Does Ginger Ale Settle Upset Stomach? Evidence Explained

Yes, ginger ale can help settle mild upset stomachs, but only if it contains real ginger extract. Most commercial brands use artificial flavors with minimal actual ginger, making them less effective than pure ginger remedies. The carbonation may provide temporary relief for some, but can worsen symptoms for others.

When your stomach feels unsettled, reaching for ginger ale seems like a natural remedy. But does this popular home treatment actually work? Let's examine what science tells us about ginger ale and digestive discomfort.

The Science Behind Ginger and Digestion

Ginger root contains bioactive compounds like gingerols and shogaols that interact with your digestive system. Research published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology shows these compounds can:

• Accelerate gastric emptying by up to 25%
• Reduce intestinal inflammation
• Block serotonin receptors that trigger nausea
• Relax smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract

These mechanisms explain why ginger has been used for centuries across Asian and Middle Eastern medicine to treat digestive issues.

What's Actually in Your Ginger Ale?

Not all ginger ales deliver the promised relief. A 2022 analysis by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed:

Ginger Ale Brand	Actual Ginger Content	Sugar per 12oz
Mainstream Brand A	0.1-0.5%	38g
Mainstream Brand B	0.2-0.6%	32g
"Craft" Ginger Beer	1.5-2.5%	28g
Pure Ginger Tea	3-5%	0g

Most commercial ginger ales contain primarily carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial ginger flavoring. The actual ginger content is often too low to provide therapeutic benefits. The sugar content may even worsen symptoms for people with irritable bowel syndrome or diabetes.

Clinical Evidence on Ginger for Nausea

A comprehensive review in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine analyzed 12 clinical trials involving over 1,300 participants. The findings showed:

• Ginger reduced nausea severity by 38% compared to placebo
• Effects were most pronounced for motion sickness and morning sickness
• Optimal dosage was 1-1.5 grams of fresh ginger or equivalent extract
• Benefits appeared within 30-60 minutes of consumption

However, the studies primarily used standardized ginger extracts, not commercial ginger ale. This distinction matters significantly for effectiveness.

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

Ginger ale may provide relief in specific situations:

• Mild indigestion: The carbonation can help release trapped gas
• Dehydration from vomiting: Provides fluids and electrolytes
• Early pregnancy nausea: If it contains sufficient real ginger

But it may worsen symptoms when:

• You have acid reflux (carbonation increases stomach pressure)
• You're managing blood sugar (high sugar content)
• You have severe nausea from chemotherapy (requires stronger intervention)

Better Alternatives for Upset Stomach Relief

If you're seeking effective remedies for digestive discomfort, consider these evidence-based options:

• 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
• Electrolyte solutions: For dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea
• BRAT diet: Bananas, rice, applesauce, toast for gentle nutrition

For best results, choose ginger products with clear labeling of ginger content. "Golden" or "amber" ginger ales typically contain more real ginger than pale varieties.

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

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

• Vomiting lasting more than 24 hours
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Severe abdominal pain
• Symptoms interfering with daily activities
• Unintentional weight loss

Persistent digestive issues could indicate underlying conditions like gastritis, ulcers, or inflammatory bowel disease that require professional diagnosis and treatment.

Practical Tips for Using Ginger Effectively

To maximize ginger's stomach-soothing benefits:

• Let carbonated ginger ale go flat before drinking to reduce gas pressure
• Choose brands listing "ginger root extract" in the first five ingredients
• Make your own ginger ale using fresh ginger, lemon, and honey
• Combine with peppermint for enhanced digestive relief
• Avoid consuming extremely cold ginger beverages which can worsen cramping

Does flat ginger ale work better for upset stomach?

Yes, flat ginger ale is generally more effective. The carbonation in fizzy ginger ale can increase stomach pressure and potentially worsen symptoms for some people. Letting the beverage go flat reduces gas buildup while still providing the ginger benefits if the product contains real ginger extract.

How much real ginger is needed to help an upset stomach?

Research shows that 1-1.5 grams of fresh ginger or equivalent extract is the minimum effective dose for digestive relief. This equals approximately one teaspoon of freshly grated ginger. Most commercial ginger ales contain far less than this therapeutic amount, which is why they're often less effective than pure ginger remedies.

Can children drink ginger ale for stomach aches?

Children over 2 years can safely consume small amounts of ginger ale containing real ginger, but the high sugar content in most commercial brands makes them less ideal. For children, ginger tea diluted with water or ginger chews specifically formulated for kids are better options. Always consult a pediatrician before using ginger remedies for persistent stomach issues in children.

Is ginger ale good for nausea from food poisoning?

Ginger ale may provide limited relief for mild food poisoning nausea if it contains sufficient real ginger. However, the primary concern with food poisoning is dehydration, so electrolyte solutions are more important. If symptoms include high fever, bloody diarrhea, or last more than 48 hours, seek medical attention rather than relying on ginger ale.

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

Traditional ginger beer typically contains significantly more real ginger (1.5-2.5%) compared to most ginger ales (0.1-0.6%). This higher ginger concentration makes authentic ginger beer potentially more effective for digestive issues. However, many commercial "ginger beers" are actually just strongly flavored sodas with minimal real ginger, so always check the ingredient list for ginger root extract content.