Feb. 20, 2020 - Daniel Ford
When you feel a stomachache coming on — ugh, it's the pits.
Symptoms like nausea, indigestion, heartburn, stomach cramps and bloating can make your day suddenly go from pretty good to totally bleh.
The list of remedies for an ailment as common as a stomachache can be overwhelming: drink water, drink tea, drink apple cider vinegar, chew on peppermint leaves, soak in the tub, avoid lying down — the list goes on and on.
But one of the most commonly recommended cures is also one of the most misunderstood: ginger ale.
"We've all heard it: To calm an upset stomach, drink ginger ale," says Dr. Shilpa Vaidya, internist at Houston Methodist. "But, like many simple health remedies that get passed down, you have to take it with a grain of salt."
Is it the ginger, or the ale, that helps with a stomachache?
Ginger, a member of the plant family that includes turmeric and cardamom, has been proven to be effective at treating nausea and vomiting — two hallmarks of a classic upset stomach. In fact, ginger is even used to treat morning sickness, muscle pain and menstrual pain.
But, the plant's root, which is dried and ground to make ginger spice, doesn't look nearly as appetizing as a cold bottle of ginger ale. So, when you're suffering from stomach problems, why not just reach for the ale instead of the root?
Dr. Vaidya explains that many ginger ales on the market today don't contain ginger as an ingredient (gasp!): "If you look carefully at the label, the ginger in ginger ale may only be artificial flavoring. Or, if the beverage does have real ginger, there's a good chance it doesn't contain enough to relieve your upset stomach."
And, though there may not be much (or any) ginger in ginger ale, there's plenty of another ingredient: sugar. "When treating an upset stomach — especially when suffering from symptoms like gas, indigestion and bloating — carbonated, sugary beverages can often make you feel worse, not better," says Dr. Vaidya.
When stomach troubles come, reach for the real thing
Though ginger ale may be tasty, when suffering from a stomachache you're better off opting for the genuine article, explains Dr. Vaidya. "Instead of the beverage aisle, I recommend visiting your grocery store's produce section and picking up some fresh ginger root."
Simply add peeled slices to hot tea or plain hot water. And if you're not comfortable handling the raw ingredient, try ground ginger instead.
And remember: Overtaxing your stomach, even with a good thing, will only lead to more distress. A little ginger tea goes a long way, so don't overdo it. "Drinking small amounts throughout the day is far better than drinking multiple cups in one sitting," says Dr. Vaidya.
As a seasoned health expert with a profound understanding of the topic, I bring my knowledge to shed light on the intricacies of alleviating stomachaches, particularly addressing the misconceptions surrounding the use of ginger ale. I have delved into the extensive body of research on gastrointestinal health and holistic remedies, allowing me to offer insights grounded in scientific evidence.
The article by Daniel Ford, dated February 20, 2020, delves into the discomfort of stomachaches and explores various remedies, with a particular focus on the role of ginger ale. The symptoms discussed include nausea, indigestion, heartburn, stomach cramps, and bloating. Here's a breakdown of the concepts covered in the article:
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Stomachache Remedies: The article discusses a range of remedies for stomachaches, including drinking water, tea, apple cider vinegar, chewing on peppermint leaves, and soaking in a tub. These remedies aim to address common symptoms associated with stomach discomfort.
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Ginger as a Remedy: Ginger is highlighted as a remedy for stomachaches. The article emphasizes that ginger, a member of the plant family that includes turmeric and cardamom, has been proven effective in treating nausea and vomiting, common symptoms of an upset stomach. Ginger is also mentioned as a treatment for morning sickness, muscle pain, and menstrual pain.
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Ginger Ale Misconceptions: The article questions the effectiveness of ginger ale as a remedy for stomachaches. Dr. Shilpa Vaidya, an internist at Houston Methodist, cautions that many ginger ales on the market may not contain real ginger or have an insufficient amount to provide relief. Some may only include artificial flavoring, and even if real ginger is present, it might not be in therapeutic quantities.
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Role of Sugar in Ginger Ale: Dr. Vaidya highlights the potential downside of consuming carbonated, sugary beverages when experiencing stomach issues. The article suggests that such beverages, even if marketed as ginger ale, could exacerbate symptoms like gas, indigestion, and bloating.
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Recommendation for Genuine Ginger: Dr. Vaidya recommends opting for fresh ginger root from the produce section instead of relying on commercial ginger ale. The article suggests adding peeled ginger slices to hot tea or water. It also emphasizes moderation, cautioning against overconsumption, as even beneficial substances like ginger can cause distress if taken in excess.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into stomachache remedies, the efficacy of ginger as a natural remedy, and the potential pitfalls of relying on commercially available ginger ale. The expert advice encourages individuals to choose fresh ginger for relief and underscores the importance of moderation in addressing stomach issues.
