Does Ginger Ale Help with Nausea? The Science Behind This Popular Remedy

For generations, ginger ale has been passed down as a go-to remedy for nausea and stomach upset. Whether you’re dealing with motion sickness, morning sickness, or a stomach bug, someone has likely suggested sipping on this fizzy drink for relief.

But does ginger ale actually work for nausea, or is this just an old wives’ tale? The answer might surprise you. While ginger itself has proven anti-nausea properties, the ginger ale sitting on your grocery store shelf may not deliver the relief you’re hoping for.

This comprehensive guide explores the science behind ginger ale and nausea, why most commercial varieties fall short, and what alternatives actually work when your stomach is in distress.

Understanding What’s Actually in Ginger Ale

Before we dive into whether ginger ale helps with nausea, it’s important to understand what you’re actually drinking.

Most commercial ginger ales are carbonated soft drinks that contain:

• Carbonated water
• High fructose corn syrup or sugar
• Natural or artificial ginger flavoring
• Citric acid
• Preservatives
• Caramel color

The key issue? The amount of actual ginger root in most mainstream ginger ales is minimal to non-existent. Many brands use artificial ginger flavoring instead of real ginger, which means you’re essentially drinking ginger-flavored sugar water.

Traditional craft ginger ales or ginger beer may contain more authentic ginger and use natural fermentation processes, but these are less commonly found in typical grocery stores and aren’t what most people reach for when feeling nauseous.

The Science Behind Ginger and Nausea Relief

Here’s where things get interesting: real ginger has been extensively studied and does have legitimate anti-nausea properties.

Ginger root contains bioactive compounds called gingerols and shogaols, which have been shown to:

• Block serotonin receptors in the gut that trigger nausea
• Reduce inflammation in the digestive tract
• Speed up gastric emptying, helping food move through your system
• Suppress nausea-inducing signals to the brain

Research has demonstrated ginger’s effectiveness for various types of nausea, including:

• Morning sickness: Multiple studies show ginger can reduce pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting
• Chemotherapy-induced nausea: Ginger supplements may help cancer patients experiencing treatment side effects
• Post-operative nausea: Some evidence suggests ginger can reduce nausea after surgery
• Motion sickness: Ginger has shown promise in preventing and treating travel-related nausea

However, these studies typically used ginger supplements, fresh ginger root, or ginger extract containing 1-2 grams of ginger—far more than you’d find in a can of commercial ginger ale.

Why Commercial Ginger Ale Probably Won’t Help Your Nausea

The unfortunate truth is that most store-bought ginger ales are unlikely to provide meaningful nausea relief for several reasons:

Insufficient Ginger Content

The primary problem is simple: there’s not enough real ginger in commercial ginger ale to have a therapeutic effect. Many popular brands contain only trace amounts of ginger extract or use artificial flavoring entirely. To experience ginger’s anti-nausea benefits, you typically need at least 1 gram of ginger, which no standard ginger ale provides.

High Sugar Content

A typical 12-ounce can of ginger ale contains 32-38 grams of sugar. When you’re already nauseous, flooding your digestive system with simple sugars can actually make things worse. High sugar intake can:

• Slow down digestion
• Draw water into your intestines, potentially causing diarrhea
• Trigger blood sugar spikes and crashes that may worsen nausea
• Increase inflammation in the gut

Carbonation Can Backfire

While some people find carbonation soothing, it can actually intensify nausea for others. The bubbles introduce gas into your digestive system, which can lead to:

• Bloating and abdominal discomfort
• Increased pressure in your stomach
• Burping that may trigger vomiting
• Additional fullness when you already feel queasy

If you have acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), carbonation can worsen these conditions, making your nausea even more pronounced.

Artificial Sweeteners in Diet Versions

Turning to diet ginger ale isn’t necessarily a better solution. Sugar alcohols like sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol found in diet sodas can ferment in your gut, potentially causing:

• Gas and bloating
• Cramping
• Diarrhea
• Worsened digestive distress

These effects can be especially problematic when your stomach is already upset.

When Ginger Ale Might Seem to Help

If ginger ale doesn’t actually contain enough ginger to help, why do so many people swear by it? There are a few explanations:

The Placebo Effect

Belief is powerful medicine. If you expect ginger ale to help your nausea, you might actually feel better after drinking it, regardless of its actual ingredients. This placebo effect is well-documented in medical research and shouldn’t be dismissed—if it helps you feel better, that’s valuable.

Hydration Benefits

When you’re nauseous, especially if you’ve been vomiting, staying hydrated is crucial. Ginger ale does provide fluids, and the act of slowly sipping a cold beverage may help you feel better simply by preventing dehydration.

Sugar Provides Quick Energy

If your nausea is related to low blood sugar or you haven’t eaten in a while, the sugar in ginger ale might provide a quick energy boost that helps you feel less queasy.

The Ritual is Comforting

Sometimes the comfort of a familiar remedy, especially one associated with childhood care, can have a genuinely soothing psychological effect that helps reduce nausea perception.

Evidence-Based Alternatives That Actually Work

If commercial ginger ale isn’t the answer, what should you try instead? Here are scientifically-supported alternatives for nausea relief:

Real Ginger in Effective Forms

To get genuine anti-nausea benefits from ginger, try these options:

• Fresh ginger tea: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger root in hot water for 10 minutes. You can drink it hot or cold, and add a touch of honey for taste.
• Ginger chews or candies: Look for products made with real ginger that contain at least 500mg per serving.
• Crystallized ginger: These are pieces of ginger root cooked in sugar syrup—they contain real ginger in a palatable form.
• Ginger supplements: Capsules containing concentrated ginger extract can provide therapeutic doses, but consult with a healthcare provider before taking supplements, especially if you’re pregnant or on medication.

