woke up well. This time I increased the dose and took one and a half shots instead of one. I wanted to see if consuming more ginger would reduce my mid-afternoon slump. And it turns out I was right. I never took a nap. my body
I felt like I didn’t sleep well at night because I was pretty awake all day.
3rd day
This is where things got complicated. Monday is the worst day for me. No matter how many hours I rest, I always feel tired, irritable, and anxious about the coming week. Usually coffee helps energize the body, but since I was on a caffeine-free diet, I needed something relaxing. I knew ginger could give you energy, but I didn’t think it would calm you down and reduce stress. I also didn’t expect the wave of productivity and focus to come. Of course, the effects didn’t appear right away, but I felt like the caffeine was kicking in a little bit. My focus didn’t waver and I was able to hunker down and complete many tasks.
Days 4 and 5
It was the same on Tuesday and Wednesday. After drinking one and a half ginger shots, I felt energized, alert, and ready for work. If I don’t drink coffee for 3-4 days, the caffeine will wear off, but I never felt lightheaded or restless. Dr. Bigelow says that while ginger doesn’t contain caffeine, it provides an energy boost similar to coffee and energy drinks.
After 5 days of abstaining from coffee in order to drink ginger, I definitely realized the appeal of a daily ginger shot. Ginger shots have all the benefits of caffeine (increased energy, positive mood, etc.) without the side effects like restlessness or insomnia.
Should I drink ginger shots for energy?
I’m not a licensed practitioner so I can’t say if you are should Take ginger shots. That said, if your energy levels are low or your mood isn’t very positive, drinking ginger can help. But it’s not the only organic ingredient that can help boost your energy. There are other natural and organic ways to feel more alert and rejuvenated.
According to one-way traffic Dr. Rachel Goldman, FTOSAs a licensed psychologist and member of the Very Well Mind Review Board, he cares about your well-being. That means eating a balanced diet, getting quality sleep, staying hydrated, and more.
“If you’re missing any of these, you’ll start to feel it in a variety of ways, including a drop in energy,” she says. “Also, when it comes to meals, you need to eat regularly throughout the day, so skipping meals can leave you feeling low in energy.”
Dr. Bigelow agrees, saying that the Rainbow Diet is especially important when it comes to energy and overall mood. “Eating foods with a variety of colors can help ensure you’re getting more of the nutrients you need to maintain good mental health,” she added. “Many of the compounds that give fruits and vegetables their color also have mental health benefits. Think of the bright yellow color of turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory properties.”
Should you drink ginger shots to boost your mood?
Ginger shots can certainly make you feel better, but it’s important to consider the following: why It makes you feel bad in the first place. Is your diet balanced? Are you getting enough water and sleep? How often do you exercise? If you’re taking care of your health but still feel depressed, Dr. Goldman suggests considering what underlying events or situations in your life may be affecting your mood. I’m doing it.
“Most of the time, there’s something going on in your life that affects your mood and energy, such as a recent stressor,” she says. “Our minds and bodies are constantly giving us messages. If you feel something isn’t right, take the time to think about what the underlying cause might be. We often ignore messages from our bodies, so regular check-ins are important.
We often ignore messages from our bodies, so regular check-ins are important.
A great way to check in with yourself is to examine all your emotions and record them in a journal, or practice body scan meditation to release any built-up tension. Checking in can also look like a self-care activity, like exercising or going out in nature.
move around and move
Don’t just check yourself, get up and dance. Moving your body is a great way to feel better. It may sound counterintuitive, but it works. Dr. Goldman says movements such as yoga and ecstatic dancing have mood and energy benefits.
“Walking, jogging, strength training, and yoga have all been shown to be effective in treating depression,” Dr. Bigelow added.
And if exercise isn’t your thing (which is understandable!), Dr. Goldman says there are other ways to boost your mood. She recommends the following activities:
- participate in fun exercise
- go outside and immerse yourself in nature
- bathe in sunlight
- listen to your favorite artist
- dance alone or with friends
- chatting with a loved one
- Smile (even if you force it)
- practice gratitude
- say kind words to yourself
tips
As always, if you notice any sudden or recent changes in your mood (and energy levels), Dr. Goldman recommends following up with your doctor or health care professional. There may be something deeper going on and a qualified doctor can help.
takeway
Why not drink an energy shot instead of the Joke you drink every day? Hmm…sorry, no. I love (the taste of) coffee so much that I can never give it up. That being said, I think ginger shots are a good caffeine replacement. Like coffee, it gives you an energy boost, and unlike our favorite lattes and cappuccinos, ginger shots won’t give you a bad crash at the end of the day.
Even people like Moi who don’t drink much caffeine can still drink ginger shots for their mood-boosting, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Ask your health care provider if adding ginger to your daily routine is right for you.
