Decoding the Fizz: Why Do Doctors Recommend Drinking Ginger Ale?

September 21, 2025 •

4 min read

For generations, ginger has been a revered remedy for digestive issues, but when it comes to the fizzy drink, the science is more complex. So, why do doctors recommend drinking ginger ale? The answer involves a mix of tradition, psychology, and the soothing effect of simple hydration, rather than potent medicinal ginger.

Quick Summary

Doctors sometimes recommend ginger ale due to its gentle, hydrating properties and the powerful psychological comfort of a traditional home remedy, despite most commercial versions lacking significant therapeutic ginger content. The carbonation and mild flavor can soothe an upset stomach, but the real anti-nausea benefits come from higher concentrations of actual ginger, like in teas or supplements.

Key Points

Placebo Effect: The psychological comfort of a traditional remedy, rather than therapeutic ginger, is often the source of relief from commercial ginger ale.
Active Compounds: For real medicinal benefits, a high concentration of gingerols and shogaols from fresh ginger root is necessary, which most sodas lack.
Hydration is Key: The primary medical benefit of ginger ale is simply rehydration, as the mild flavor and carbonation are more palatable for those with an upset stomach.
Sugar Alert: Commercial ginger ale often contains high levels of sugar, which can be detrimental, especially for those with diabetes or other health conditions.
Choose Real Ginger: For effective nausea treatment, opt for beverages with high ginger content like ginger tea or supplements, or make your own at home.
Historical Context: The tradition of offering ginger ale in hospitals likely began during a time when sodas were marketed as health tonics and is a practice that has endured.

The Surprising Truth Behind Commercial Ginger Ale

For decades, ginger ale has been a go-to remedy for a queasy stomach. When you're feeling under the weather, a cool glass of the bubbly beverage is often the first thing people reach for. But the widespread recommendation from healthcare providers is based on a nuanced combination of historical context and the drink's mild properties, rather than potent therapeutic effects. The average commercial ginger ale found in stores contains a significant amount of sugar, water, and artificial or low concentrations of ginger flavoring, not the active compounds found in fresh ginger root. This stark reality means that for most people, the relief they feel is more about hydration and the placebo effect than actual medicinal benefits.

The Real Anti-Nausea Power of Ginger

So, what does provide true relief from ginger? The answer lies in the compounds gingerol and shogaol, which are abundant in raw or minimally processed ginger root. These phytochemicals have been shown in studies to possess anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory properties. They work by targeting serotonin receptors in the gut and brain, which play a key role in triggering nausea and vomiting. To get a therapeutic dose of these compounds, however, one would typically need to consume a much higher concentration than what is present in most sugary soft drinks. This is why many doctors suggest alternatives like ginger tea or capsules for patients seeking a more effective, non-pharmaceutical approach to managing nausea.

Understanding the Placebo Effect and Patient Comfort

One of the most significant factors behind the popular ginger ale recommendation is the placebo effect. The psychological association of the drink with comfort and healing, passed down through generations, can have a very real impact on a person's perception of their symptoms. The act of sipping a familiar, mild-tasting drink while ill provides a sense of control and comfort during a stressful time. This, combined with the simple act of rehydrating, can genuinely make a person feel better, even if the drink itself has minimal pharmacological effect. It’s a powerful testament to the mind-body connection and the importance of patient comfort in recovery.

The Role of Carbonation and Hydration

Beyond the placebo effect, ginger ale does offer some basic benefits, primarily related to its simple composition.

Hydration: When a person is experiencing nausea or vomiting, dehydration is a major risk. Ginger ale is mostly water, and its mild flavor and carbonation can be more appealing than plain water for a sensitive stomach. This helps patients stay hydrated, which is crucial for overall recovery and mitigating symptoms.
Gentle on the Stomach: The slight fizziness of carbonation can sometimes offer a soothing sensation for a queasy stomach. Additionally, expelling the gas through burping can provide temporary relief from bloating and discomfort.
Sugar Content: While high sugar content is a negative in most health contexts, a small dose of sugar can provide a quick energy boost for someone feeling weak from illness. However, this needs to be weighed against the potential downsides, such as blood sugar spikes.

Homemade vs. Commercial: A Comparison

This table outlines the key differences between a store-bought commercial ginger ale and a homemade version using real ginger root.


Feature	Commercial Ginger Ale	Homemade Ginger Tea/Infusion
Real Ginger Content	Little to none; relies on flavoring.	High; uses real grated or sliced ginger root.
Active Compounds	Minimal to none; not therapeutically significant.	Rich in gingerol and shogaol.
Sugar Content	Often very high; uses corn syrup or sugar.	Can be controlled or eliminated entirely.
Therapeutic Effect	Mostly placebo and hydration-based.	Scientifically supported anti-nausea action.
Additives	May contain artificial colors and preservatives.	All-natural ingredients; fresh and pure.

How to Make Your Own Therapeutic Ginger Drink

For those seeking the true anti-nausea benefits of ginger, making a simple infusion at home is an effective and easy alternative. This method guarantees a high concentration of the active compounds that commercial versions lack.

Grate or slice a 1-inch piece of fresh, peeled ginger root.
Boil a cup of water in a small saucepan.
Add the ginger to the boiling water and reduce the heat to a simmer.
Steep for 5–10 minutes, or longer for a stronger brew.
Strain the liquid to remove the ginger pieces.
Sweeten with a little honey or serve plain. For a fizzy version, allow the strained tea to cool and then mix with plain seltzer or carbonated water.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Ultimately, the recommendation to drink ginger ale from a doctor stems from a compassionate understanding of what provides a patient comfort and encourages hydration during illness. While the soft drink itself is not a potent medicine, its cultural role as a soothing remedy is deeply ingrained. For patients seeking the real therapeutic benefits of ginger, they should look beyond the commercial versions and consider homemade infusions or supplements that contain significant amounts of the root's active compounds. Staying hydrated is the most important component, but by understanding the difference, patients can make a more informed choice for their health. You can explore extensive research on the health benefits of ginger from credible sources like the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), a division of the National Institutes of Health. Read more on the NCCIH website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, most commercial ginger ale brands contain very little, if any, real ginger. They typically use ginger flavoring, and any relief felt is likely due to the placebo effect or hydration, not the active compounds in ginger.

The main benefit is hydration. When you are feeling nauseous, it's easy to become dehydrated. The mild, fizzy drink can be more appealing than plain water, helping you replenish fluids.

Yes, ginger tea and capsules are far more effective. They contain higher concentrations of the active compounds, gingerol and shogaol, which are scientifically proven to help combat nausea and other digestive issues.

Diet ginger ale removes the sugar but contains artificial sweeteners. Some sugar alcohols used in diet sodas, like sorbitol or mannitol, can cause further digestive issues and loose stools when consumed in excess.

The recommendation has historical roots, originating when ginger-flavored tonics were believed to have medicinal properties. The practice has persisted due to the placebo effect and the comforting ritual of sipping the familiar, mild-flavored drink.

The carbonation might offer a mild, soothing effect on the stomach lining for some people. For others, expelling the gas can provide temporary relief from bloating. However, it can also exacerbate gas and bloating in some cases.

Studies have shown that consuming ginger in therapeutic amounts, often via supplements or tea, is effective and considered safe for relieving morning sickness. However, consulting a healthcare provider is always recommended.

Read the ingredients label carefully. High-quality ginger ales or ginger beers will list real ginger root as a primary ingredient. Many popular brands only list 'natural flavors' or 'ginger extract,' indicating minimal real ginger content.