Ginger ale has a long reputation as a stomach settler, the fizzy drink your parents handed you when you felt unwell. For diarrhea specifically, though, the evidence does not support it as a helpful remedy – and in some situations it may make things worse. Here is what the science and mainstream medical guidance actually say, so you can make an informed decision rather than reach for a can out of habit.
Quick answer: Ginger ale is not a recommended treatment for diarrhea. Most commercial brands contain little or no real ginger, and their high sugar content can draw water into the intestine, potentially prolonging or worsening loose stools. Plain water, diluted electrolyte drinks, or oral rehydration solution (ORS) are better choices for managing diarrhea. If symptoms are severe, bloody, or last more than two days in an adult, see a clinician.
Why Sugar Is a Problem
When you have diarrhea, the lining of your intestine is already irritated and struggling to absorb water normally. Introducing a large amount of sugar – particularly in liquid form – compounds that difficulty. Sugars that are not fully absorbed in the small intestine pull water into the gut through osmosis, which is precisely the mechanism that makes diarrhea worse rather than better.
A standard can of a major commercial ginger ale (Schweppes, Canada Dry, and similar brands) contains roughly 35–40 grams of sugar per 355 ml serving. That is a meaningful osmotic load on an already compromised digestive system. The carbonation adds another layer: fizzy drinks can increase gas and bloating, which most people with diarrhea find uncomfortable at best.
Diet or "zero sugar" versions avoid the sugar problem but introduce artificial sweeteners. Some sweeteners – particularly sugar alcohols like sorbitol or maltitol, though these are more common in foods than beverages – are themselves known to have a laxative effect at sufficient doses. The sweeteners used in diet sodas vary by brand and formulation; if you are sensitive to any of them, check the label or contact the manufacturer directly.
The older advice to drink flat cola or ginger ale when sick with a stomach bug was widespread for decades, but it has been walked back by gastroenterologists and paediatric health bodies because the sugar content is simply too high to be appropriate during active diarrhea.
What Experts Actually Recommend
The clinical consensus is clear: rehydration is the priority, and the vehicle matters. The World Health Organization recommends oral rehydration solution (ORS) as the cornerstone of diarrhea management, especially for children but applicable to adults as well. ORS is a specific ratio of sodium, potassium, glucose, and water formulated to exploit the sodium-glucose co-transport mechanism in the gut – a pathway that remains functional even when the intestine is inflamed. Commercial ORS sachets (Pedialyte, Hydralyte, and generic equivalents) are available at most pharmacies without a prescription.
For mild adult diarrhea, the American Academy of Family Physicians and similar bodies recommend:
- Water and clear broths to maintain fluid intake
- ORS or electrolyte drinks formulated for illness
- A return to a normal, easily digestible diet as soon as tolerated – the old BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is no longer strictly endorsed, but bland, low-fibre foods are reasonable in the short term
- Avoiding high-sugar drinks, alcohol, caffeine, and dairy until symptoms resolve
Ginger ale does not appear on any of these recommended lists. If you find a small amount of flat, low-sugar ginger ale palatable and it helps you drink more fluid than you otherwise would, that is better than nothing – but it is not the optimal choice, and it should not replace ORS or water.
Does Ginger Itself Help?
This is where the picture becomes more nuanced. Ginger – the root, Zingiber officinale – does have genuine pharmacological properties. Several clinical trials have found that ginger compounds (particularly gingerols and shogaols) can reduce nausea and may have mild anti-inflammatory effects in the gut. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health acknowledges that ginger shows promise for nausea, particularly pregnancy-related nausea and chemotherapy-induced nausea, though it notes the evidence is still developing for other digestive complaints.
The problem is that most commercial ginger ales contain very little actual ginger. Canada Dry, for instance, lists "natural flavours" as its ginger source rather than ginger root or ginger extract – a formulation that has been the subject of legal scrutiny in the United States. Schweppes is similarly light on real ginger content. If you want the potential benefits of ginger, you would be better served by ginger tea brewed from fresh or dried root, or by a craft ginger beer that specifies real ginger content on the label. We cover the distinction between genuine ginger content and flavouring in our guide to ginger ale vs. ginger beer.
Even with real ginger, the evidence specifically for diarrhea (as opposed to nausea) is limited. Do not treat ginger – in any form – as a substitute for medical care if your symptoms are serious.
Hydration, Bowel Effects, and Specific Situations
Does ginger ale make you poop or cause diarrhea?
