Does Ginger Ale Really Help Cure a Stomachache? (2024)

FAQs

Does Ginger Ale Really Help Cure a Stomachache? ›

WHAT WE FOUND. 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.

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.

Ingredients: CARBONATED WATER, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP AND LESS THAN 2% OF: GINGER EXTRACT, NATURAL FLAVORS, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE (PRESERVATIVE), CARAMEL COLOR.

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.

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.

Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water. Reduce your intake of coffee, tea and alcohol as these can make the pain worse. When you are allowed to eat again, start with clear liquids, then progress to bland foods such as crackers, rice, bananas or toast. Your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods.

In the case of artificially flavored ginger ale, the beverage has no more health benefits than any other soda, which, of course, are zero. But in the case of ginger ale flavored by real ginger root, the beverage has marginally more health benefits than other soft drinks.

Ingredients: Both brands use high-quality ingredients, but Canada Dry highlights its natural flavors and real ginger extract, while Schweppes maintains its classic recipe with ginger root extract and high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener.

What this case was about: The Plaintiff alleged that Canada Dry used or published certain labelling and advertising material that contained false or misleading information regarding the ingredients of Canada Dry Ginger Ale soft drinks. Canada Dry completely denies any and all wrongdoing or liability.

When should you not drink ginger ale? ›

“If a person has bloating, gas or indigestion, the carbonation and sugar may make it worse. Even diet ginger ale can be harmful because our bodies may not digest artificial sugars as well.”

May help reduce nausea

Consuming ginger may help relieve upset stomach and nausea related to stomach flu, severe migraines, chemotherapy, or morning sickness in pregnancy. This may be partly due to natural compounds found in ginger, including gingerols and shogaols ( 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 ).

Home Remedies

You might try a heating pad to ease belly pain. Chamomile or peppermint tea may help with gas. Be sure to drink plenty of clear fluids so your body has enough water. You also can do things to make stomach pain less likely.

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.

Ginger ale.

While ginger in its natural form may have some cold and flu benefits, this carbonated, sugary version won't offer much relief. Soft drinks of any kind have very little of the nutrients and electrolytes you need to fight off sickness. Get your ginger in a mug of hot tea instead.

Carbonated Drinks

Some people find that the bubbles in carbonated drinks help soothe an upset stomach, in part by making it easier for them to burp and release stomach pressure. For others, gas and acidity can make matters worse. If you're not sure how these drinks affect you, sip them slowly and cautiously.

Ginger is an ancient herb used widely in history for its many natural medicinal properties and particularly as an antiemetic. The best available evidence demonstrates that ginger is an effective and inexpensive treatment for nausea and vomiting and is safe.

If you are able to, try small sips of cool flat co*ke, 7-up, ginger ale, Gatorade or popsicles. No diet drinks! Drinking plain water can sometimes make the vomiting and nausea worse.