What Happens to Your Stomachache When You Drink Ginger Ale

Ginger ale is a popular sweet drink made with soda water, sweeteners and ginger. Ginger is a spice that has several possible health benefits, including soothing an upset stomach. Drinking ginger ale may improve nausea and indigestion, but more research is needed to know for sure.

Ginger is an effective treatment for nausea because it contains gingerols and shogaols, plant compounds with anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds can improve stomach emptying, which can boost digestion and reduce nausea.

Ginger also has anti-inflammatory effects that can lower blood pressure and relieve nausea. A 2016 study found that taking ginger extract during pregnancy and chemotherapy can significantly improve nausea.

Although taking a ginger supplement can likely improve nausea, more research is needed to determine whether drinking ginger ale provides the same benefits.

Ginger ale contains less ginger than a supplement. If you use ginger ale for nausea, read the label and choose a brand that contains real ginger rather than artificial flavoring.

Sipping a soft drink can calm your stomach and ease feelings of nausea. Mild carbonated drinks, such as ginger ale, can relax the muscles of the esophagus and stomach, providing temporary relief from nausea. Avoid caffeinated soft drinks if you experience nausea and vomiting.

Ginger contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation and may improve heartburn symptoms. Compounds in ginger may reduce inflammation and irritation of the esophagus and stomach.

They can also speed up emptying of the stomach, helping to move food through the gastrointestinal tract more quickly. This can reduce the risk of food and stomach acid backing up into the esophagus, causing heartburn. It can also relieve bloating and upset stomach.

Taking a ginger supplement may reduce stomach acid production, which may help prevent or relieve heartburn. However, it’s unclear whether drinking ginger ale can provide the same heartburn benefits. Drinking carbonated drinks can make acid reflux worse and lead to more bloating.

If you want to use ginger to soothe an upset stomach, consider taking a ginger supplement or extract for a higher concentration. If you prefer to sip ginger ale when you’re feeling sick, buy a brand that uses real ginger.