Ginger Ale for Stomach Aches: What Science Says

Ginger itself has proven benefits for nausea and digestive issues, but most commercial ginger ales contain minimal actual ginger and high sugar levels that may worsen stomach discomfort. For mild nausea, flat ginger ale might offer some relief due to residual ginger compounds, but it's not the most effective remedy for most stomach aches.

When stomach discomfort strikes, many reach for ginger ale as a traditional remedy. But does this carbonated beverage actually help with stomach aches, or is it just an old wives' tale? The answer requires understanding both the science of ginger and the reality of what's in most ginger ale products.

The Science Behind Ginger and Digestion

Ginger root (Zingiber officinale) contains bioactive compounds like gingerols and shogaols that have demonstrated anti-nausea and digestive benefits in numerous clinical studies. Research published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology confirms ginger's effectiveness for:

• Reducing nausea from pregnancy (morning sickness)
• Alleviating chemotherapy-induced nausea
• Improving gastric motility (how quickly your stomach empties)
• Reducing symptoms of functional dyspepsia (chronic indigestion)

These benefits come from ginger's ability to accelerate gastric emptying and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. However, this refers to actual ginger, not necessarily the ginger-flavored beverages many consume.

Ginger Ale vs. Real Ginger: What's Actually in the Bottle

Most commercial ginger ales contain surprisingly little ginger. A 2019 analysis by Consumer Reports found that popular brands typically contain:

Brand	Ginger Content	Sugar per 12oz	Actual Gingerols
Major Brand A	<0.5%	38g	Trace
Major Brand B	<1%	34g	Minimal
Craft Ginger Beer	3-5%	28g	Moderate
Fresh Ginger Tea	100%	0g (unsweetened)	High

The high sugar content in most ginger ales can actually worsen certain types of stomach discomfort, particularly for those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The carbonation may also cause bloating and gas for some individuals.

When Ginger Ale Might Help (and When It Won't)

Ginger ale may provide limited relief for:

• Mild nausea - The small amount of ginger compounds remaining after processing may help settle the stomach
• Post-operative nausea - Some hospitals still offer flat ginger ale as part of nausea protocols
• Motion sickness - Though fresh ginger is significantly more effective

However, ginger ale is not recommended for:

• Acid reflux or heartburn - Carbonation increases stomach pressure
• Diarrhea-predominant IBS - High sugar content can worsen symptoms
• Severe stomach pain - Could indicate serious conditions requiring medical attention
• Diabetic stomach issues - Sugar content causes blood glucose spikes

Better Alternatives for Stomach Relief

If you're seeking natural remedies for stomach discomfort, consider these more effective options:

1. Real Ginger Preparations

For does ginger ale help with nausea concerns, actual ginger preparations work better:

• Fresh ginger tea: Steep 1-2 inches of sliced ginger in hot water for 10 minutes
• Ginger chews: Look for products with at least 25mg of gingerols per serving
• Ginger capsules: Standardized to 5% gingerols (250-500mg doses)

2. Other Evidence-Based Remedies

For different types of stomach discomfort:

• Peppermint tea: Effective for IBS-related pain (avoid with GERD)
• BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast): For diarrhea recovery
• Heating pad: On low setting for cramping pain
• Deep breathing exercises: To reduce stress-related stomach issues

When to See a Doctor for Stomach Aches

While occasional stomach discomfort is normal, seek medical attention if you experience:

• Pain lasting more than 24-48 hours
• Severe pain that wakes you from sleep
• Vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like material
• Black, tarry stools or visible blood in stool
• Unexplained weight loss with stomach issues
• Chest pain accompanying stomach discomfort

These symptoms could indicate serious conditions like ulcers, gallstones, appendicitis, or inflammatory bowel disease that require professional treatment rather than home remedies like ginger ale for upset stomach.

The Bottom Line on Ginger and Stomach Relief

While does ginger ale help with stomach aches remains a common question, the evidence suggests that traditional ginger ale provides limited benefits due to its low ginger content and high sugar levels. For those seeking natural remedies for stomach aches, actual ginger preparations offer more reliable relief for nausea and certain digestive issues.

If you choose to use ginger ale, let it go flat first to reduce carbonation effects, and consider diluting it with water to decrease sugar concentration. However, for most stomach discomfort, better alternatives exist that address the root cause rather than providing temporary, limited relief.

Does flat ginger ale help with stomach aches better than carbonated?

Yes, flat ginger ale may be slightly more effective as the reduced carbonation decreases the risk of bloating and gas. Carbonation can increase stomach pressure, potentially worsening certain types of stomach discomfort. Letting ginger ale sit uncovered for 30-60 minutes before drinking allows the carbonation to dissipate while preserving any remaining ginger compounds.

How much actual ginger is in most commercial ginger ales?

Most major brand ginger ales contain less than 1% actual ginger root extract. The distinctive flavor primarily comes from artificial ginger flavoring, citric acid, and other additives rather than real ginger. Craft ginger beers typically contain higher ginger concentrations (3-5%), but still significantly less than what's found in fresh ginger or therapeutic ginger preparations.

Is ginger ale good for nausea during pregnancy?

While many pregnant women use ginger ale for morning sickness, fresh ginger preparations are significantly more effective. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends 250mg ginger capsules four times daily for pregnancy nausea. If using ginger ale, choose brands with higher ginger content and be mindful of the sugar content, which can cause blood sugar fluctuations that sometimes worsen nausea.

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

Traditional ginger beer typically contains more actual ginger (3-5%) compared to commercial ginger ale (less than 1%). Historically, ginger beer was brewed with real ginger and had higher gingerol content, making it potentially more effective for stomach issues. However, many modern "ginger beers" are simply strongly flavored sodas with minimal real ginger. Look for craft brands that specify ginger root content for better results with digestive issues.

Can ginger ale make stomach aches worse?

Yes, for certain types of stomach discomfort, ginger ale can worsen symptoms. The high sugar content can exacerbate diarrhea and IBS symptoms, while the carbonation may increase bloating and gas. For acid reflux or GERD, the carbonation increases stomach pressure which can worsen heartburn. If you have diabetes, the sugar content can cause blood glucose spikes that sometimes trigger stomach discomfort.