Modern lifestyles and the increased consumption of highly processed foods have led to an increase in the number of people suffering from acid reflux, GERD, and associated symptoms like heartburn. In some people, symptoms can be debilitating, and the best way to lessen them is to eat a diet low in acidic foods.
Such a diet can be difficult to design and even harder to follow, as many common foods are acidic, and sufferers must know how each affects their symptoms.
Many sugary, carbonated drinks are highly acidic, but are they all?
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Is Ginger Ale Acidic or Alkaline?
Ginger ale is highly acidic, so most people with acid reflux or GERD should strictly limit their intake or avoid it entirely.
However, as it contains ginger and can be lower in calories and sugar than other soft drinks, it's a healthier alternative if you can tolerate its acidity.
What Is the pH of Ginger Ale?
Ginger ale has a pH of between 2.0-4.0, which is very acidic. Ginger ale contains carbonated water and preservatives like citric acid and sodium benzoate, making it very acidic. Most people on a low-acid diet should avoid it, and even those that can tolerate acidity should limit their intake.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level
Fresh ginger is less acidic and more nutritious than ginger ale, so ginger-infused water is a good alternative for those on a low-acid diet.
Is Ginger Ale Good for You?
Commercially produced ginger ale is unlikely to be good for you, as it's just carbonated water, ginger, and sweeteners.
However, ginger contains gingerols and shogaols, which research suggests can relieve nausea, including that arising from morning sickness, chemotherapy, and stomach flu. So ginger ale made with fresh, natural ginger comes with some health benefits.
Ginger is rich in antioxidants, which flush out free radicals, preventing cellular oxidative damage. However, ginger oil is the best source of these antioxidants; ginger ale contains very little.
Ginger ale is caffeine-free and lower in sugar and other additives than some other sodas.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level
Is Ginger Ale Bad for Acid Reflux?
As it's so acidic, ginger ale is likely to trigger or worsen symptoms in many people with acid reflux or GERD. All carbonated drinks irritate your stomach and esophagus, leading to inflammation and heartburn.
However, everyone has different symptom triggers, so some sufferers may be able to tolerate its acidity better than others.
Is Ginger Acidic?
Fresh ginger has a pH of around 5.60-5.90, so it's significantly less acidic than ginger ale.
So homemade ginger-infused water is a better choice for those on a low-acid diet, especially if made with still water, as carbonation increases acidity.
Ginger tea is another alternative, as it does not contain caffeine and has soothing effects on the digestive tract.