Does ginger ale cure nausea? Let's find out
What's the story
A lot of us instinctively grab a can of ginger ale when we're dealing with nausea. We think it's going to help soothe our upset stomachs.
This whole thing comes from the fact that ginger is a proven antiemetic, meaning it can help with feelings of nausea.
But not all ginger ales are made the same, and turns out this might not be the cure-all we thought it was.
Myth 1
The myth of ginger content
Most commercial ginger ales hardly contain any real ginger.
The flavor is primarily derived from artificial ingredients, not the natural root with health benefits.
Without substantial amounts of real ginger, these drinks do not possess the properties to fight nausea effectively.
One should read labels diligently or opt for other sources of ginger if they want to benefit from its anti-nausea properties.
Myth 2
Carbonation isn't always comforting
Although some individuals report that carbonated beverages alleviate nausea by inducing burping and releasing gas from the stomach, this is not a universal experience.
In fact, carbonation can worsen symptoms for some by irritating the stomach lining or inducing bloating.
This effect is highly individual, rendering carbonated ginger ale an inconsistent remedy for nausea.
Myth 3
Sugar content can worsen nausea
Ginger ale is usually loaded with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.
Drinking a lot of sugar when you're nauseous can actually increase stomach acid and make you feel sicker, not better.
If you have a sensitive stomach or you're dealing with nausea from something like motion sickness or pregnancy, a sugary drink might not be the best idea.
Myth 4
Hydration is key but choose wisely
When it comes to nausea, staying hydrated is important, but reaching for ginger ale might not be the best decision.
Due to its lack of ginger and high sugar content, plus the potential discomfort caused by carbonation, it's not the most beneficial.
Opting for gentler hydration like water with real lemon slices or peppermint tea will provide more reliable stomach-soothing benefits without the downsides of commercial ginger ale.