THIS POPULAR CARBONATED DRINK COULD HELP FIX YOUR NAUSEA

It is a widely-held belief that the cure to all tummy troubles is a favorite carbonated drink. But does ginger ale really help with nausea? Or is it all just a collectively-shared placebo effect?

Ginger ale has been a common home remedy for nausea, bloating, and stomach aches for generations. This is thanks to its natural substances (ie. ginger) which are suspected to have anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties.

Meet the Experts: Natasha Chhabra, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey; Melissa Prest, D.C.N., R.D.N., national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board; gastroenterologist experts from GastroMD.

But does the ginger-flavored soft drink actually help with nausea? Or are you better off treating your tummy troubles with other remedies? Here, experts weigh in on whether or not ginger ale lives up to its reputation and other options you may be interested in trying.

Does ginger ale help with nausea?

Ginger has often been recommended to help with nausea, says Natasha Chhabra, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey. “While [ginger] has been studied in pregnancy and for those receiving chemotherapy as examples, given its overall safety, it can be tried in other situations, as well,” she explains. For nausea, patients are encouraged to try ginger-containing foods and drinks, such as ginger ale, and ginger capsules can also be prescribed, Dr. Chhabra notes.

Ginger ale specifically is a carbonated drink, Dr. Chhabra continues. “Depending on the cause of nausea, carbonated drinks can possibly make some symptoms worse.” Additionally, some ginger ales also contain ingredients that are not preferred such as those containing high fructose syrup, artificial colors and sweeteners, she explains.

So, ginger itself may help alleviate nausea, but because there is little to no ginger in most ginger ale products, it is unlikely that ginger ale is helping with nausea, explains Melissa Prest, D.C.N., R.D.N., national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board.

Other forms of ginger, with higher concentrations, are better options than ginger ale, says the gastroenterologists at GastroMD. “These can include fresh ginger, ginger tea and even ginger candies.” The overall effectiveness depends on the amount of ginger and how it’s consumed. Therefore, fresh ginger and more concentrated forms like ginger capsules might offer faster results compared to ginger ale, which often contains only a small amount of actual ginger.

Can ginger beer have the same effect?

Some ginger beers could contain ginger, so theoretically it could still help with nausea to some effect, says Prest. But know that how much you drink is important, “since ginger beers are high in added sugars and calories,” she adds.

Potential downsides to drinking ginger ale

Regular ginger ale is first and foremost a source of added sugar, says Prest. “The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest keeping added sugars to no more than 10% of total daily calories.” If you find that ginger ale is comforting when you are nauseous, you could try alternating drinks with water, try a diet ginger ale, or swap it out for ginger tea, Prest advises.

Also, keep in mind that some brands also use artificial flavors instead of real ginger, which reduces its effectiveness. Plus, the carbonation in ginger ale can sometimes cause bloating and gas, which might exacerbate nausea for some people and make your tummy troubles worse than before.

Other ways to relieve nausea

Many people have found that using ginger root helps to alleviate nausea, says Prest. “Ginger has antioxidant properties and contains gingerol. Gingerol aids digestion, allowing food to move through your stomach, and reducing nausea,” she explains.

According to Prest, some popular ways to consume ginger for nausea include:

• Drinking ginger tea
• Ginger shots
• Low-sugar ginger lollipops made with real ginger
• Ginger chews
• Powdered ginger
• Including ginger in recipes

Prest points out that if you are considering a ginger supplement, talk with your provider prior to adding it to your regimen, “since high-dose ginger supplements may interact with blood thinners.”

Other than ginger, there are many prescription medications that are available to treat nausea, says Dr. Chhabra. “The best medication depends on the cause of nausea, and causes can be vast and not always gastrointestinal.” By example, nausea can also be due to neurological, cardiovascular, ear, or eye related issues. As a result, individuals should try to target the underlying issue, Dr. Chhabra advises.

It’s also important to stay hydrated when you are suffering from nausea, says the gastroenterologists at GastroMD. “Drinking small sips of water, clear broths and herbal teas can help calm the stomach and prevent gas.” Specifically, choosing to hydrate with peppermint tea can relax the stomach muscles and alleviate nausea, the GastroMD experts advise.

Sometimes it is difficult to stay well hydrated when you are nauseous, Prest points out, “so ginger ale may be a beverage you find tolerable.” Just be mindful of how much you’re consuming and opt for lower sugar alternatives when available, she advises.

Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider.

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2024-06-26T20:47:16Z dg43tfdfdgfd