Is Ginger Beer Good for Settling Your Stomach? A Comprehensive Guide

November 2, 2025 •

4 min read

According to ancient Chinese and Indian pharmacopoeia, ginger has been a traditional remedy for digestive issues for centuries. But is ginger beer good for settling your stomach, or is it just another sugary soda? This guide delves into the specifics of using ginger beer for stomach discomfort, clarifying its efficacy compared to other ginger forms.

Quick Summary

Ginger beer's potential to settle an upset stomach hinges on its real ginger content; the active compounds, gingerols and shogaols, can aid digestion and reduce nausea. While commercial brands vary greatly, fermented ginger beer often contains higher concentrations of real ginger than ginger ale. For maximum benefit, it's best to check labels for real ginger and opt for low-sugar varieties.

Key Points

Real Ginger is Key: The effectiveness of ginger beer for stomach issues depends on its real ginger content, as the active compounds gingerol and shogaol are responsible for its therapeutic properties.
Choose Fermented Varieties: Traditional or fermented ginger beer may offer additional probiotic benefits that support a healthy gut microbiome, unlike most commercially produced, artificially carbonated versions.
Beware of High Sugar: Many commercial ginger beers contain high levels of sugar, which can actually worsen bloating and digestive discomfort. Opt for low-sugar options when possible.
Fresh is Most Potent: For the most reliable and direct relief, fresh ginger root prepared as a tea or taken in a capsule is more potent and controllable than relying on store-bought drinks.
Carbonation is a Double-Edged Sword: While some find the carbonation in ginger beer soothing, for others, it can cause increased gas and bloating.
Read Labels Carefully: Always check the ingredients list to ensure the product contains real ginger and to monitor sugar content.
Consult a Doctor for Severe Issues: While ginger is a helpful home remedy, it should not replace professional medical advice for persistent or serious digestive problems.

The Science Behind Ginger and Stomach Relief

The therapeutic effects of ginger, particularly for digestive issues, are well-documented and linked to its active compounds, gingerols and shogaols. These powerful substances work in several ways to soothe an upset stomach.

How Ginger Aids Digestion

Enhances gastrointestinal motility: Gingerol, the primary bioactive compound in fresh ginger, helps increase the rate at which food empties from the stomach. This can prevent discomfort caused by slow digestion, gas, and bloating.
Anti-nausea effects: Gingerols and shogaols can block neurotransmitters that trigger nausea and vomiting reflexes. This makes ginger a suitable remedy for motion sickness, morning sickness, and chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Reduces inflammation: With powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can help reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, alleviating discomfort and irritation.

Can Fermentation Boost Effectiveness?

Traditional ginger beer is made through fermentation, which can add another layer of digestive benefit.

Probiotics for gut health: The fermentation process introduces beneficial bacteria and yeasts, which can aid in digestion and support a healthy gut microbiome. This is particularly true for home-brewed or naturally fermented ginger beers that are not pasteurized.
Increased bioavailability: Some fermented ginger products may offer increased bioavailability, allowing the body to absorb the beneficial compounds more effectively.

Comparing Ginger Beer, Ginger Ale, and Other Forms

When it comes to treating an upset stomach, not all ginger products are created equal. The concentration of real ginger is the most important factor.


Feature	Commercial Ginger Beer	Commercial Ginger Ale	Fresh Ginger (Tea/Capsule)
Real Ginger Content	Can be high, depending on the brand. Check labels for fresh or brewed ginger.	Often low or none, frequently relying on artificial flavoring.	Highest and most potent concentration. Full control over dosage.
Fermentation	Typically manufactured with artificial carbonation, but traditional versions are fermented.	Not fermented; a simple combination of flavored syrup, sugar, and carbonated water.	Not applicable. Fresh root can be grated for tea.
Sugar Content	Can be high, though low-sugar options exist. Excess sugar can worsen symptoms.	Often very high, which can counteract ginger's benefits and upset the stomach further.	No added sugar when prepared as a simple tea. Sweetened with honey or lemon if desired.
Best for Stomach	A good option if you choose a high-quality, low-sugar brand with real ginger.	Mostly relies on the placebo effect due to minimal real ginger.	The most effective and direct way to consume ginger for stomach issues.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While ginger beer can offer relief, it is not without potential drawbacks. Consumers should be mindful of the ingredients and their own health conditions.

High Sugar Content

Many commercial ginger beers are loaded with sugar, which can exacerbate stomach problems. High sugar intake can cause gas, bloating, and inflammation, particularly if you have a sensitive stomach. Always check the nutrition label for low-sugar or diet varieties.

The Carbonation Factor

For some, the carbonation in ginger beer may provide a soothing effect by helping release trapped gas through burping. For others, however, the bubbles can increase gas and bloating, making discomfort worse.

Not All Brands Are Created Equal

As noted, many commercial ginger-flavored sodas contain very little or no real ginger. Always read the label and choose brands that explicitly state they use real ginger root. For truly potent ginger benefits, homemade ginger beer or a simple ginger tea is a safer bet.

How to Choose the Best Ginger Beer for Your Stomach

If you opt for ginger beer to soothe your stomach, follow these guidelines to maximize its effectiveness:

Read the ingredients: Look for a brand that lists real ginger (not just “natural flavors”) high up on the ingredient list.
Choose low-sugar versions: Excess sugar is counterproductive. Select a low-sugar or diet option to avoid exacerbating stomach discomfort.
Consider fermented varieties: For potential probiotic benefits, seek out traditionally fermented or raw ginger beer brands.
Mind your dosage: While ginger is generally safe, consuming large quantities (over 5 grams) can cause side effects like heartburn, diarrhea, or mouth irritation.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

While the folklore of using ginger beverages for an upset stomach holds a kernel of truth, the efficacy of commercial ginger beer is highly variable and depends on its real ginger content. Fresh ginger, in tea or capsule form, remains the most reliable and potent option for nausea and digestive issues, free from the high sugar and potential carbonation discomfort of soda. For those who prefer the fizzy beverage, carefully selecting a low-sugar, high-real-ginger-content brand is key. As always, for persistent or severe symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider is the best course of action.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If stomach problems persist or worsen, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional. Conditions such as frequent abdominal pain, chronic nausea, or gastrointestinal bleeding require a medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause. While natural remedies like ginger can offer some relief, they are not a substitute for professional medical care, especially if you have existing health conditions like bleeding disorders or are pregnant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ginger beer is often a better choice because it is traditionally brewed and more likely to contain a higher concentration of real ginger, which provides the anti-nausea benefits. Many commercial ginger ales contain very little or no actual ginger.

Yes, real ginger can help with gas and bloating. Its active compounds improve gastrointestinal motility, helping food move through the digestive tract and reducing fermentation. However, the carbonation in ginger beer can increase gas in some individuals.

There is no set dosage, as the real ginger content varies by brand. Start with a small glass, as overconsumption of sugary beverages can make symptoms worse. For a more reliable dose, consider a fresh ginger tea instead.

Excessive intake of ginger beer, especially if it's high in sugar, can lead to heartburn, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. The high sugar content can also worsen stomach irritation.

Fermented ginger beer can be more effective because it contains beneficial probiotics from the fermentation process, which support overall gut health. Look for unpasteurized or traditionally brewed options for these benefits.

Ginger is a widely accepted remedy for morning sickness, but it's best to consult a doctor before consuming it medicinally during pregnancy. Choosing a homemade or low-sugar version with real ginger is preferable to most commercial options.

The most effective alternative is a simple tea made from fresh ginger root. Grate or slice fresh ginger and steep it in hot water. This provides a direct, potent dose of the active compounds without added sugars or excessive carbonation.