What Does Ginger Beer Do to Your Body? The Surprising Health Effects

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

For generations, ginger has been a staple in traditional medicine, prized for its ability to settle the stomach. This history is why so many people reach for a bottle when feeling unwell, but what does ginger beer do to your body beyond simple tummy relief? The answer depends heavily on the specific beverage and how you consume it.

Quick Summary

Ginger beer's effect on the body is tied to its ginger content, potentially offering nausea relief and anti-inflammatory benefits. However, high sugar levels in many commercial varieties introduce risks that require moderation and careful label reading.

Key Points

Nausea Relief: The gingerol in ginger beer can effectively calm stomach irritation and alleviate nausea, including morning sickness and motion sickness.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: The beverage's natural ginger compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing inflammation and pain in the body.
High Sugar Risk: Many commercial ginger beers contain high levels of added sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and elevate blood sugar levels.
Digestive Aid: Ginger promotes better digestion by stimulating enzymes and bile, which helps move food through the GI tract more efficiently and reduces bloating.
Beneficial Antioxidants: Real ginger in ginger beer provides antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.
Moderation is Key: Due to the varying sugar content and potential for side effects from excessive ginger intake, moderation is crucial for health benefits.

The Core Components: What's in Your Ginger Beer?

Traditional ginger beer is made by fermenting a mix of ginger, sugar, yeast, and water, creating a potent, spicy, and often cloudy beverage. Many modern commercial brands, however, skip the traditional fermentation process in favor of artificial flavorings and carbonation. The key to understanding what ginger beer does to your body lies in its primary ingredient: ginger root (Zingiber officinale). Ginger contains several powerful bioactive compounds, most notably gingerol, which is responsible for much of its medicinal properties.

Ginger's Bioactive Compounds at Work

Gingerol: The main component in raw ginger, gingerol possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help fight inflammation and cellular damage.
Shogaol and Paradol: These compounds are created when ginger is cooked or dried. They also contribute to the plant's potential anti-cancer effects.

The Potential Health Benefits of Ginger Beer

When made with real ginger and consumed in moderation, ginger beer can offer several advantages to the body, primarily related to its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.

Digestive Relief

One of the most well-known uses of ginger is for soothing digestive upset. The compounds in ginger stimulate digestive enzymes and bile production, encouraging faster food transit through the gut. This can help alleviate common issues such as:

Nausea, including morning sickness and motion sickness
Bloating and gas
Indigestion

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Chronic inflammation is linked to numerous health conditions. The gingerols and other anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. This may provide relief for those with inflammatory conditions and can also help with exercise-induced muscle soreness.

Antioxidant Power

Ginger contains powerful antioxidants that help the body fight oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which can damage cells over time. By managing free radicals, ginger helps support overall cellular health and the immune system.

Antibacterial Properties

Studies have shown that compounds in ginger, particularly gingerol, have antibacterial properties that can help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, including those in the stomach. This may contribute to a healthier gut microbiome.

The Downsides: High Sugar and Other Risks

While the health benefits sound promising, they are heavily influenced by the product's quality. Many commercially produced ginger beers are essentially high-sugar sodas with very little actual ginger content.

High Sugar Content

A standard commercial ginger beer can contain a significant amount of added sugar, sometimes exceeding that of traditional sodas. Excessive sugar intake is linked to serious health problems, including:

Weight gain
Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
Elevated blood sugar levels
Dental issues

Potential Side Effects

Though generally safe, consuming large quantities of ginger (often from supplements or highly concentrated drinks) can lead to side effects:

Heartburn
Abdominal discomfort and diarrhea
Mouth and throat irritation
Gas and bloating

Drug Interactions

Ginger can have anti-platelet properties, meaning it may thin the blood. Individuals on blood-thinning medication (like warfarin) or blood pressure medication should consult a doctor before consuming large amounts of ginger.

Comparison: Ginger Beer vs. Other Beverages

This table highlights the key differences between various ginger beverages and their health implications.


Feature	Traditional Fermented Ginger Beer	Commercial Sugary Ginger Beer	Ginger Ale	Plain Water with Fresh Ginger
Ginger Content	High; from real ginger root	Variable, often low; uses flavorings	Often minimal or artificial	High; from fresh root
Sugar Level	Moderate to low; sugar is consumed during fermentation	High; added sugar is the primary ingredient	High; uses corn syrup or sugar	None
Health Benefits	Probiotics, high antioxidant/anti-inflammatory potential	Limited benefits, high sugar risks	Very limited, mostly from carbonation for upset stomach	Highest potential for ginger benefits, no sugar risk
Carbonation	Natural from fermentation	Forced carbonation	Forced carbonation	None
Best For	Probiotic boost, maximum ginger benefits	Occasional treat, cocktail mixer	Milder taste, light mixer	Maximum health benefits, low sugar

How to Maximize the Benefits and Minimize the Risks

To get the most out of what ginger beer does for your body, consider these tips:

Read the label carefully. Look for brands that list real ginger root high on the ingredient list and have lower sugar content. Some brands now offer low-sugar or zero-sugar options.
Brew your own. Making your own ginger beer from fresh ginger, yeast, and sugar gives you full control over the sugar content and ensures a higher concentration of beneficial compounds and probiotics. For instructions on how to make your own, consult reputable sources such as the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
Choose high-quality brands. If buying, opt for brands known for using authentic, high-quality ingredients. Often, traditionally fermented versions will specify this on the label.
Practice moderation. Even with a low-sugar, high-quality product, excessive consumption isn't recommended due to the potential for side effects. As with any treat, enjoy it sparingly.

Conclusion: A Drink of Compromise

Ultimately, what ginger beer does to your body is a balancing act between its genuine health-supporting properties and its often high sugar content. The presence of powerful bioactive compounds like gingerol and shogaol offers genuine digestive aid, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits. However, most commercial versions come with a hidden cost of added sugars, which can negate the positive effects and introduce their own set of health risks. The best approach is to seek out traditionally fermented, low-sugar varieties or try your hand at brewing your own to truly harness the healthful power of ginger while keeping unwanted sugar and additives at bay. Enjoying ginger beer as an occasional, intentional treat is the key to reaping its potential rewards without the drawbacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, ginger beer made with real ginger can be healthy for your stomach. Gingerol, a primary compound in ginger, helps stimulate digestion, relieve nausea, reduce bloating, and settle an upset stomach.

In small doses, side effects are rare. However, excessive consumption of ginger beer or concentrated ginger supplements can cause heartburn, gas, abdominal discomfort, or mouth irritation in some individuals.

Fermented ginger beer is often considered healthier than its commercial counterparts. The fermentation process can create probiotics beneficial for gut health and may contain higher concentrations of beneficial ginger compounds, though sugar levels can still vary.

Typically, yes. Ginger beer is generally spicier, contains a more significant amount of real ginger, and sometimes offers probiotic benefits if fermented. Ginger ale is milder, often made with artificial flavorings, and offers fewer health advantages.

Yes, the ginger in ginger beer is a well-known remedy for motion sickness and other forms of nausea. Its active compounds help encourage stomach emptying and soothe the digestive system.

Many women use ginger to combat morning sickness, and it is considered generally safe. However, the high sugar content of many commercial versions should be noted, and women should consult their healthcare provider before using it as a regular remedy.

The main risks of consuming too much ginger beer, especially sugary commercial brands, include excessive sugar intake, which can lead to weight gain, high blood sugar, and increased risk of diabetes. Overconsumption of ginger itself can also cause digestive discomfort.