Discover the powerful benefits of fermented ginger for dogs and humans
As dog groomers, our top priority is the health and happiness of our canine family members which greatly depends on their mobility and being disease-free.
As we become more aware of common drug side effects, an increasing number of dog lovers are looking for safe, natural ways to keep their dogs injury, arthritis and inflammation free, and the same applies to recovery from injuries and operations. Surprisingly, fermented ginger is getting attention, especially in the area of digestive health and mobility.
Ginger is a superfood that offers a natural way to relieve discomfort, improve mobility, and support joint health but it also promotes general health of digestive tract, immune system, and skin. However, not all ginger supplements are created equal. The method of ginger preparation is important, and extracting ginger through a fermentation process significantly increases its bioavailability and potency.
This post is about the scientific basis of how fermented ginger can help your dog.
The Tradition and Science Behind Ginger
Ginger has been used for thousands of years to treat various ailments. From soothing stomach aches to reducing inflammation, this powerful root has made its way into modern cuisine but also into medicine cabinets.
Ginger contains more than 100 active compounds, but two, in particular, gingerols and shogaols, have attracted the attention of scientists. These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making them beneficial for humans but also for dogs.
Active Ingredients and Research Behind Ginger
The study titled “Effect of Ginger on Inflammatory Diseases [1] published in “Molecules” in November 2022 examines the therapeutic potential of ginger against common inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and lupus erythematosus.
The bioactive compounds in ginger, particularly 6-shoagol, zingerone, and 8-shoagol, have been identified for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from inflammatory conditions. this.
How Does Ginger Work?
The effectiveness of ginger against inflammatory diseases is related to its ability to modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation through various mechanisms.
For example, in rheumatoid arthritisGinger compounds have shown promising results in reducing symptoms by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines and pathways.
Similarly, in the context of iinflammatory bowel diseaseginger has shown the ability to modify gut microbiota and inflammatory responses, contributing to symptom relief.
For systemic lupus erythematosus, 6-gingerol showed a protective effect by attenuating neutrophil extracellular trap release. In cases of psoriasis, ginger’s ability to reduce NF-κB suggests its potential as an alternative treatment method.
Additionally, ginger can offer protective effect against cancer and ease the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea.
Another study from the Journal of Basic Medical Sciences,[2] published in 2022, explores the potential of ginger in the management of metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions that include high blood sugar, cholesterol, obesity, and hypertension.
This study suggests that ginger gingerol and shogaol in vascular and heart disease, helps in weight loss, reduces blood sugar levels and improves cellular energy metabolism.
A randomized, placebo-controlled, and double-blind clinical trial [3] published in *Natural Product Research* in June 2023, researchers investigated the long-term effects of a dietary supplement containing Cannabis sativa oil, Boswellia serrata and Zingiber officinale (ginger) in dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) post-physiotherapy treatment .
The study examined the effectiveness of the supplement in reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and chronic pain in dogs after stopping three months of prior physiotherapy.
At three months, the study noted significant improvements in the treatment group compared to the placebo group, including higher levels of glutathione (GSH) and decreasing levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood. These findings suggest the potential of the supplement in alleviating symptoms associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.
The Role of Fermentation Supplement Quality
When it comes to choosing supplements for our dogs, especially something as powerful as ginger, understanding the process behind their creation is very important. One method that stands out for its ancient roots and modern scientific validation is fermentation as a key player in enhancing the potency and bioavailability of supplements, including ginger.
Why Fermentation Matters
Fermentation is a natural process that changes the basic ingredients of food and herbs, increasing their nutritional value and making them more digestible. When applied to ginger containing supplements, fermentation does more than break down the root into a more palatable form. This enhances the beneficial properties of ginger, making it easier for your dog’s body to access the active compounds.
Improved Bioavailability
The main advantage of fermented ginger supplements lies in their bioavailability. This means that the nutrients in the supplement are more easily absorbed and used by your dog’s body, ensuring that they receive the full spectrum of benefits. Fermented ginger is easier on the stomach and may be more effective in supporting joint health, reducing inflammation, and aiding muscle recovery.
Choosing the Right Supplement
Not all ginger containing supplements are created equal. When choosing a ginger supplement for yourself or your dog, opting for a fermented product ensures maximum health benefits.
Here are two examples of fermented mobility as well as gut health supplements:
GutSense – pre, probiotic and digestive support
JointButter – advanced joint, arthritis, injury and mobility support
Including Fermented Ginger in Your Dog’s Diet
Including fermented supplements containing fermented ginger in your dog’s diet can be a game-changer, especially for those dealing with arthritis, mobility issues, digestive imbalances,
The Bigger Picture
Including fermented ginger in your dog’s diet is just one aspect of achieving better mobility. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and regular veterinary care are all important parts of keeping your dog healthy and happy. You will greatly improve their quality of life, helping them enjoy many happy and active years by your side.
Sources
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Ballester, P., Cerdá, B., Arcusa, R., Marhuenda, J., Yamedjeu, K., & Zafrilla, P. (2022). Effect of Ginger on Inflammatory Disease. Molecules, 27(21), 7223.
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Salaramoli, S., Mehri, S., Yarmohammadi, F., Hashemy, SI, & Hosseinzadeh, H. (2022). The effects of ginger and its constituents in the prevention of metabolic syndrome: A review. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 25(6), 664–674.
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Gabriele, V., Bisanzio, D., Riva, A., Meineri, G., Adami, R., & Martello, E. (2023). Long-term effects of a dietary supplement containing Cannabis sativa oil and Boswellia serrata in dogs with osteoarthritis following physiotherapy treatments: a randomized, placebo-controlled and double-blind clinical trial. Natural Products Research, 37(11), 1782-1786. DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2022.2119967.
