Is ginger beer good for you when you're sick?

December 2, 2025 •

4 min read

Studies have shown that the active compounds in ginger are effective at combating nausea, which is why many turn to ginger beer for relief when feeling unwell. But is ginger beer good for you when you're sick, or are other ginger-based remedies a better choice?

Quick Summary

Ginger beer can offer anti-nausea and digestive benefits from its ginger content. However, commercial brands are often high in sugar, which can hinder hydration and immune function. Choosing low-sugar or homemade options is key for genuine relief from sickness symptoms.

Key Points

Check Ingredients: Many commercial ginger beers contain high levels of sugar, which can impede hydration and immune function when sick.
Look for Real Ginger: Brands using artificial flavors lack the beneficial gingerols and shogaols found in real ginger root.
Choose Low-Sugar Options: For genuine relief from nausea and inflammation, select low-sugar varieties or consume in moderation.
Hydrate Primarily with Water: Do not substitute ginger beer for water; balance your fluid intake with plain water, herbal tea, or broth.
Brew Your Own: Homemade, fermented ginger beer allows you to control sugar content and may add gut-boosting probiotics.
Consider Alternatives: For potent relief without sugar, try fresh ginger tea or ginger capsules, which deliver a more concentrated dose.

The Health Benefits of Ginger for Sickness

Ginger has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly for treating gastrointestinal issues. Its therapeutic effects come primarily from active compounds known as gingerols and shogaols, which possess potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When you're feeling sick with a stomach bug or a cold, these properties can be especially helpful.

Easing Nausea and Improving Digestion

One of the most well-documented uses of ginger is its ability to combat nausea. The active compounds work by speeding up the digestive system and helping to relax the muscles in the stomach, which can provide significant relief from stomach upset and vomiting. This can be particularly beneficial for various conditions, including motion sickness and morning sickness. The warming and spicy sensation of ginger can also be comforting for an irritated throat, a common symptom of a cold or flu.

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

When your body is fighting an infection, inflammation is a natural response. However, excessive inflammation can cause discomfort and slow down recovery. Gingerols and shogaols have been shown to help inhibit these inflammatory responses. This can help soothe a sore throat, reduce general aches, and support the immune system as it works to fight off illness. The antioxidant effects also help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, further supporting overall immune function.

Combating Bacteria and Infections

Research indicates that ginger also has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. These properties can help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and pathogens that cause respiratory tract infections, offering an extra layer of support for your body when it’s feeling vulnerable. While not a replacement for medicine, consuming ginger can be a supportive measure alongside other treatments.

The Downsides of Commercial Ginger Beer for Illness

While the ginger content is promising, it is crucial to distinguish between a commercial ginger beer and a therapeutic ginger source. Many store-bought ginger beers are more like soda than a health drink.

High Sugar Content

The most significant drawback of most commercial ginger beers is the high sugar content. When you are sick, your body is already under stress. Consuming a large amount of sugar can increase inflammation, potentially worsening your symptoms and weakening your immune response. Additionally, sugary drinks can lead to a sugar crash, leaving you feeling more fatigued than before. Excess sugar also impairs the body's ability to absorb fluids, which is counterproductive when staying hydrated is the priority.

Artificial Additives

Some commercial brands use artificial flavorings and preservatives instead of real ginger. In these cases, you are not getting the medicinal benefits of ginger at all, just a sugary, carbonated drink that can be dehydrating. Reading the label to check for real ginger content is essential.

Ginger Beer vs. Other Ginger Sources

To maximize the health benefits of ginger when you're sick, it's helpful to compare ginger beer with other options. The best choice depends on the specific illness and your body's needs. Here is a comparison table to help you decide:


Feature	Homemade Ginger Beer	Commercial Ginger Beer	Ginger Tea	Fresh Ginger Root
Real Ginger Content	High (you control it)	Varies (check labels)	High (brewed fresh)	Very High
Sugar Content	Low (you control it)	Often very high	Minimal (no added sugar)	None
Probiotic Potential	High (if fermented)	Low to none	None	None
Best for Nausea?	Excellent	Can help if low sugar	Excellent	Excellent
Best for Sore Throat?	Good (can be warming)	Can be irritating	Excellent (warm and soothing)	Can be added to tea
Hydration	Good (if low sugar)	Can be poor (high sugar)	Excellent	Excellent (via water intake)
Primary Purpose	DIY remedy, digestive aid	Commercial beverage	Soothing remedy	Cooking, concentrated remedy

How to Safely Use Ginger Beer for Sickness

If you choose to use ginger beer for relief, follow these tips to ensure you are doing more good than harm:

Prioritize Low-Sugar Varieties: Seek out brands that explicitly state they are low-sugar or sugar-free. Health-focused and craft ginger beers often have less sugar and higher ginger content. Always read the nutrition label before buying.
Consider Making Your Own: A homemade, fermented ginger beer can offer the most benefits. It allows you to control the amount of ginger and sugar, and the fermentation process adds probiotics, which are great for gut health.
Limit Your Intake: Due to the sugar in most commercial varieties, consume ginger beer in moderation. A glass or two can provide some relief without compromising your immune system or hydration levels.
Stay Hydrated with Other Fluids: Do not rely solely on ginger beer for hydration. Balance your intake with plenty of plain water, herbal tea, and broth to combat dehydration.
Explore Alternatives: For the most direct relief from ginger, consider drinking fresh ginger tea by steeping sliced ginger root in hot water with a squeeze of lemon and a spoonful of honey. This method avoids excess sugar and carbonation while delivering a powerful dose of gingerol. Alternatively, ginger capsules are an effective way to get a concentrated amount of ginger without any sugar.

Conclusion

While the ginger root is a proven ally against sickness, particularly for relieving nausea and indigestion, the effectiveness of ginger beer depends heavily on its ingredients. Commercial ginger beers, often laden with sugar, can be counterproductive to recovery by hindering hydration and taxing the immune system. For a genuinely therapeutic effect, opt for homemade, low-sugar versions or turn to more direct sources of ginger like a simple, warm ginger tea or supplements. By being mindful of the sugar content, you can leverage the potent medicinal properties of ginger and give your body the best chance to heal. For more information on using ginger for health, visit WebMD's detailed overview: Ginger: Health Benefits & Side-Effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, ginger beer can help with nausea because it contains ginger, which is known for its anti-nausea effects. However, this is only true for products containing real ginger and if the sugar content isn't high enough to cause other issues.

Ginger beer is often a better choice if made with real ginger, as it typically has a stronger ginger flavor and more active compounds than ginger ale. However, homemade ginger tea is often the best choice, as it contains no added sugars or artificial ingredients.

Warm ginger tea with honey is generally more soothing for a sore throat than cold, carbonated ginger beer. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can help, but the carbonation and sugar in beer can be irritating.

Check the ingredient list for real ginger root, ginger extract, or gingerol. Avoid products that list only 'natural flavors' or have a very long list of unpronounceable ingredients, as they likely contain very little actual ginger.

Yes, high sugar content can hinder your body's immune system and hydration efforts when sick. For proper recovery, it's best to minimize sugar intake and focus on plain water and other low-sugar fluids.

Naturally fermented ginger beer, especially homemade, can offer gut-healthy probiotics in addition to ginger's benefits. As it is low in sugar, it is generally considered safe and beneficial when consumed in moderation.

Effective alternatives include fresh ginger tea (steep grated ginger in hot water), ginger capsules for a concentrated dose, or chewing on a small piece of fresh ginger root.