Herbal Teas for Nausea Relief

Several herbal teas have demonstrated anti-nausea properties:

• Peppermint tea: Peppermint oil has been shown to relax the muscles in your digestive tract and may reduce nausea.
• Chamomile tea: This gentle herb has anti-inflammatory properties and can calm an upset stomach.
• Lemon balm tea: May help with digestive discomfort and has a calming effect.
• Fennel tea: Traditionally used for digestive issues and may help with bloating and nausea.

These can be consumed hot or iced, depending on your preference. Some people find cold beverages more tolerable when nauseous, while others prefer warm drinks.

Acupressure Techniques

Stimulating the P6 (Nei Guan) pressure point on your inner wrist has shown effectiveness in reducing nausea. To find this point:

1. Place three fingers across your wrist, starting at the base of your palm
2. The point is just below where your index finger lands, between two tendons
3. Apply firm pressure for 2-3 minutes

Acupressure wristbands designed to stimulate this point are also available and have been studied for preventing motion sickness and post-operative nausea.

Aromatherapy Options

Certain scents may help reduce nausea:

• Peppermint oil: Inhaling peppermint essential oil has been shown to reduce nausea in some studies
• Lemon essential oil: The citrus scent may help combat queasiness
• Lavender: May provide calming effects that indirectly reduce nausea

Place a drop on a tissue or use a diffuser, but never ingest essential oils unless under professional guidance.

Dietary Strategies

What you eat (or don’t eat) can significantly impact nausea:

• Follow the BRAT diet temporarily: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast are bland, easy-to-digest foods
• Eat small, frequent meals: An empty stomach can worsen nausea, but large meals can too
• Avoid strong smells: Choose cold or room-temperature foods that are less aromatic
• Stay away from fatty, greasy, or spicy foods: These are harder to digest and can aggravate nausea
• Try crackers or dry toast: Plain carbohydrates can help settle your stomach

Proper Hydration

Staying hydrated is crucial, especially if you’re vomiting or have diarrhea alongside nausea. Good options include:

• Plain water (sip slowly)
• Ice chips if you can’t keep liquids down
• Clear broths for electrolytes
• Coconut water for natural electrolyte replacement
• Oral rehydration solutions designed for fluid replacement

Breathing and Relaxation Techniques

Controlled breathing can help manage nausea:

1. Take slow, deep breaths through your nose
2. Hold for 3-4 seconds
3. Exhale slowly through your mouth
4. Repeat for several minutes

Meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness practices may also help, particularly if anxiety is contributing to your nausea.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Nausea

While occasional nausea is normal and usually resolves on its own, certain situations warrant medical attention:

• Nausea lasting more than 48 hours
• Severe dehydration symptoms (dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth)
• Inability to keep any fluids down for 12-24 hours
• Nausea accompanied by severe abdominal pain
• Signs of blood in vomit or stool
• Nausea with severe headache, stiff neck, or confusion
• Nausea during pregnancy that prevents you from eating or drinking
• Unexplained weight loss due to ongoing nausea
• Nausea following a head injury
• Nausea with chest pain or irregular heartbeat

A healthcare provider can determine the underlying cause of persistent nausea and recommend appropriate treatments, which may include prescription medications in some cases. Always consult with a medical professional before starting any new treatment regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

The Verdict on Ginger Ale for Nausea

So, does ginger ale help with nausea? The honest answer is: probably not in the way you’d hope.

While real ginger is an evidence-based remedy for various types of nausea, commercial ginger ale simply doesn’t contain enough of the active ingredient to provide meaningful relief. The added sugar and carbonation might actually worsen your symptoms rather than improve them.

That said, if sipping ginger ale makes you feel better—whether through placebo effect, hydration, or psychological comfort—and it doesn’t worsen your symptoms, there’s no harm in enjoying it occasionally. Just don’t rely on it as your primary nausea remedy.

For genuine relief, turn to options backed by scientific research: fresh ginger tea, herbal infusions, acupressure, aromatherapy, proper hydration, and dietary modifications. These strategies address nausea more effectively without the potential downsides of sugary carbonated beverages.

If your nausea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical guidance. Professional evaluation can identify underlying causes and provide targeted treatment options that home remedies alone cannot address.

Final Thoughts

The myth of ginger ale as a nausea cure persists largely because of tradition and wishful thinking rather than scientific evidence. Understanding what actually works—and why—empowers you to make better choices when dealing with stomach upset.

Next time nausea strikes, skip the soda aisle and head for fresh ginger, herbal teas, or try acupressure techniques. Your stomach will thank you, and you’ll likely find faster, more effective relief without the sugar crash and carbonation bloat that ginger ale delivers.

Remember that nausea is your body’s way of signaling that something isn’t right. While these remedies can help manage symptoms, persistent or severe nausea should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure there isn’t a more serious underlying condition requiring treatment.

Sources:

• National Center for Biotechnology Information – Ginger and Its Active Compounds
• PubMed Central – Ginger for Nausea and Vomiting
• PubMed – Efficacy of Ginger for Nausea
• PubMed – Ginger in Pregnancy-Related Nausea
• PMC – Lemon and Ginger Effects on Nausea
• PubMed – Peppermint Oil for Digestive Issues
• PubMed – Acupressure for Nausea and Vomiting
• National Institutes of Health – Sugar and Digestive Function
• PMC – Sugar Alcohols and Gastrointestinal Effects