When you feel a stomachache coming on — ugh, it's the pits.
Symptoms like nausea, indigestion, heartburn, stomach cramps and bloating can make your day suddenly go from pretty good to totally bleh.
The list of remedies for an ailment as common as a stomachache can be overwhelming: drink water, drink tea, drink apple cider vinegar, chew on peppermint leaves, soak in the tub, avoid lying down — the list goes on and on.
But one of the most commonly recommended cures is also one of the most misunderstood: ginger ale.
"We've all heard it: To calm an upset stomach, drink ginger ale," says Dr. Shilpa Vaidya, internist at Houston Methodist. "But, like many simple health remedies that get passed down, you have to take it with a grain of salt."
Is it the ginger, or the ale, that helps with a stomachache?
Ginger, a member of the plant family that includes turmeric and cardamom, has been proven to be effective at treating nausea and vomiting — two hallmarks of a classic upset stomach. In fact, ginger is even used to treat morning sickness, muscle pain and menstrual pain.
But, the plant's root, which is dried and ground to make ginger spice, doesn't look nearly as appetizing as a cold bottle of ginger ale. So, when you're suffering from stomach problems, why not just reach for the ale instead of the root?
Dr. Vaidya explains that many ginger ales on the market today don't contain ginger as an ingredient (gasp!): "If you look carefully at the label, the ginger in ginger ale may only be artificial flavoring. Or, if the beverage does have real ginger, there's a good chance it doesn't contain enough to relieve your upset stomach."
And, though there may not be much (or any) ginger in ginger ale, there's plenty of another ingredient: sugar. "When treating an upset stomach — especially when suffering from symptoms like gas, indigestion and bloating — carbonated, sugary beverages can often make you feel worse, not better," says Dr. Vaidya.
When stomach troubles come, reach for the real thing
Though ginger ale may be tasty, when suffering from a stomachache you're better off opting for the genuine article, explains Dr. Vaidya. "Instead of the beverage aisle, I recommend visiting your grocery store's produce section and picking up some fresh ginger root."
Simply add peeled slices to hot tea or plain hot water. And if you're not comfortable handling the raw ingredient, try ground ginger instead.
And remember: Overtaxing your stomach, even with a good thing, will only lead to more distress. A little ginger tea goes a long way, so don't overdo it. "Drinking small amounts throughout the day is far better than drinking multiple cups in one sitting," says Dr. Vaidya.
FAQs
Most ginger ales won't help a stomachache because they don't contain ginger. Ginger ale may be a household go-to for an upset stomach, but for some people, drinking the soda could actually make things worse.
Does ginger ale actually help the stomach? ›
Experts are warning that ginger ale — long touted as the cure for an upset stomach — not only lacks any significant health benefits, it could even make your gastrointestinal distress more distressful.
What is better for an upset stomach Sprite or ginger ale? ›
Ginger ale: Ginger ale has the same potential benefits as Sprite, but it may also relieve nausea because it contains ginger. However, most commercial ginger ales contain very little real ginger. People can check ingredient labels to find out how much ginger a product contains.
What drinks settle your stomach? ›
Treatment & Prevention
- Sports drinks.
- Clear, non-caffeinated sodas such as 7-Up, Sprite or ginger ale.
- Diluted juices such as apple, grape, cherry or cranberry (avoid citrus juices)
- Clear soup broth or bouillon.
- Popsicles.
- Decaffeinated tea.
Ginger has natural anti-nausea properties and can help settle your stomach. Steep freshly grated ginger in boiling water to make ginger tea. You can also find natural ginger teas at most health food stores.
When should you not drink ginger ale? ›
“Most commercial-brand ginger ales have at least 10 teaspoons of sugar,” says Dr. Goldman. “If a person has bloating, gas or indigestion, the carbonation and sugar may make it worse. Even diet ginger ale can be harmful because our bodies may not digest artificial sugars as well.”
Does Canada Dry contain real ginger? ›
Ingredients: CARBONATED WATER, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP AND LESS THAN 2% OF: GINGER EXTRACT, NATURAL FLAVORS, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE (PRESERVATIVE), CARAMEL COLOR.
How to get rid of a stomach ache fast? ›
However, some remedies that may help settle an upset stomach include drinking water or clear liquids, eating small and frequent meals, avoiding greasy or spicy foods, getting plenty of rest, and avoiding tobacco and caffeine. Over-the-counter medications such as antacids or antidiarrheal drugs may also provide relief.
What is the quickest way to get rid of a stomach bug? ›
Self care
- Let your stomach settle. Stop eating solid foods for a few hours.
- Try sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water often. ...
- Ease back into eating. ...
- Avoid certain foods and substances until you feel better. ...
- Get plenty of rest. ...
- Try anti-diarrhea medications.
Despite the health benefits of ginger, ginger ale still falls into the category of soft drinks or sodas, so it's not a health food. If you choose to consume ginger ale, it's best to do so in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet.
Staying hydrated and drinking clear fluids like water, herbal tea, and bone broth can help relieve an upset stomach. Avoiding carbonated or caffeinated beverages can also help alleviate symptoms of an upset stomach, and these beverages can often make your symptoms worse.
How to lay down to relieve stomach pain? ›
Sleep professionals agree that sleeping on your back and left side is best for digestion and pain management. While knowing what side to lay on when your stomach hurts can help you avoid further discomfort, it is ultimately your body that will make the decision of what feels right.
What drinks heal the stomach? ›
Healthy gut drinks have been used for centuries in many cultures and are now at the forefront of many research studies. Fermented drinks like kombucha and kefir may promote gut health. Green tea and ginger tea might also help ease gut symptoms.
Does ginger ale actually help your stomach? ›
Ginger ale could actually do more harm than good.
Gastroenterologist Dr. Lukasz Kwapisz, of Gastro Health in Miami, explained that the high sugar content in ginger ale and other sodas — usually upward of 30 grams per serving — can actually make stomach troubles worse.
What ginger ale has real ginger? ›
Drink Reed's - Real Ginger Ale & Real Ginger Beer.
When not to take ginger? ›
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with heart conditions, and people with diabetes should not take ginger without talking to their doctors. DO NOT take ginger if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking blood-thinning medications, including aspirin.
Is ginger ale good for gut health? ›
Ginger ale may not contain natural ginger. It could be an artificial flavoring and sugar. Artificial coloring agents offer no health benefits. Too much ginger may irritate the gut and stomach lining, causing increased acid secretion and inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis).
Is ginger ale good when you're sick? ›
Ginger ale.
While ginger in its natural form may have some cold and flu benefits, this carbonated, sugary version won't offer much relief. Soft drinks of any kind have very little of the nutrients and electrolytes you need to fight off sickness. Get your ginger in a mug of hot tea instead.
Does ginger ale reduce stomach acid? ›
Ginger. You might already grab ginger when you have a bellyache, but its stomach-calming properties are thought to help reduce acid reflux symptoms too.
Why does carbonation help upset the stomach? ›
Carbonated Drinks
Some people find that the bubbles in carbonated drinks help soothe an upset stomach, in part by making it easier for them to burp and release stomach pressure. For others, gas and acidity can make matters worse. If you're not sure how these drinks affect you, sip them slowly and cautiously.
