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Heartburn is an uncomfortable condition that many people experience after eating spicy foods. It happens because acid refluxes back up from your stomach into your esophagus. This causes heartburn symptoms such as burning chest pains, difficulty swallowing, and even vomiting.
Ginger ale has been used for centuries to treat heartburn. It was formerly called “heart medicine” due to its ability to heal stomach ulcers or reduce stomach acid. However, recent studies suggest that it may not be as effective as traditional heartburn medications.
What Is Ginger Ale?
Ginger ale is made from fresh ginger root (a spicy flavor) and carbonated water. It contains less sugar than soda and may contain some caffeine. It has some natural antiseptic properties, which may help reduce stomach acid. It has also been shown to reduce pain associated with biliary colic (gallbladder problems) and dyspepsia (indigestion).
What Are The Health Benefits Of Ginger Ale?
Ginger ale is packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Plus, it contains antioxidants, making it a great source of disease-fighting phytonutrients.
According to WebMD, drinking ginger ale can help ease heartburn symptoms. The acidity of ginger ale helps neutralize stomach acids, reducing discomfort and indigestion. Ginger ale can be used to treat upset stomachs, diarrhea, nausea, motion sickness, and morning sickness during pregnancy.
It’s important to note that some people may experience side effects when taking ginger ale, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, and diarrhea. Talk to your doctor before consuming ginger ale if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Why Does Ginger Ale Help With Heartburn?
Ginger ale is a natural remedy for heartburn. Ginger root contains compounds called zingerone and shogaol, which relax muscles in the esophagus and stomach lining.
When combined with carbonated water, these compounds create a frothy mixture that helps relieve heartburn symptoms.
There are many brands of ginger ale. Some contain artificial sweeteners; others use natural cane sugar. But all ginger ales work well for relieving heartburn.
Ginger tea has been used for centuries to treat many ailments, including digestive problems. Ginger helps reduce stomach acidity and relaxes muscles in the esophagus, making it effective at treating heartburn.
However, ginger contains compounds called gingerols that may cause side effects. The active ingredient in ginger, gingerol, is not absorbed well through the intestines, so most of it passes right through the body.
That means it doesn’t stay long enough to work its magic. However, some of the inactive ingredients in ginger, like ginger oil, may be absorbed better than the ginger itself.
Some studies suggest that ginger may improve digestion, relieving symptoms of indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. But there isn’t any conclusive evidence that ginger works as a cure for heartburn.
Does Ginger Ale Make Heartburn Worse?
Ginger ale is a natural remedy for heartburn, but does it work?
There are many reasons why ginger ale may not be too effective at relieving heartburn. One reason is that it contains alcohol, which can worsen heartburn. Another reason is that it doesn’t contain enough ginger root, known to relieve heartburn.
But there’s another reason why ginger ale is ineffective at treating heartburn. Ginger ale contains carbonation, which causes stomach acids to rise into the esophagus. This forces food back down into the stomach, causing heartburn. So if you’re drinking ginger ale because it makes heartburn better, you may make things worse.
Does Ginger Ale Help With Heartburn During Pregnancy?
Ginger root contains compounds called gingerols that may relieve symptoms of heartburn. Ginger has been used to treat nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain for centuries.
However, it would help to avoid ginger during pregnancy because it can cause serious complications. Also, pregnant women who drink alcohol should avoid drinking any alcoholic beverages.
There are many different types of ginger available at grocery stores today. Choose real ginger that doesn’t contain sulfites, which may trigger allergic reactions.
If you’re having trouble sleeping due to heartburn, try taking a warm bath with 1/2 cup of baking soda. The heat from the water relaxes muscles in the esophagus, allowing them to open up again. Then rinse out the tub with cool water. Repeat until you feel better.
What Are Common Heartburn Home Remedies?
Home remedies are often more affordable and less harmful than prescription medications. Here are some common home remedies for heartburn:
1. Drinking Water
Drinking plenty of fluids is one of the best ways to prevent heartburn. It also reduces the amount of acid in your stomach by diluting it.
2. Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol can increase the production of gastric juices, which leads to an increased risk of heartburn. If you have heartburn while drinking, try switching to beer or wine.
3. Eat Smaller Meals Frequently
Eating small meals frequently throughout the day helps keep your stomach full and reduces the chance of heartburn.
4. Cut Back on Coffee
Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, which increases the flow of saliva and gastric juices. You might find that coffee helps ease heartburn, but it could worsen over time.
5. Don’t Smoke
Smoking cigarettes causes constriction of the airways, which can lead to reflux. Try quitting smoking to see if this helps alleviate your heartburn.
6. Make Your Bedroom Comfortable
Make sure that your bedroom is comfortable and free from clutter. A cluttered room can contribute to stress, which can worsen heartburn.
7. Use Laxatives
Laxatives such as bisacodyl (Dulcolax), senna (Senokot), and psyllium (Metamucil) work by increasing stool bulk and softening stools. You can purchase these products at pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription.
8. Take Peppermint Oil Capsules
Peppermint oil capsules can soothe the digestive tract and calm the nerves.
9. Keep Stress Under Control
Stress can aggravate heartburn. Relaxing techniques such as meditation can help decrease anxiety levels and lower blood pressure.
10) Drink Warm Lemon Juice
Warm lemon juice can provide relief from heartburn. Mix equal parts fresh lemon juice and honey and sip slowly.
In conclusion, ginger ale does help with heartburn. But don’t drink too much of it; it can cause stomach problems in some cases. Try drinking water, tea, or juice instead. They’re far healthier options, and they won’t leave you feeling like you will throw up.
