The one thing you should eat more of to stop yourself feeling sick
Ginger, which has anti-inflammatory properties, has long been used as a natural remedy for stomach upset
GINGER could help save lives after the popular spice was found to be an effective treatment for deadly vomiting bugs, new research suggests.
A clinical trial found the root can reduce the severity and frequency of vomiting in children with gastroenteritis.
Children aged between one and 10 vomited 20 per cent less when given ginger, compared to a placebo treatment.
And those taking sick days from school was 28 per cent lower in kids given the spice.
Dr Roberto Berni Canani, associate professor of paediatrics from the University of Napoli in Italy said the research could "potentially save lives" worldwide.
"Acute gastroenteritis is still one of the biggest causes of death in children living in developing countries," he told the
And dehydration is its "most dangerous complication".
Reducing the amount a person vomits when they are unwell can prevent dehydration.
"We anticipate that the results will have a great impact on future clinical practice and the advice given to parents in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis and could potentially save lives across Europe and the globe," Dr Canani added.
In the clinical trial 140 children were given ginger or a placebo.
Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for stomach upset.
Studies have found the spice has anti-inflammatory properties, which can also be used to help ease swelling in the body.
Gastroenteritis is a very common condition that causes diarrhoea and vomiting.
It's usually caused by a bacterial or viral tummy bug.
The illness affects people of all ages but is most common in children.
Gastroenteritis can be very unpleasant, but it usually clears up by itself within a week.
You can normally look after yourself or your child at home until you're feeling better.
MORE ON VOMITING BUGS
Make sure you drink plenty of fluids, take painkillers for aches and pains and get plenty of rest to beat the bug.
If the illness has not cleared up within a week, or you experience symptoms of dehydration, notice blood in your poo or can't keep any fluids down you should speak to a GP.
Dr Canani and his team plan to look at whether ginger can be effective in children without gastroenteritis to prevent unnecessary GP visits.
The findings were presented at the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutritio.
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