Your parents, grandparents, or relatives probably told you that one simple remedy for curing an upset stomach is drinking ginger ale.
Now, there's all kinds of reasons as to why you might feel nauseous—it could be due to a nasty stomach bug, stress, anxiety or even eating something spoiled. If you find yourself reaching for the ginger-flavored soda during those times you maybe wonder why and if it really works.
Why Do You Crave Ginger Ale When You Have an Upset Stomach?
Well, dietitian Andrea Mathis said that since we have been conditioned to think that this beverage is the cure for an upset stomach, we naturally crave it.
She said, "because most of us have been taught to drink ginger ale if we are experiencing an upset stomach, we seem to naturally crave this beverage whenever we are feeling under the weather."
Does Ginger Ale Actually Cure an Upset Stomach?
So, despite what your parents told you, ginger ale does not actually cure an upset stomach. We just blew your mind, right?
Research has shown that fresh ginger root can alleviate nausea. However, commercialized ginger ale contains very little, if any, ginger. It mostly contains sugar, carbonated water, and ginger flavoring.
Therefore, the soda doesn't have the ability to make you feel better. Now, if you're wondering why you've been drinking it all these years and have felt better after, Mathis says it could be the carbonation that's settling in your stomach that's helping.
What to Drink Instead of Ginger Ale For an Upset Stomach?
While you can still drink a cup of ginger ale if you're feeling nauseous, the main thing to remember is the kind of ginger ale that you're drinking.
Since ginger root is what can help to alleviate discomfort, seek out a brand made with real ginger root, even ginger beer would be a better option.
While the age-old ginger ale will always be a classic remedy, you can also try sipping on this honey-lemon ginger tea to calm your stomach.
The Bottom Line
While fresh ginger root has been shown to help alleviate nausea, most ginger ales aren't made with the real deal. But the carbonation in ginger ale may help settle your upset stomach, not to mention the association might be comforting to you. So if drinking ginger ale makes you feel better, by all means keep drinking it. But if you are looking for something stronger, try a drink made with real ginger instead.
FAQs
Ginger ale could help relieve stomachaches for some people, but only if it contains real ginger. A scientific review of more than 100 studies on the effects of ginger show moderate effectiveness in relieving nausea.
Does ginger ale actually settle your stomach? ›
Ginger ale could actually do more harm than good.
Gastroenterologist Dr. Lukasz Kwapisz, of Gastro Health in Miami, explained that the high sugar content in ginger ale and other sodas — usually upward of 30 grams per serving — can actually make stomach troubles worse.
Does Canada Dry help with nausea? ›
If You're Sick, Put Down That Canada Dry!
With slogans like “Made with REAL Ginger” on the packaging, it makes sense. Sadly, Canada Dry doesn't help upset stomachs, and here's why: While it makes for a delicious casual beverage, Canada Dry is almost pure sugar and carbonation (unlike ginger beer).
Is ginger ale or Sprite better for an upset stomach? ›
Ginger ale: Ginger ale has the same potential benefits as Sprite, but it may also relieve nausea because it contains ginger. However, most commercial ginger ales contain very little real ginger. People can check ingredient labels to find out how much ginger a product contains.
Does Canada Dry Ginger Ale have real ginger in it? ›
Ingredients: CARBONATED WATER, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP AND LESS THAN 2% OF: GINGER EXTRACT, NATURAL FLAVORS, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE (PRESERVATIVE), CARAMEL COLOR.
What soda is best for an upset stomach? ›
Treatment
- Sports drinks.
- Clear, non-caffeinated sodas such as 7-Up, Sprite or ginger ale.
- Diluted juices such as apple, grape, cherry or cranberry (avoid citrus juices)
- Clear soup broth or bouillon.
- Popsicles.
- Decaffeinated tea.
Canada Dry Ginger Ale contains substantial amounts of sugar, contributing to increased daily caloric intake. Overconsumption of sugary drinks is associated with weight gain, type 2 diabetes, dental problems, and heart disease. Moderation is key.
Why do hospitals serve ginger ale? ›
The hospital did what caregivers have done for thousands of years: Reach for ginger root as an anti-emetic. When ginger ale was invented in the mid-19th century, it quickly became a bedside staple among people suffering from various causes of nausea and vomiting.
Should I drink ginger ale when nauseous? ›
Some travelers might even have ginger ale on a flight or before a long car ride to prevent or reduce nausea. “Ginger may be useful in treating nausea brought on by a range of diseases, such as motion sickness, morning sickness during pregnancy, and nausea brought on by chemotherapy,” Setya told Verywell.
Why does ginger ale stop nausea? ›
It's true that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, says registered dietitian Sharon Richter, RD. And studies have found that ginger can help ease pregnancy nausea and postoperative nausea and vomiting.
You can also try applying a warm compress to your stomach, such as a heating pad or warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. This can help alleviate pain and cramping. Moreover, drinking a cup of warm water with a teaspoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon juice can help to soothe an upset stomach.
How to quickly settle an upset stomach? ›
Below are some indigestion remedies that many people find helpful.
- Ginger. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe an upset stomach. ...
- Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
- Carbonated Drinks. ...
- Peppermint or Chamomile Tea. ...
- BRAT Diet. ...
- Baking Soda. ...
- Use a Heating Pad. ...
- Drink More Water.
There's no medicine for stomach flu. Antibiotics don't work on viruses — they're for bacterial infections. The best thing you can do to help your immune system do its work is to stay home and rest, stay hydrated and eat a little if you can. Give your body the energy it needs to fight the infection.
What is the ginger ale lawsuit? ›
The maker of Canada Dry ginger ale settled a class-action false-advertising lawsuit filed by British Columbia man Victor Cardoso, who claimed to have spent years buying the carbonated beverage for his family thinking it had medicinal benefits based on its label promoting it as “Made from Real Ginger” and “Natural,” CTV ...
Which ginger ale has the most real ginger? ›
Reed's is packed with real, fresh ginger. We source our ginger sustainably from the Peruvian Amazon—a bold strain found nowhere else.
What brand of ginger ale actually has ginger in it? ›
Some reliable options that clearly list ginger among their ingredients include Reed's, Brooklyn Crafted Classic Ginger Ale, Bruce Cost Ginger Ale, and Cape Cod Ginger Ale.
Is Canada Dry Ginger Ale good for nausea? ›
The bottom line
Ginger root has a long history of relieving nausea. Unfortunately, commercial ginger ale just doesn't contain much ginger and is unlikely to help. Be wary: Carbonation, sugar, and artificial sweeteners may actually worsen your symptoms.
What dry cereal is good for nausea? ›
Dry Cereal
Try to stick with simple cereals like Original Cheerios or Corn Chex; avoid sugary cereals (no more than 10 grams of total sugar and 5 grams of added sugar per serving) because sugar can also complicate the issue. Oatmeal is also a good option.
What is a good drink for nausea? ›
Use a clear liquid diet to reduce the feeling of nausea. Liquids such as apple juice, cranberry juice, lemonade, fruitades, broth, Gatorade®, ginger ale, 7-Up®, popsicles, gelatin, tea, or cola are usually well tolerated.
Does Canada Dry ginger ale help with stomach ache? ›
Research has shown that fresh ginger root can alleviate nausea. However, commercialized ginger ale contains very little, if any, ginger. It mostly contains sugar, carbonated water, and ginger flavoring. Therefore, the soda doesn't have the ability to make you feel better.
