Is Ginger Ale Good for Nausea? Science-Based Answer

Yes, ginger itself is scientifically proven to help with nausea, but most commercial ginger ales contain minimal actual ginger and are often too diluted with sugar and carbonation to be effective for nausea relief. For best results, choose ginger products with higher ginger concentration like fresh ginger tea, ginger chews, or specialty ginger beverages specifically formulated for nausea.

For centuries, ginger has been used as a natural remedy for digestive issues, particularly nausea. But when you're feeling queasy and reach for that can of ginger ale from your pantry, you might be wondering: is ginger ale actually good for nausea or is it just an old wives' tale? Let's examine what the science really says.

The Science Behind Ginger's Anti-Nausea Properties

Multiple clinical studies confirm that ginger (Zingiber officinale) contains active compounds called gingerols and shogaols that have antiemetic properties—meaning they can prevent or treat nausea and vomiting. Research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found ginger significantly reduced nausea in pregnant women. Another study in Supportive Care in Cancer showed ginger helped reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea.

These compounds work by:

• Blocking serotonin receptors in the digestive tract that trigger nausea
• Reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal system
• Speeding up gastric emptying, which can alleviate feelings of queasiness

Ginger Ale vs. Other Ginger Products: What's Actually Effective?

Here's where the common misconception lies: while ginger itself is effective for nausea relief, most commercially available ginger ales contain surprisingly little actual ginger. Traditional ginger ale was originally formulated as a medicinal beverage, but modern versions have evolved into primarily carbonated soft drinks with minimal therapeutic ginger content.

Ginger Product	Typical Ginger Content	Effectiveness for Nausea
Commercial Ginger Ale (Regular)	0.1-0.5% ginger	Low - mostly sugar and carbonation
"Real" Ginger Ale (e.g., Canada Dry, Schweppes)	0.5-1% ginger	Moderate - better but still diluted
Specialty Ginger Beverages (e.g., Reed's, Q Mixers)	1-3% ginger	High - closer to therapeutic dose
Fresh Ginger Tea	2-4% ginger (when properly brewed)	Very High - most effective option
Ginger Chews/Capsules	500-1000mg per serving	Very High - standardized dose

The problem with standard ginger ale is threefold:

1. Low ginger concentration: Most contain less than 1% actual ginger root extract
2. High sugar content: Excess sugar can sometimes worsen nausea for some individuals
3. Carbonation: While some find carbonation soothing, others find it increases bloating and discomfort

What Does Research Say Specifically About Ginger Ale?

Surprisingly, there's limited research specifically on commercial ginger ale for nausea relief. Most studies examining ginger's anti-nausea effects use standardized ginger extracts, powders, or fresh ginger preparations that contain significantly higher concentrations of active compounds.

A 2014 review in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews analyzed multiple studies on ginger for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. The review concluded that ginger was effective, but noted that the effective doses used in studies (typically 1-1.5 grams of ginger powder daily) far exceed what's found in a typical serving of commercial ginger ale.

When researchers have tested ginger ale specifically, results have been mixed. Some small studies show mild benefit, likely due to the small amount of ginger present combined with the hydration benefits of the liquid. However, these effects are generally less pronounced than with more concentrated ginger preparations.

How to Choose an Effective Ginger Product for Nausea Relief

If you're looking for natural remedies for nausea with ginger that actually work, consider these evidence-based options:

1. Specialty Ginger Beverages

Look for brands that specifically market themselves for digestive health or nausea relief. These typically contain higher ginger concentrations (1-3%) and less sugar. Reed's Extra Ginger Brew and Q Mixers Ginger Ale are examples that contain significantly more ginger than standard commercial varieties.

2. Homemade Ginger Tea

This is often the most effective option. Simmer 1-2 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger in 1 cup of water for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink while warm. You can add a small amount of honey for taste if desired, but avoid excessive sugar.

