Ginger ale is a popular, sweet beverage made from carbonated water, sweeteners, and ginger. Ginger is a spice with several possible health benefits, including soothing an upset stomach. Drinking ginger ale may improve nausea and indigestion, but more research is needed to say for sure.
Ginger is an effective treatment for nausea because it contains gingerols and shogaols, plant compounds with anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds may improve stomach emptying, which can boost digestion and reduce nausea.
Ginger also has anti-inflammatory effects that may lower blood pressure and ease nausea. A 2016 study found that taking ginger extract during pregnancy and chemotherapy can significantly improve nausea.
While taking a ginger supplement can likely improve nausea, more research is needed to determine if drinking ginger ale provides the same benefits.
Ginger ale contains less ginger than a supplement. If using ginger ale for nausea, read the label and choose a brand that contains real ginger, rather than artificial flavoring.
Sipping a carbonated beverage may settle your stomach and ease feelings of nausea. Mild carbonated drinks, such as ginger ale, may relax the muscles in the esophagus and stomach, providing temporary relief from nausea. Avoid carbonated beverages with caffeine when experiencing nausea and vomiting.
Ginger contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation and may improve symptoms of heartburn. The compounds in ginger may lower inflammation and irritation in the esophagus and stomach.
They may also speed up stomach emptying, helping to move food through the gastrointestinal tract more quickly. This can reduce the likelihood that food and stomach acid flow back up the esophagus, causing heartburn. This can also relieve bloating and stomach discomfort.
Taking a ginger supplement can reduce stomach acid production, which may help prevent or relieve heartburn. However, it is unclear if drinking ginger ale can provide the same heartburn benefits. Drinking carbonated beverages can make acid reflux worse and lead to more bloating.
If you’d like to use ginger to soothe stomach upset, consider taking a ginger supplement or extract for a higher concentration. If you’d rather sip ginger ale when you’re feeling ill, buy a brand that uses real ginger.
