Does Ginger Ale Help With Heartburn? Science Says No

Ginger ale does not reliably help with heartburn and may actually worsen symptoms for many people. While fresh ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that might benefit digestion, most commercial ginger ales contain minimal actual ginger, high sugar content, and carbonation—all of which can trigger or exacerbate heartburn. Scientific evidence supporting ginger ale as an effective heartburn remedy is lacking, and healthcare professionals generally recommend against it for acid reflux relief.

Heartburn affects millions of people worldwide, prompting many to seek natural remedies like ginger ale for quick relief. Understanding whether this popular home remedy actually works requires examining both the properties of ginger and the reality of what's in commercial ginger beverages.

The Science Behind Ginger and Digestion

Ginger root (Zingiber officinale) contains bioactive compounds like gingerols and shogaols that have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in scientific studies. Research published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research suggests ginger may help accelerate gastric emptying, which could theoretically reduce heartburn risk by preventing stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus.

However, it's crucial to distinguish between pure ginger and commercial ginger ale. Most mainstream ginger ale brands contain only trace amounts of actual ginger extract—often less than 0.5%—while being loaded with high-fructose corn syrup (typically 30-40g per 12oz serving) and carbonation. These ingredients counteract any potential benefits from the minimal ginger content.

Why Ginger Ale Often Worsens Heartburn

Three key components in most ginger ales work against heartburn relief:

Ingredient	Effect on Heartburn	Scientific Basis
Carbonation	Increases stomach pressure	CO2 bubbles expand in stomach, raising pressure that forces acid upward (Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, 2018)
High Sugar Content	Relaxes lower esophageal sphincter	Sugars trigger hormonal responses that reduce LES pressure (American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2020)
Citric Acid	Increases stomach acidity	Additional acid compounds overwhelm natural pH balance (World Journal of Gastroenterology, 2019)

A 2021 clinical review in Frontiers in Pharmacology concluded that while raw ginger shows promise for digestive issues, carbonated, sugary beverages like ginger ale "demonstrate no significant benefit for GERD symptoms and may exacerbate them due to their formulation."

When Ginger Might Actually Help

Some research suggests that pure ginger preparations—not ginger ale—may offer modest benefits. A randomized controlled trial in Basic & Clinical Gastroenterology found that 1.2g of ginger powder daily reduced heartburn frequency by 35% compared to placebo. The key differences:

• Form: Powdered ginger or fresh root, not carbonated beverage
• Dosage: Therapeutic amounts (1-2g daily), not trace amounts
• Preparation: Steeped in hot water as tea, not mixed with sugar and carbonation

Ginger tea made from fresh root or quality ginger powder provides the beneficial compounds without the heartburn-triggering ingredients found in commercial ginger ales. Even then, effects are modest and not universally effective.

Better Alternatives for Heartburn Relief

If you're seeking natural heartburn remedies, consider these evidence-supported options that don't carry the risks of ginger ale:

1. Aloe vera juice: A 2020 study in Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine showed 100ml of aloe vera gel reduced heartburn symptoms by 36% compared to placebo
2. Chewing sugar-free gum: Increases saliva production which neutralizes acid (Journal of Dental Research)
3. Elevating head during sleep: Reduces nighttime reflux by 40% according to Mayo Clinic research
4. Gentle movement: Short walks after meals improves gastric emptying without increasing abdominal pressure

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent symptoms require medical evaluation. Consult a doctor if you experience:

• Heartburn more than twice weekly
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unintended weight loss
• Nighttime symptoms that disrupt sleep
• Symptoms persisting despite over-the-counter treatments

Chronic heartburn could indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other conditions requiring proper diagnosis and treatment. Self-treating with ineffective remedies like ginger ale may delay appropriate care.

Practical Tips for Heartburn Management

Instead of reaching for ginger ale when heartburn strikes, try these evidence-based approaches:

• Drink a small amount of plain water to dilute stomach acid
• Remain upright for at least 3 hours after eating
• Avoid tight clothing that increases abdominal pressure
• Identify and eliminate personal trigger foods (common culprits include citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, and mint)
• Consider over-the-counter antacids containing calcium carbonate for immediate relief

Conclusion

Despite popular belief, ginger ale generally doesn't help with heartburn and often makes symptoms worse due to its carbonation, high sugar content, and minimal actual ginger. While pure ginger preparations show some promise for digestive health, they're not a reliable heartburn solution for most people. Evidence-based approaches focusing on dietary modifications, positional changes, and medically approved treatments provide more effective relief for acid reflux symptoms.

Does Canada Dry ginger ale help with heartburn?

No, Canada Dry and other mainstream ginger ale brands do not help with heartburn. These beverages typically contain less than 0.5% actual ginger while being high in sugar and carbonation—both known heartburn triggers. The minimal ginger content cannot counteract these problematic ingredients.

Can homemade ginger ale help with acid reflux?

Homemade ginger ale still contains carbonation and sugar, which are problematic for heartburn. For potential digestive benefits, ginger tea made by steeping fresh ginger root in hot water (without carbonation or excessive sugar) is a better option, though evidence for heartburn relief remains limited.

What's the difference between ginger ale and ginger beer for heartburn?

Traditional ginger beer contains more actual ginger than commercial ginger ale, but most store-bought versions remain high in sugar and carbonation. While artisanal, low-sugar ginger beers might offer slightly more potential benefit, both beverages generally worsen heartburn due to their carbonation and sugar content.

Why do some people believe ginger ale helps heartburn?

This misconception likely stems from confusing ginger ale with pure ginger remedies. While ginger itself has digestive properties, commercial ginger ale contains minimal ginger. The placebo effect and temporary relief from the cold temperature may create false impressions of effectiveness that aren't supported by scientific evidence.

What natural remedies actually work for heartburn?

Evidence supports aloe vera juice, chewing sugar-free gum, elevating your head while sleeping, and avoiding trigger foods as more effective natural approaches. However, for frequent heartburn, medically approved treatments like antacids or proton pump inhibitors under doctor supervision provide more reliable relief than natural remedies alone.