Is Ginger Ale Good for You? Benefits, Types, and Possible Side Effects

Here are ten uses of ginger ale:

1. Gastroenteritis (stomach flu): Traditionally made ginger ale contains a significant portion of ginger known for its antiemetic properties. Thus, it helps relieve cramps and nausea associated with gastroenteritis.
2. Hydration: Because ginger alleviates nausea and cramps, ginger ale is often used to rehydrate a person recovering from the loss of body fluids due to sweating, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea.
3. Hangover: For obvious reasons, ginger ale can help a person recover from a night of too much partying and booze.
4. Diabetic gastropathy: Gingerol, a natural component of ginger root, benefits gastrointestinal motility (the rate at which food exits the stomach and continues along the digestive tract). Eating ginger encourages efficient digestion, so food doesn’t linger as long in the gut.
5. Nausea and vomiting due to pregnancy: The American Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends ginger as an acceptable nonpharmaceutical remedy for nausea and vomiting. 
6. Chemotherapy: Many experts believe that drinking ginger ale may take the edge off post-treatment nausea and without some of the side effects of anti-nausea medications.
7. Menstrual cramps: High antioxidant levels in freshly made ginger ale, as well as the anti-spasmodic properties derived from its essential oils, may provide some relief against menstrual cramps.
8. Sore throat: Studies report that certain compounds in ginger have anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, freshly made ginger ale may help soothe a sore throat.
9. Migraine: Many people who have frequent migraines swear that drinking ginger ale makes their pain bearable.
10. Bloating and gas: Essential oils present in ginger help sustain the intestinal flora and help cut down frequent bloating and flatulence.

There are two general types of ginger ale, which include:

1. Pale dry ginger ale is less sweet, more acidic, lighter, milder, and highly carbonated. 
2. Golden, or aromatic, ginger ale is sweeter, less acidic, darker, and generally more pungent.

Five possible side effects of ginger ale include:

1. Although originally carbonated by fermentation, modern ginger ales are artificially saturated with carbon dioxide gas. This may worsen the acid reflux and bloating.
2. Ginger ale may not contain natural ginger. It could be an artificial flavoring and sugar. Artificial coloring agents offer no health benefits.
3. Too much ginger may irritate the gut and stomach lining, causing increased acid secretion and inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis).
4. The high sugar content of these drinks may cause weight gain, and insulin resistance, and predispose you to diabetes mellitus.
5. Higher doses of ginger may predispose people who are already on blood thinners to an increased risk of bleeding.