Does Ginger Ale Help with Upset Stomach? Science-Backed Answer

Yes, ginger itself can help with upset stomach and nausea, but most commercial ginger ales contain minimal actual ginger and are high in sugar, making them less effective than pure ginger remedies. For best results, choose ginger ales with real ginger extract or prepare fresh ginger tea.

When your stomach feels unsettled, reaching for ginger ale seems like a natural remedy passed down through generations. But does this common household solution actually work, or is it just an old wives' tale? Let's examine the science behind ginger's digestive benefits and how they translate to the ginger ale in your pantry.

The Active Ingredient: Gingerol and Shogaol

Ginger's effectiveness for digestive issues comes from compounds called gingerols and shogaols. These bioactive components have demonstrated anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory properties in numerous clinical studies. When consumed, they help relax the intestinal tract, reduce inflammation, and accelerate gastric emptying—key factors in relieving nausea and stomach discomfort.

Commercial Ginger Ale vs. Real Ginger Remedies

Here's where the common misconception lies: most mass-produced ginger ales contain surprisingly little actual ginger. A typical commercial ginger ale might include:

Ingredient	Typical Commercial Ginger Ale	Traditional Ginger Remedy
Ginger content	Less than 0.5%	5-10% fresh ginger extract
Sugar content	High (25-35g per 12oz)	Adjustable (or none)
Carbonation	High	None or minimal
Gingerol concentration	Very low	Significantly higher

The carbonation in ginger ale might provide temporary relief for some types of indigestion by helping release gas, but the high sugar content can actually worsen certain digestive issues. For motion sickness or morning sickness, the minimal ginger content in most commercial brands simply doesn't deliver enough active compounds to be effective.

What Scientific Research Reveals

Multiple studies have examined ginger's effectiveness for various digestive issues:

• A 2020 review in Nutrients found ginger significantly reduced nausea severity across multiple studies
• Research published in Obstetrics & Gynecology showed ginger reduced pregnancy-related nausea by 20-25%
• A study in Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology demonstrated ginger accelerated gastric emptying by 25% compared to placebo

However, none of these studies used commercial ginger ale as the delivery method—they used standardized ginger extracts containing specific concentrations of active compounds.

Choosing an Effective Ginger Product

If you prefer the convenience of ginger ale, look for brands that specifically list "real ginger" or "ginger root extract" high in the ingredients list. Brands like Canada Dry Ginger Ale Extra Ginger or Fever-Tree Ginger Ale contain higher ginger concentrations than standard varieties.

For more reliable relief, consider these alternatives:

• Fresh ginger tea: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of grated fresh ginger in hot water for 5-10 minutes
• Ginger chews: Look for products with at least 5mg of gingerols per serving
• Ginger capsules: Standardized to contain 1.2-1.5% gingerols (250-500mg dose)

When Ginger Ale Might Actually Help

While not ideal for all stomach issues, ginger ale can provide some benefits in specific situations:

• Mild indigestion: The carbonation may help relieve bloating from gas
• Rehydration: When diluted with water, it can help replace electrolytes during mild stomach flu
• Temporary nausea relief: The small amount of ginger combined with sugar can provide quick but short-term relief

For best results, let the ginger ale go flat before drinking to reduce carbonation's potential irritation, and choose varieties with higher ginger content.

Limitations and When to Seek Medical Help

Ginger remedies aren't appropriate for all digestive issues. Avoid ginger if you have:

• Gallstone disease (ginger may increase bile production)
• Bleeding disorders or taking blood thinners
• Severe acid reflux (ginger may relax the lower esophageal sphincter)

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Persistent vomiting lasting more than 24 hours
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Severe abdominal pain
• Symptoms lasting more than 48 hours

Practical Tips for Maximum Effectiveness

To get the most from ginger for digestive relief:

• Use fresh ginger rather than dried for higher gingerol content
• Let ginger tea steep for at least 10 minutes to extract maximum compounds
• Combine with lemon to enhance absorption of active compounds
• Take ginger 20-30 minutes before potential nausea triggers (like travel)
• Start with small doses (1/4 teaspoon grated ginger) and increase as needed

Conclusion

While the tradition of reaching for ginger ale during stomach upset has some basis in science, the effectiveness depends entirely on the actual ginger content. Most commercial ginger ales contain insufficient ginger to provide meaningful relief for nausea and digestive issues. For genuine benefits, opt for products with verified ginger content or prepare fresh ginger remedies. Understanding the difference between marketing claims and actual ginger concentration can help you make informed choices when your stomach needs relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Canada Dry ginger ale help with upset stomach?

Standard Canada Dry contains minimal ginger (less than 0.5%) and is high in sugar, making it less effective for upset stomach. Canada Dry Extra Ginger version contains more ginger and may provide some relief, but fresh ginger preparations remain more effective due to higher concentrations of active compounds.

How much ginger ale should I drink for nausea?

If using ginger ale for nausea, consume 4-6 ounces (120-180ml) slowly. Let it go flat first to reduce carbonation irritation. However, most commercial ginger ales contain insufficient ginger to be truly effective—consider fresh ginger tea (1 cup with 1 tsp grated ginger) for better results.

Is homemade ginger ale better for upset stomach than store-bought?

Yes, homemade ginger ale typically contains significantly more actual ginger than commercial varieties. When prepared with fresh ginger root and allowed to ferment naturally, it can deliver 5-10 times more gingerols—the active compounds responsible for digestive benefits—making it potentially more effective for nausea relief.

Can ginger ale help with diarrhea?

Ginger ale isn't recommended specifically for diarrhea. While ginger may help with associated nausea, the high sugar content in most ginger ales can potentially worsen diarrhea through osmotic effects. For diarrhea, oral rehydration solutions or diluted ginger tea without sugar would be better options to prevent dehydration.

Why does ginger ale help settle your stomach?

Ginger ale may help settle your stomach primarily through two mechanisms: the small amount of ginger provides anti-nausea compounds called gingerols, while the carbonation can help relieve bloating by promoting burping. However, most commercial ginger ales contain insufficient ginger for significant therapeutic effect—the perceived benefit often comes from the sugar content providing quick energy during nausea.