Can ginger ale help relieve symptoms of diarrhea?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Ginger may help ease diarrhea thanks to its natural anti-inflammatory and digestive-soothing properties. However, ginger ale is often a poor substitute, as most commercial brands contain little to no real ginger and are high in sugar, which can actually worsen symptoms. For genuine relief, fresh ginger, ginger tea, or ginger supplements are more effective options.

Still, diarrhea can stem from many causes—ranging from mild dietary issues to infections or underlying conditions—so knowing when to treat it at home versus when to seek care matters. Take a free, instant symptom check to better understand what's driving your symptoms and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover if ginger ale helps diarrhea Learn what’s causing your diarrhea See if your diarrhea needs care today Find OTC options for diarrhea relief Find a diarrhea specialist near you Understand home remedies for diarrhea Find out if it’s more serious

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Explanation

Ginger has been studied for its potential benefits in relieving gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea. According to the references provided, ginger can help reduce intestinal hypersensitivity, which may be beneficial for those experiencing diarrhea. However, ginger ale might not provide the same benefits because it often contains very little actual ginger, and the ginger flavor is usually artificial.

Important Points:

Real ginger has properties that may help with diarrhea by calming the stomach.
Ginger ale, especially commercial brands, often lacks sufficient ginger content to be effective.
It's best to use real ginger or ginger supplements if looking for relief from diarrhea symptoms.

In conclusion, while ginger itself might help with diarrhea, ginger ale is unlikely to be effective unless it contains a significant amount of real ginger. If you're experiencing persistent digestive symptoms, take a free AI symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your discomfort.

(References)

Zhang C, Huang Y, Li P, Chen X, Liu F, & Hou Q. (2020). Ginger relieves intestinal hypersensitivity of diarrhea .... BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 7489045.
Nikkhah Bodagh M, Maleki I, & Hekmatdoost A. (2018). Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review .... Food Science & Nutrition, 6341159.
Prasad S, & Tyagi AK. (2015). Ginger and Its Constituents: Role in Prevention .... Gastroenterology Research and Practice, 4369959.

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