3. Ginger Supplements

For consistent dosing, ginger capsules (typically 250-500mg) taken 2-3 times daily have shown effectiveness in clinical studies. Look for standardized extracts that specify the gingerol content.

4. Ginger Chews or Crystallized Ginger

These provide a concentrated dose of ginger without liquid, which can be helpful when even drinking is difficult. Choose varieties with minimal added sugar.

When Ginger Ale Might Actually Help

While standard ginger ale isn't ideal for nausea relief, it may still provide some benefits in specific situations:

• Rehydration: The liquid content can help with mild dehydration from vomiting
• Placebo effect: Familiarity with ginger ale as a remedy may provide psychological comfort
• Mild cases: For very mild nausea, the small amount of ginger combined with hydration might offer some relief
• Children: When other ginger preparations aren't acceptable to children, ginger ale might be a more palatable option

For best results with commercial ginger ale, let it go flat to reduce carbonation, and consider adding fresh ginger juice or grated ginger to boost the active ingredients.

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

While ginger is generally considered safe for most people, persistent or severe nausea could indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention. Consult a healthcare provider if:

• Nausea lasts more than 48 hours
• You're unable to keep any liquids down for 12+ hours
• You experience severe abdominal pain
• You notice blood in vomit
• You have signs of dehydration (dark urine, dizziness, extreme thirst)

Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before using ginger regularly for nausea, though studies generally consider it safe in moderate amounts (up to 1 gram daily).

Practical Tips for Using Ginger Effectively

Based on current research, here are evidence-based recommendations for using ginger for nausea relief:

• Dosage: Aim for 250-1000mg of ginger per dose, up to 4 times daily as needed
• Timing: Take ginger at the first sign of nausea for best results
• Form: Fresh ginger preparations generally provide more active compounds than processed options
• Combination: Pair ginger with other soothing elements like peppermint or chamomile for enhanced effect
• Prevention: For motion sickness or anticipated nausea (like chemotherapy), take ginger 30-60 minutes beforehand

Conclusion

So, is ginger ale good for nausea? The answer depends on what you're drinking. Traditional ginger ale as commonly found in stores contains too little ginger to be reliably effective for nausea relief. However, specialty ginger beverages with higher ginger content, fresh ginger tea, or ginger supplements can be valuable tools in managing nausea based on scientific evidence.

For the best results, choose ginger products with higher concentrations of actual ginger root, and consider the context of your nausea. While ginger is generally safe and effective for many types of nausea, it's not a cure-all, and persistent symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Does regular store-bought ginger ale help with nausea?

Most regular store-bought ginger ales contain minimal actual ginger (typically less than 1%) and are primarily sugar and carbonation. While they may provide some hydration benefits, they generally don't contain enough ginger to be reliably effective for nausea relief compared to more concentrated ginger products.

How much ginger do I need for nausea relief?

Research suggests an effective dose is 250-1000mg of ginger per serving. Most commercial ginger ales contain far less than this amount. For best results, choose specialty ginger beverages, fresh ginger tea (made with 1-2 tablespoons grated ginger per cup), or ginger supplements that provide this therapeutic dose.

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

Traditional ginger beer typically contains more actual ginger than commercial ginger ale, as it's often brewed rather than just flavored. Specialty craft ginger beers may contain 1-3% ginger, making them potentially more effective for nausea than standard ginger ale, which usually contains less than 1% ginger.

Can I make ginger ale more effective for nausea?

Yes, you can enhance commercial ginger ale by letting it go flat (reducing carbonation that might worsen nausea for some people) and adding fresh ginger juice or grated ginger. A teaspoon of fresh ginger juice added to 8 ounces of ginger ale can significantly increase the active ginger compounds.

Is ginger safe for children with nausea?

Ginger is generally considered safe for children over 2 years old in moderate amounts. For children, smaller doses are recommended (about 1/4 to 1/2 the adult dose). Always consult with a pediatrician before giving ginger to young children, especially if nausea is persistent or severe.