For most people, a moderate amount of ginger ale does not cause diarrhea. However, the high sugar content can have a mild laxative effect in some individuals, and the carbonation may accelerate gut motility in people who are sensitive to fizzy drinks. If you find that ginger ale reliably loosens your stools, that is a personal sensitivity worth noting – and a good reason to avoid it when you already have diarrhea.
Is ginger ale good for constipation?
There is no clinical evidence that ginger ale relieves constipation. Adequate water intake, dietary fibre, and movement are the evidence-backed first steps. Ginger ale is not a useful tool here, and its sugar content is a drawback regardless of what end of the digestive spectrum you are dealing with.
Can you drink ginger ale before a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy preparation protocols vary by facility and by the specific bowel-prep solution prescribed. Many protocols permit clear liquids – and some list ginger ale as an acceptable clear liquid – but you must follow your own clinician's written instructions precisely, because the rules differ and getting them wrong can invalidate the procedure. Check your prep sheet, and call the clinic if anything is unclear. Do not rely on general internet guidance for this.
Can you drink ginger ale with diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis management depends on the severity of the flare. During an acute episode, many clinicians recommend a clear-liquid diet initially, and plain ginger ale might technically qualify as a clear liquid. However, the sugar content and carbonation may cause discomfort, and dietary guidance for diverticulitis should come from your treating physician, not a beverage website. This is a condition with real complications; please work with a clinician.
When to See a Doctor
Diarrhea is usually self-limiting in healthy adults, resolving within a day or two. Seek medical attention promptly if you experience:
- Diarrhea lasting more than two days in an adult, or more than 24 hours in a young child or infant
- Blood or mucus in the stool
- High fever (above 102°F / 39°C)
- Signs of significant dehydration: extreme thirst, very dark urine, dizziness, or little to no urination
- Severe abdominal pain
- Recent travel to a region with known waterborne illness risk
These are situations where a clinician needs to assess you, not situations where any beverage – ginger ale or otherwise – is an appropriate substitute for care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ginger ale good for diarrhea?
No. It is not a recommended remedy. Its sugar content can worsen osmotic diarrhea, and it does not contain enough real ginger to provide meaningful therapeutic benefit. Water and ORS are better choices.
Does ginger ale help with diarrhea?
It may help you stay hydrated if you find it more palatable than plain water, but it is not an effective treatment and may prolong symptoms in some people due to its sugar load.
Is Schweppes ginger ale good for diarrhea?
Schweppes, like most major commercial brands, contains high sugar and minimal real ginger. It is not recommended for managing diarrhea and is no better than other commercial ginger ales in this regard.
Does ginger ale stop diarrhea?
No clinical evidence supports the idea that ginger ale stops diarrhea. The sugar it contains may actually perpetuate loose stools by drawing water into the intestine.
Does ginger ale make you poop?
For most people in normal circumstances, no. But its sugar content can have a mild laxative effect in sensitive individuals, and carbonation may stimulate gut motility in some people.
Can ginger ale cause diarrhea?
In people sensitive to high sugar loads or carbonation, yes, it can contribute to loose stools. It is not a universal effect, but it is a real possibility.
Is ginger ale good for constipation?
No. There is no evidence it relieves constipation. Fibre, water, and physical activity are the appropriate first-line approaches.
Can I drink ginger ale before a colonoscopy?
Possibly, depending on your specific prep instructions – but you must follow your clinician's protocol exactly. Do not assume ginger ale is permitted without checking your written prep guidelines.
Can I drink ginger ale with diverticulitis?
Only your treating physician can advise you on diet during a diverticulitis flare. Do not rely on general guidance for a condition with potential complications.
Is ginger ale OK for diarrhea in small amounts?
A small amount is unlikely to cause serious harm in an otherwise healthy adult, but it is not a helpful remedy and should not replace ORS or water. If you drink it, choose a low-sugar or no-sugar version and keep the quantity modest.
A note on the information here: This article is written for general informational purposes and reflects mainstream medical guidance as of the time of writing. It is not medical advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified clinician. If you have concerns about your health or the health of a child, please contact a healthcare professional.
Sources consulted:
- World Health Organization – Diarrhoeal disease fact sheet
- American Academy of Family Physicians – Acute Diarrhea in Adults
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – Ginger
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Managing Acute Gastroenteritis Among Children
If you are interested in ginger as a genuine flavour ingredient rather than a folk remedy, our articles on what ginger ale is made from and the best craft ginger beers cover the real-ginger end of the spectrum – where the root is actually present in meaningful quantities and the flavour shows it.
