Beyond the Fizz: Why do doctors recommend ginger ale when sick?

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

For millennia, the ginger root has been valued for its medicinal properties, particularly for soothing an upset stomach and alleviating nausea. This reputation has led to the common practice of recommending ginger ale when ill, but the modern soft drink often bears little resemblance to its potent herbal origin.

Quick Summary

Despite its long-standing reputation, commercial ginger ale provides minimal real ginger for therapeutic relief. Its perceived benefits arise from hydration, the placebo effect, and its bland, comforting nature, while healthier alternatives with higher ginger concentrations are more effective for managing nausea.

Key Points

Placebo Effect: The association with a childhood remedy and the comforting ritual often leads to a genuine feeling of relief, even when commercial products contain little to no real ginger.
Real Ginger vs. Commercial Products: Therapeutic anti-nausea benefits come from compounds like gingerols and shogaols found in fresh ginger, which are largely absent in modern commercial ginger ale.
Hydration is Key: The liquid content of ginger ale is beneficial for preventing dehydration, especially when a patient is struggling to keep other fluids down due to a mild stomach bug.
High Sugar Content: Most commercial ginger ales are loaded with sugar, which can actually worsen gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and impede immune function.
Consider Alternatives: For true therapeutic relief, alternatives like homemade ginger tea or real ginger supplements are more effective, offering higher concentrations of active compounds without excessive sugar.

The Historical Roots of a Modern Myth

The association between ginger ale and treating sickness stems from the genuine medicinal history of the ginger root itself. Ancient civilizations in Asia and tropical regions have long used ginger (Zingiber officinale) to remedy a host of gastrointestinal complaints, including nausea, dyspepsia, and motion sickness. The active compounds in fresh ginger, primarily gingerols and shogaols, are scientifically backed for their anti-nausea properties.

By the 19th and early 20th centuries, ginger ale was developed as a health tonic and initially contained real ginger. However, modern commercial production evolved the drink into a milder, sweeter version relying on artificial flavorings rather than therapeutic quantities of real ginger. This change created a disconnect between the beverage's reputation and its actual content, a fact that has confused consumers for decades.

The Real Reasons Doctors Might Mention Ginger Ale

In contemporary medicine, a doctor's recommendation for ginger ale is rarely based on its ginger content. Instead, it serves as a practical suggestion for simple, non-caffeinated liquids, especially when a patient is struggling to keep fluids down. The primary goals are preventing dehydration and offering psychological comfort.

The Power of the Placebo Effect

One of the most significant reasons people feel better after drinking ginger ale is the placebo effect. Since childhood, many people have been given ginger ale when sick, creating a strong psychological association between the familiar taste and feeling of relief. The brain can respond to this belief by releasing endorphins, leading to a genuine reduction in the perception of nausea, even with a product that has no pharmacological effect.

Gentle Hydration

When ill with a stomach bug or flu, the body is prone to dehydration, especially with vomiting or fever. Clear, cold beverages like ginger ale are often easier to tolerate and help replenish lost fluids. The mild, sweet flavor is less offensive than plain water to a sensitive stomach and provides a quick boost of energy from the sugar. The Mayo Clinic recommends sipping cold, clear, or carbonated beverages to stay hydrated during periods of nausea.

The Soothing Fizz

For some, the carbonation in ginger ale may offer a mild soothing effect on the stomach lining, while others find that burping after drinking a fizzy drink can provide temporary relief from bloating. However, this effect is highly individual, and for some, the added gas can actually increase discomfort.

Downfalls of Relying on Commercial Ginger Ale

For anyone serious about using ginger for its therapeutic benefits, commercial ginger ale is a poor choice due to its low ginger concentration and high sugar content. Most mainstream brands are loaded with high-fructose corn syrup or sugar, which can exacerbate symptoms in several ways:

Worsening Diarrhea: The high sugar content can stimulate the gut to release electrolytes and water, potentially worsening diarrhea.
Blood Sugar Spikes: The simple sugars cause rapid spikes in blood glucose, which can be particularly problematic for individuals with diabetes.
Immune System Impact: Excessive sugar consumption can suppress the immune system, which is counterproductive when fighting an infection.

Ginger Ale vs. Effective Alternatives

To better illustrate the difference between commercial ginger ale and genuinely therapeutic options, here is a comparison table:


Feature	Commercial Ginger Ale (e.g., Canada Dry)	Artisanal Ginger Ale or Ginger Beer	Homemade Ginger Tea
Real Ginger Content	Minimal, often just 'natural flavor'	Significant, brewed with real ginger root	High, fresh grated ginger is used
Sugar Content	High in high-fructose corn syrup or sugar	Varies; some are high in sugar, others have less	Varies based on added sweeteners like honey or lemon
Nausea Effectiveness	Mostly based on placebo and hydration	Potentially effective due to higher ginger content	Highly effective due to fresh ginger compounds
Best for...	Mild cases or simply for comfort/hydration	People who prefer a spicier, more potent ginger flavor	Therapeutic relief of moderate to severe nausea

How to Harness the Power of Real Ginger

For those seeking the true anti-nausea benefits of ginger, several alternatives are far more effective than commercial ginger ale. Options like fresh ginger tea, chews, or supplements provide a higher concentration of the active compounds (gingerols and shogaols) needed for therapeutic effect.

To make homemade ginger tea:

Slice or grate a 1-2 inch piece of fresh ginger root.
Simmer in 2 cups of water for 15-20 minutes.
Strain the liquid and add honey or lemon to taste, if desired.

Conclusion

The enduring tradition of drinking ginger ale when sick is rooted in both the powerful healing reputation of the ginger root and the psychological comfort of a familiar ritual. While commercial ginger ale can provide some rehydration and a soothing carbonated feel, it lacks the actual therapeutic ginger content necessary for significant anti-nausea effects. The high sugar levels in these sodas can even be detrimental to recovery by worsening digestive symptoms. Ultimately, a doctor's mention of ginger ale likely serves as a shorthand for recommending hydration and a simple, easily tolerated drink. For genuine relief, turning to preparations with actual ginger, like fresh tea or supplements, is a much more effective strategy. For persistent or severe nausea, or to discuss appropriate dosages of ginger, consulting a healthcare professional is always recommended.

For more detailed scientific findings on ginger's anti-nausea properties, you can review this article from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) on The Effectiveness of Ginger in the Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, most commercially available ginger ale contains minimal, if any, real ginger. The flavoring is typically artificial, and the concentration of active anti-nausea compounds like gingerols is too low for therapeutic effect.

The placebo effect is a psychological phenomenon where a person experiences a real benefit because they believe they are receiving an effective treatment. For many, ginger ale has a strong historical association with feeling better when sick, so the comfort of drinking it can provide genuine psychological relief from nausea.

For some, the carbonation may offer a mild soothing sensation or provide temporary relief from bloating through burping. However, for others, the added gas from the fizz can actually increase discomfort and bloating.

For more effective relief, consider drinking homemade ginger tea using fresh, grated ginger root. Other good alternatives include ginger chews, ginger supplements, or electrolyte solutions to aid hydration without excessive sugar.

The high sugar content can exacerbate symptoms. It may worsen diarrhea by drawing water into the gut and can negatively impact the immune system.

Yes, as a liquid, ginger ale can contribute to rehydration, which is crucial when sick. Doctors recommend sipping clear fluids, and its mild flavor can be easier to tolerate than plain water when nauseous.

To check for real ginger content, read the ingredients list carefully. Look for 'real ginger,' 'ginger root extract,' or similar wording. Many commercial brands will only list 'natural flavors' without specifying ginger.