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
For some people, the carbonation in ginger ale and other fizzy beverages may help ease their gastrointestinal distress, Sassos said, while other people may find that it makes things worse. So it really depends on how your body responds.
Does ginger ale actually settle your stomach? ›
Ale, no. Experts are warning that ginger ale — long touted as the cure for an upset stomach — not only lacks any significant health benefits, it could even make your gastrointestinal distress more distressful.
Is co*ke or ginger ale better for an upset stomach? ›
If you're having trouble keeping liquids down, try sucking on ice chips and taking small sips of water. You can also drink noncaffeinated sodas, such as Sprite, 7UP or ginger ale. Take care to avoid caffeinated sodas, since caffeine can make your upset stomach worse.
Why does ginger settle your stomach? ›
Gingerol, a natural component of ginger root, benefits gastrointestinal motility ― the rate at which food exits the stomach and continues along the digestive process. Eating ginger encourages efficient digestion, so food doesn't linger as long in the gut. Nausea relief.
Is ginger ale good when 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.
Is Canada Dry Ginger Ale good for you? ›
Even when real ginger root is used in ginger ale, however, the beverage still contains "high levels of sugar, which can reduce its health benefits," she adds. A single 12-ounce can of ginger ale has about 36 grams of added sugar - nearly 3/4 of one's entire daily value, based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
How can I settle my stomach in 5 minutes? ›
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.
Is Canada Dry made with real ginger? ›
Ingredients: CARBONATED WATER, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP AND LESS THAN 2% OF: GINGER EXTRACT, NATURAL FLAVORS, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE (PRESERVATIVE), CARAMEL COLOR.
What not to drink with an upset stomach? ›
If you've got a full stomach, pass on the soda and co*cktails. Beverages in these categories can further irritate the stomach lining. If you have diarrhea, caffeine could also worsen your symptoms, as drinks like coffee and soda can loosen your stool.
What kills the stomach virus? ›
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.
And, though there may not be much (or any) ginger in ginger ale, there's plenty of another ingredient: sugar. "When treating an upset stomach — especially when suffering from symptoms like gas, indigestion and bloating — carbonated, sugary beverages can often make you feel worse, not better," says Dr.
Does Canada Dry ginger ale help upset the stomach? ›
Most ginger ales won't help a stomachache because they don't contain ginger. Ginger ale may be a household go-to for an upset stomach, but for some people, drinking the soda could actually make things worse.
Does ginger ale actually help? ›
For some people, the carbonation in ginger ale and other fizzy beverages may help ease their gastrointestinal distress, Sassos said, while other people may find that it makes things worse. So it really depends on how your body responds.
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.
Why does soda settle your stomach? ›
There may also be an upside to the effervescence: as those tiny bubbles pop, they may encourage motility by triggering the GI tract to move into high gear. Still, she says, the nausea-relieving benefits might be offset by the high volume of sugar in a typical soda.
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).
Does Canada Dry have real ginger? ›
“Canada Dry Ginger Ale has always been made using real ginger extract to provide its ginger flavour,” she said.
Can ginger ale stop diarrhea? ›
Ginger is a well-known natural treatment for diarrhea. It can help treat some of the causes of diarrhea and relieve gastrointestinal symptoms. Popular preparations that can be used as home remedies include ginger tea and ginger ale. Research increasingly points to the value of ginger as a natural diarrhea remedy.
