Buzz
Many people swear by soda, especially ginger ale, as a remedy for an upset stomach. But can soda really solve your digestive issues?
“That’s not necessarily the best thing for the stomach,” says gastroenterologist Braden Kuo from Massachusetts General Hospital in a recent interview with STAT. The carbonation, acidity, and chill of soda straight from the fridge may make it one of the worst things to drink. However, Kuo suggests opting for warm, flat ginger ale, as ginger helps soothe the stomach. Ginger has been a trusted aid for digestion for thousands of years.
However, most common ginger ales from brands like Canada Dry or Schweppes contain only a small amount of ginger (“natural flavors” are listed near the end of the ingredient list, with ginger being just one of several included).
Additionally, a 2009 study that reviewed decades of research found no proof that flat sodas could help rehydrate sick children. “Carbonated beverages, whether flat or not, including cola, provide insufficient fluid and electrolyte replacement and should not be recommended,” stated the authors in a press release. Sodas have far too much sugar and not enough sodium to assist with rehydration after vomiting and diarrhea. In particular, cola was found to contain over seven times the sugar amount recommended by the World Health Organization for rehydration drinks, with almost no useful electrolytes.
In other words, you might want to choose ginger tea over ginger ale. After all, that drink is better enjoyed warm.
