Why ginger ale might not help relieve nausea after all

While ginger ale has been the go-to beverage for nausea relief for decades, it turns out its effectiveness is more of a myth than actual science.  

The reason? Though ginger has been shown to help relieve nausea, most commercial ginger ales don’t contain enough actual ginger – if any – to be effective. Many only contain ginger flavoring.  

“There is no clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of ginger ale as a remedy for an upset stomach,” shares Dr. Peter Sargon, a gastroenterologist at Advocate Health Care. “In fact, commercial brands of ginger ale are high in sugar, artificial sweeteners and carbonation. This may contribute to or worsen symptoms of bloating, gas or reflux.” 

So how did ginger ale earn its reputation as a nausea remedy in the first place? 

Earlier versions of the drink were made with fresh ginger. It was even marketed as a health tonic, which helped build its reputation as a remedy for an upset stomach. Over time, though, most brands swapped real ginger for ginger flavoring.  

Yet even without real ginger, many people still find relief after drinking it. That might come from the placebo effect. This happens when someone experiences real improvement simply because they believe the remedy will work. 

“Studies show that expectations and psychosocial factors can influence nausea symptoms,” adds Dr. Sargon. “The ritual of consuming a familiar remedy, like ginger ale, may enhance the placebo response.” 

More effective nausea relief options include ginger tea, capsules and fresh ginger root. The anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea benefits in these options are thanks to the gingerol and shogaol compounds found in the root. That’s why it’s important to ensure you’re consuming real ginger, not just flavoring, if you’re seeking nausea relief.  

“High-quality research looking at many studies has shown that ginger works well to treat nausea and vomiting, especially when it’s used in carefully prepared forms like capsules or extracts,” Dr. Sargon shares.  

Need help getting your upset stomach under control? Learn your virtual care options: Illinois | Wisconsin