Stomachaches are no fun. When you’re feeling sick to your stomach, you can feel even worse if you’re feeling nauseated. And you may turn to an old standby: ginger ale.
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But does ginger ale really help with nausea?
While many of us grew up thinking this fizzy drink could help ease our tummy troubles, the fact is that ginger ale may not be the cure-all we thought it was.
Family medicine physician Matthew Goldman, MD, explains why ginger ale might not be the best option and what you can drink instead to help settle your stomach.
Is ginger ale good for nausea and upset stomachs?
No, states Dr. Goldman.
Spoiler alert: Most ginger ale is actually fake. Ginger ale may not contain natural ginger. It could be an artificial flavoring.
And if it does have real ginger, it may not have enough to offer significant relief. Even then, most ginger ale won’t help. It could even make matters worse.
“Most commercial-brand ginger ales have at least 10 teaspoons of sugar,” says Dr. Goldman. “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.”
The same can be said for ginger beer. Though it may contain higher levels of ginger than ginger ale, certain ginger beers are high in sugar, calories and caffeine.
Alternatives to ginger ale
If you really want ginger ale, Dr. Goldman suggests reading labels to ensure you’re getting less sugar and enough real ginger.
But your best bet? Ginger root from the grocery store, which can help with various forms of nausea like morning sickness, motion sickness and the side effects of certain chemotherapy treatments. Fresh ginger contains a compound called gingerol, which includes antioxidant properties and reduces inflammation.
So, how should you use ginger? Peel it and mix with decaf tea or warm water.
Dr. Goldman advises having ginger in small amounts throughout the day. Other ginger options available in the natural foods aisle of your grocery store or at a natural foods store include:
- Ginger candies or lollipops. Look for low-sugar options in the natural foods aisle of your grocery store or at a natural foods store. These can provide a convenient and tasty way to enjoy the benefits of ginger.
- Ginger chews. Another flavorful option that may help alleviate nausea.
- Ginger tea. Ginger tea is a soothing and time-tested remedy known for its ability to support digestion and settle the stomach.
- Ginger shots. Some people find ginger shots, typically concentrated forms of ginger, effective in providing quick relief from nausea.
- Foods that contain ginger. Low-sugar gingersnap cookies and other ginger-infused snacks can be a pleasant way to consume ginger when experiencing stomach discomfort.
- Powdered ginger. A versatile option for adding ginger flavor to various dishes and beverages.
What other drinks can help with tummy troubles? In addition to ginger-based remedies, consider these other options to help with tummy troubles:
- Peppermint tea. Peppermint tea has been shown to support digestion and can have a soothing effect on the stomach.
- Sports drinks or electrolyte drinks. When used in moderation, these beverages can be helpful in preventing dehydration. Be sure to check the added sugar content on the label.
- Oral rehydration solutions. For sick children, oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte® are formulated with lower sugar levels and higher electrolytes, making them suitable for addressing dehydration while being gentle on children’s bodies.
- Water. Don’t underestimate the importance of staying hydrated. Sipping on ice water can be a simple and effective way to maintain fluid balance.
“It’s important to remember that individual preferences and sensitivities vary, so you may want to try different options to find the one that works best for you,” suggests Dr. Goldman. “In the end, the choice of remedy will depend on your specific needs and comfort.”
Bottom line?
When you have an upset stomach and are battling nausea, it’s important to stay hydrated. Instead of turning to ginger ale, you may want to opt for ginger tea, peppermint tea or even a sports or electrolyte drink.
You also want to opt for bland foods like saltine crackers, bananas and applesauce instead of spicy, acidic, sweet or fatty foods.
And while a little patience and some home remedies can help settle your stomach, if your nausea persists, it may be time to talk to a healthcare provider.
FAQs
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.
Does ginger ale make you feel better when your sick? ›
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.
Does ginger ale settle the stomach? ›
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.
What relieves nausea fast? ›
Things that may help you stop feeling sick
- get plenty of fresh air.
- distract yourself – for example, listen to music or watch a film.
- take regular sips of a cold drink.
- drink ginger or peppermint tea.
- eat foods containing ginger – such as ginger biscuits.
- eat smaller, more frequent meals.
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.
Is ginger ale or Sprite better for nausea? ›
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.
Is Canada Dry Ginger Ale good for you? ›
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.
Is Canada dry real ginger ale? ›
According to researchers, the drink did not have enough ginger for it to have health benefits and for the company to claim that it was "made from real ginger." Instead of defending their ginger content by going to court, they decided to settle by no longer making this claim.
Why drink flat 7UP when sick? ›
But when it comes to stomach distress, many people view a cup of flat soda as just what the doctor ordered. The quick and popular remedy — usually in the form of cola, ginger ale or clear sodas — is said to help settle the stomach with its slight fizz and replenish fluids and glucose lost by vomiting and diarrhea.
Why do crackers help with nausea? ›
Crackers. Foods high in starch — such as saltines, bread, and toast — help absorb gastric acid and settle a queasy stomach. "The bland nature of a cracker helps to satisfy hunger (excessive hunger can exacerbate nausea) without the strong smells or tastes that may increase nausea," says Palinski-Wade.
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 ).
When not to take ginger? ›
Blood-thinning medications: Ginger may increase the risk of bleeding. Talk to your doctor before taking ginger if you take blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin. Diabetes medications: Ginger may lower blood sugar.
What can I drink to stop feeling nauseous? ›
Try sipping clear, cold fluids, such as water and soft drinks, slowly through a straw. Fizzy drinks like soda water and ginger ale are quite refreshing. Lemon, peppermint or ginger teas have a pleasant taste and are also refreshing. The last two may also help to relieve nausea.
How do you get rid of nausea trick? ›
7 Home Remedies for Nausea
- Ginger. Ginger is a popular all-natural remedy for nausea, says Shilpa Dang, M.D., a double board-certified gastroenterologist with Medical Offices of Manhattan in New York. ...
- Peppermint. ...
- Lemon. ...
- Vitamin B6. ...
- Acupressure. ...
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation. ...
- Deep Breathing.
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.
What is Canada Dry Ginger Ale good for? ›
Ginger has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries, renowned for its potent anti-nausea properties. Although Canada Dry Ginger Ale isn't packed with large amounts of real ginger, its slight presence may still have a mild effect on relieving nausea and vomiting, particularly during travel or pregnancy.
What soda is good for nausea? ›
Cola, ginger ale or coconut water are among the preferred remedies. There are many reasons we might feel nauseated, and drinking liquids is often the fastest way to fight back. Many people have their pet remedies, such as cola, ginger ale and coconut water.
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.
