Acid reflux is very uncomfortable. If you've ever experienced it, you know how annoying it can be. One of the best ways to prevent acid reflux symptoms is to limit your consumption of very acidic foods.
In order to do that, you have to be aware of the pH levels of common foods and the ones you regularly consume, including drinks. For example, is ginger ale acidic?
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Is Ginger Ale Acidic?
Ginger ale is very acidic, so it's best not to drink it if you suffer from severe acid reflux or GERD. Nevertheless, if you can tolerate small portions of acidic drinks, you can indulge in ginger ale every once in a while. This is because this drink comes with many health benefits as it's made with ginger. It's also low in calories and sugars if you choose the right brand.
What is the pH level of ginger ale?
The standard pH level of ginger ale is between 2.0-4.0. This pH level makes ginger ale very acidic and rather unsuitable for a diet low in acidic foods.
However, some people struggling with acid reflux and GERD may still be able to consume acidic foods, but in smaller quantities.
So if you can tolerate some acidic foods without worsening your symptoms, you can have some ginger ale occasionally. However, since it's very acidic, make sure not to overdo it.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level
On the other hand, natural ginger is less acidic than ginger ale, so you can replace ginger ale with ginger-infused water.
Not only is it a healthier, less acidic choice, but it's also higher in minerals and nutrients as it contains real ginger instead of artificial flavoring or ginger spice.
Nevertheless, this doesn't mean that you can't enjoy some ginger ale every once in a while, but if your acid reflux is severe, you might want to limit your portion.
Is ginger ale good for you?
Ginger ale is a carbonated drink with ginger spice and some sweetener. As a result, it's classified as a soda, which doesn't make it a health food. However, it does come with some health benefits if it's made with real, fresh gingers.
Because of that, if you drink sweetened, commercial ginger ales, you won't get any benefits, and you'll only consume empty calories.
Ginger ale made with fresh, natural ginger may aid with nausea caused by morning sickness, food poisoning, chemotherapy, migraines, or stomach flu. While it's hard to determine why it's so helpful, a lot of research states that it might be due to the natural compounds found in ginger, such as gingerols and shogaols.
On the other hand, drinking ginger water might bring more benefits since these compounds are more concentrated in fresh ginger.
Furthermore, ginger is rich in antioxidants, so these are also present in ginger ale. Antioxidants help your body flush out free radicals, preventing oxidative damage to your cells.
These antioxidants are particularly present in ginger oil, and the more ginger ale is processed, the less it contains.
Hence, to get the most out of the antioxidants in ginger ale, make sure to pick organic brands that contain clean ingredients and real ginger.
What's more, ginger ale is naturally caffeine-free, making it a wonderful alternative to soda and other caffeinated sodas. It's also lower in sugar than either type of soda, which makes it a slightly healthier option or a great way to deal with soda addiction.
On top of that, ginger ale doesn't contain as many additives as other sodas do, so it can help you stay healthier. Hence, swapping a regular sugary soda for ginger ale is a good yet still tasty idea.
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?
Ginger ale is very acidic, which means that it's not suitable for people struggling with severe acid reflux or GERD. Acidic foods and drinks can aggravate the symptoms and make you feel even worse. Ginger ale is also carbonated, which can worsen the symptoms even more as it irritates your stomach and esophagus, leading to inflammation and heartburn.
On the other hand, if you tolerate acidic foods and drinks every once in a while and in moderation, you can sometimes treat yourself to ginger ale.
The same goes for ginger and ginger water since they're acidic products as well. As with everything, everyone is unique, so make sure to listen to how your body reacts to different foods.
If you notice that your acid reflux or GERD is getting worse, make sure to contact your doctor to ensure that you're following a healthy, balanced diet.
If you choose to drink ginger ale while following a low-acid diet, make sure to choose the least sugary brands and choices. This is because sugar is hard to digest, so it causes an increase in stomach acid production.
Because of that, excess stomach acid is more likely to reflux up your esophagus. By choosing less sugary choices, you can lower that risk.
Is ginger acidic? (better than ale?)
Fresh ginger has a pH level of around 5.60-5.90. This means that it's less acidic than ginger ale. This difference stems from the carbonated water present in ginger ale since it's very acidic.
As a result, if you like the taste of ginger ale, but you'd like to make it healthier and less acidic, try making ginger-infused water at home using still or mineral water. That way, you're still getting the flavor of ginger, but you won't acidify your body.
Furthermore, fresh ginger is a great addition to tea. It's delicious, and it helps you stay healthy by providing you with a lot of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins without being too acidic.
However, tea is high in caffeine, so make sure to choose green tea or other test types that aren't as high in caffeine.
Ginger ale is a very acidic drink, so it might not be a good addition to a diet for acid reflux and GERD. It does, however, come with some health benefits — most of which are due to the ginger content — so it can be added to a healthy, balanced diet in moderation.
Nevertheless, if your acid reflux symptoms are severe, it might be best to stay clear from this carbonated drink.