Does Ginger Ale Help Stomach Ache? Science-Backed Facts

Yes, ginger ale may help with certain types of stomach aches, particularly those caused by nausea, motion sickness, or mild indigestion, but its effectiveness depends on the ginger content. Most commercial ginger ales contain minimal actual ginger and high sugar levels, which can sometimes worsen stomach issues. For best results, choose brands with real ginger extract or consider ginger tea as a more potent alternative.

When stomach discomfort strikes, many people reach for a can of ginger ale as a quick remedy. But does this popular home treatment actually work, or is it just an old wives' tale? Let's examine the science behind ginger ale and stomach relief to understand when it might help and when other solutions would be better.

The Science Behind Ginger and Digestive Relief

Ginger root contains active compounds called gingerols and shogaols that have well-documented effects on the digestive system. Research published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology shows these compounds can accelerate gastric emptying and reduce nausea. A 2020 review in Nutrients confirmed ginger's effectiveness for pregnancy-related nausea, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and motion sickness.

However, there's an important distinction between pure ginger and commercial ginger ale. Most mass-produced ginger ales contain only trace amounts of actual ginger extract—sometimes as little as 0.1%—while being loaded with high-fructose corn syrup or sugar. This means you're getting minimal therapeutic benefit while potentially introducing ingredients that could aggravate stomach issues.

Ginger Ale vs. Real Ginger: What's Actually in Your Can?

To understand whether ginger ale will help your stomach ache, you need to examine what's actually in the product. The table below compares typical ingredients in various ginger beverages:

Product Type	Actual Ginger Content	Sugar Content (per 12oz)	Therapeutic Value
Mainstream commercial ginger ale	<0.5%	35-45g	Low
"Craft" or "premium" ginger ale	1-3%	25-35g	Moderate
Ginger beer (traditional)	3-5%	20-30g	High
Fresh ginger tea	100% (brewed)	0g (unsweetened)	Very High

The sugar content in most ginger ales presents a significant problem. High sugar levels can actually worsen certain types of stomach discomfort by increasing gastric acid production and potentially feeding harmful gut bacteria. For individuals with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), the high fructose content in many ginger ales could trigger additional symptoms.

When Ginger Ale Might Actually Help Your Stomach

Ginger ale may provide relief for specific stomach issues:

• Nausea and motion sickness: The carbonation can help settle the stomach while any ginger content may reduce nausea signals to the brain
• Mild indigestion after meals: The slight acidity may aid digestion for some people
• Rehydration after vomiting: Provides fluids and electrolytes when you can't keep water down

However, ginger ale is less effective for:

• Stomach pain caused by ulcers or gastritis
• Severe abdominal cramping
• Issues related to food intolerances or allergies
• Chronic digestive conditions like Crohn's disease

Better Alternatives for Stomach Relief

If you're looking for more reliable stomach relief, consider these evidence-based alternatives:

1. Fresh ginger tea: Steep 1-2 inches of fresh ginger root in hot water for 10 minutes. This provides maximum ginger compounds without added sugar.
2. Ginger chews or capsules: Look for products with at least 250mg of standardized ginger extract per serving.
3. Peppermint tea: Effective for IBS-related discomfort according to research in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.
4. BRAT diet: Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast for severe stomach upset.

Choosing the Right Ginger Ale for Stomach Discomfort

If you prefer ginger ale, look for these characteristics:

• "Made with real ginger" on the label
• Ginger extract or ginger root listed in the first five ingredients
• Less than 20g of sugar per serving
• Brands like Canada Dry Ginger Ale, Schweppes, or craft options like Reed's Strongest Ginger Beer

For immediate relief, try letting the ginger ale go flat first—this reduces carbonation that might cause bloating. Sip slowly rather than drinking it quickly, and avoid ice-cold versions which can sometimes worsen stomach spasms.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While ginger ale might help with mild stomach discomfort, certain symptoms require medical evaluation:

• Pain lasting more than 24 hours
• Severe pain that wakes you from sleep
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Black, tarry stools
• Unexplained weight loss with stomach issues

These could indicate serious conditions like ulcers, gallstones, or inflammatory bowel disease that require professional treatment rather than home remedies.

Practical Tips for Using Ginger for Stomach Relief

For those seeking natural remedies for stomach ache, these evidence-based approaches work best:

• Use fresh ginger rather than processed products when possible
• Consume ginger 20-30 minutes before potential nausea triggers (like travel)
• Combine ginger with hydration—sip ginger tea slowly rather than gulping
• Avoid high-sugar ginger products if you have diabetes or blood sugar concerns
• Consider ginger supplements standardized to 5% gingerols for consistent dosing

Does ginger ale really help with upset stomach?

Ginger ale may help with nausea-related stomach discomfort, but most commercial brands contain minimal actual ginger and high sugar levels that can sometimes worsen symptoms. Effectiveness depends on the specific product's ginger content.

How much ginger should be in ginger ale to help stomach issues?

For therapeutic benefits, ginger ale should contain at least 1% real ginger extract. Most mainstream brands contain less than 0.5%, while craft ginger beers typically have 3-5%—making them more effective for stomach relief.

Is flat ginger ale better for stomach aches than carbonated?

Yes, flat ginger ale is generally better for stomach aches. The carbonation in fizzy ginger ale can cause bloating and gas, potentially worsening discomfort. Letting it go flat reduces these effects while preserving any ginger benefits.

Can ginger ale help with food poisoning stomach cramps?

Ginger ale may provide limited relief for nausea associated with food poisoning, but it won't treat the underlying infection. For severe cases with vomiting and diarrhea, focus on rehydration with oral rehydration solutions rather than ginger ale, which contains too much sugar for optimal rehydration.

What's better for stomach ache: ginger ale or ginger tea?

Ginger tea is generally more effective than ginger ale for stomach aches. It contains higher concentrations of active ginger compounds without the high sugar content found in most ginger ales. Freshly brewed ginger tea provides approximately 10-20 times more therapeutic gingerols than commercial ginger ale.