Is Ginger Ale Really Good For You When You're Sick? The Surprising Truth

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2019 survey, 86% of mothers reported learning the idea of using ginger ale when sick from their parents or grandparents, highlighting how deeply ingrained this traditional remedy is. However, the belief that store-bought ginger ale offers significant therapeutic benefits is a long-standing myth that needs to be clarified.

Quick Summary

The traditional remedy of ginger ale for sickness is largely a myth, as most commercial versions contain minimal real ginger. The high sugar content and carbonation may even worsen symptoms, while the bioactive compounds in real ginger are what provide effective nausea relief.

Key Points

Commercial ginger ale is largely a myth: Most store-bought ginger ale contains artificial flavoring and very little, if any, real ginger, offering minimal therapeutic benefit for sickness.
High sugar content is counterproductive: The large amount of sugar in ginger ale can worsen symptoms like gastrointestinal distress and diarrhea.
Real ginger's compounds are key: The active components of real ginger root, gingerol and shogaol, are the ingredients that actually aid digestion and relieve nausea.
Carbonation can be a double-edged sword: While the fizz may feel temporarily soothing to some, it can also increase gas and bloating in a sensitive stomach.
Better alternatives exist for true relief: For effective nausea relief, opt for real ginger sources like homemade tea, ginger chews, or authentic ginger beer.
Hydration is still important: Even though ginger ale isn't ideal, staying hydrated with other fluids like water or herbal tea is crucial when you are sick.

The Long-Held Belief vs. Scientific Fact

For generations, reaching for a can of ginger ale has been a comforting ritual when a stomach bug strikes or nausea sets in. The mild, bubbly drink is a familiar sight in hospitals and sick rooms, passed down through tradition. However, nutrition and medical experts now widely agree that most commercial ginger ale does little to treat the underlying issues of nausea and upset stomach. This is because the effectiveness of ginger comes from powerful compounds found in the root, not from artificial flavorings.

The Problem with Commercial Ginger Ale

What most people don't realize is that the vast majority of store-bought ginger ales are little more than sugar and carbonated water with artificial ginger flavoring. This changes the nutritional profile dramatically and, in some cases, can be detrimental to someone who is ill. Drinking a beverage high in simple sugars can actually worsen gastrointestinal distress and inflammation, especially if diarrhea is a symptom. The sugar rush may feel good temporarily, providing a quick hit of energy if you've been unable to eat, but it offers no lasting nutritional value or digestive relief. For those with diabetes or pre-diabetes, the high sugar content is also a significant concern.

Carbonation: Friend or Foe?

Many believe the carbonation in ginger ale helps settle the stomach. This effect, however, is inconsistent and highly individual. For some, the gentle fizz may feel soothing or offer relief through burping. For others, the carbonation can increase gas and bloating, making stomach discomfort worse. Ultimately, the perceived relief from the bubbles is often more of a placebo effect than a genuine therapeutic one.

The True Power of Real Ginger

The real health benefits associated with ginger come from its active compounds, primarily gingerols and shogaols. These compounds are what give ginger its signature spicy kick and have been proven in studies to aid digestion and fight nausea. Real ginger works by speeding up gastric motility—the rate at which food moves through the digestive tract. This helps to relieve bloating and reduce nausea. Because most commercial ginger ales contain only trace amounts or artificial versions of these compounds, they can't deliver the same benefits as consuming actual ginger.

Better Alternatives to Soothe Your Stomach

If you are seeking relief for nausea and upset stomach, consider these more effective, ginger-based options:

Homemade Ginger Tea: This is one of the most effective methods. Simmer fresh, grated ginger root in hot water for a potent brew. You can add a squeeze of lemon and a spoonful of honey for taste.
Authentic Ginger Beer: Unlike most ginger ale, many ginger beer brands are brewed and fermented with a high concentration of real ginger root, offering a more robust flavor and higher therapeutic potential. Be sure to check the label for actual ginger content and a low sugar level.
Ginger Chews or Capsules: For a more concentrated dose, consider ginger chews or powdered ginger capsules. This allows you to control the exact amount of ginger you are consuming for relief.
Plain Water or Herbal Tea: Proper hydration is critical when you're sick. If you can't tolerate the flavor of ginger, stick to plain water or a soothing herbal tea like peppermint or chamomile.

Commercial Ginger Ale vs. Real Ginger Remedies: A Comparison


Feature	Commercial Ginger Ale	Real Ginger Remedies (Tea, Chews)
Active Ingredient	Mostly artificial flavoring, minimal to no real ginger	Contains active compounds like gingerol and shogaol
Sugar Content	High levels of added sugar or high-fructose corn syrup	Low to no added sugar; natural sweetness from honey is an option
Carbonation	Provides bubbles that may cause gas or bloating	None in most forms like tea or chews; eliminates a potential irritant
Efficacy	Often provides only a placebo effect; can worsen symptoms	Scientifically proven to relieve nausea and aid digestion
Hydration Value	Offers some fluid, but high sugar content isn't ideal for rehydration	Excellent for hydration, especially herbal teas

Conclusion

While the tradition of drinking ginger ale when feeling unwell is a comforting one, the reality is that most commercial versions are not a genuine remedy. The therapeutic effects we attribute to the drink actually come from the real ginger root, which is largely absent from these popular sodas. The high sugar content and carbonation can do more harm than good for a sensitive stomach. For true relief, opt for a remedy made with real ginger, such as a homemade tea or concentrated chews. This approach provides your body with the effective, natural compounds it needs to feel better. For more information on the wide-ranging health benefits of ginger, Johns Hopkins Medicine provides a helpful overview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, some artisanal or traditional ginger beer brands use a higher concentration of real ginger root. You should always read the ingredient label to ensure the product contains real ginger, rather than just flavoring.

Diet ginger ale offers no benefit for nausea and may cause further gastric distress. The sugar alcohols used as artificial sweeteners can be partially fermented in the gut, potentially causing issues like diarrhea.

For many, the relief felt is a placebo effect, tied to the comforting, nostalgic ritual of drinking it while sick. The gentle carbonation may also provide temporary relief from bloating, or the sugar may offer a quick, fleeting energy boost.

For maximum benefit, opt for real ginger in forms like a homemade ginger tea, ginger chews, or powdered ginger capsules. These methods provide a more concentrated dose of the active ginger compounds.

Yes, it can. The high sugar content can increase inflammation and potentially worsen diarrhea. Additionally, the carbonation can introduce gas and increase bloating, which can intensify stomach discomfort.

Ginger beer is traditionally brewed and fermented with real ginger root, resulting in a stronger, spicier flavor and a higher concentration of beneficial compounds. Ginger ale is typically a sugary, carbonated soft drink with artificial flavoring.

Besides real ginger tea, other helpful options include plain water, peppermint tea, and lemon water. For rehydration needs, specially formulated electrolyte drinks are more effective than high-sugar sodas.