Hey everyone, I’m brand new to posting on the SDMB, but I’ve been reading for quite some time now (could someone ring the first time caller bell?) Anyways, I was wondering if anyone knew why the soft drink ginger ale, when consumed warm and in conjunction with saltine crackers, settles upset stomachs and/or cures cancer? Thanks!
Supposedly, ginger has properties that soothe sick stomachs, according to http://www.vhi.ie/topic/vomiting .
The page also says that cold liquids may only serve to upset the stomach further, as will carbonated beverages or those with caffeine. Crackers generally help with nausea, but as far as I can tell, there is no rule about having to consume them in conjunction with the ginger ale.
Welcome to the SDMB, by the way! Incidentally, it may help in future posts if the subject line is a little more explanatory, so that people who have an interest in this subject know to look in the post. For example, “Why ginger ale for vomiting?” might have been a good choice.
Hi, Saryl!
I’m not sure if the ginger ale has anything to do with it other than it being warm (WAG: the body does not have to work to heat it up as much?) and easy to digest.
I think it’s the crackers. When I used to get indigestion, I would eat either crackers or fresh bread. They seam to act just like they do when you drop them in a bowl of soup… They soak up the acid/juices and kind of neutralize them.
That’s my guess. Others will chime in, if needed. My WAG is that the crackers do the work, and the ginger ale… Well, you need something to wash those crackers down with, right?
SF
Thanks, MsWhatsit! Actually I had kinda kicked myself in the head for not posting a more specific subject line, right after clicking on the submit button. Doh! But again, thanks for the link! You’ve saved a few more strands of my hair.
I remember as a kid, my mother would give me “coke syrup” when I had an upset stomach/stomach virus. Is that still around? I have not seen it in years. Mom sould give me a small amount over some crushed ice.
That can’t possibly be the same coke syrup used in the formula…could it? I’ve heard lots of bad things about how acidic that stuff is…the idea that one acid can dissipate another acid seems unlikely. Course, I only got a B+ in chemistry…
It actually tasted like coke without the fizz, so maybe it was the real stuff . . . who knows?
Not sure if this is the same stuff, but when I worked at McDonald’s, the drink tower automatically combined the Coke syrup and the carbonated water. And when the carbonated water supply went on the fritz for whatever reason, what you got was the straight Coke syrup. It didn’t taste particularly acidic; just flat, and sickeningly sweet.
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The site I mentioned above also says that you should avoid caffeinated products for stomach upset, so Coke probably isn’t your best option, whether it’s flat or not. Also I’ve always heard that clear liquids are the way to go with nausea, although I’m not sure why. Perhaps someone can enlighten us.
Yeah it is. It’s OTC but most pharmacies shelve it behind the counter, so ask your friendly pharmacy tech.
If the don’t have it, they can usually order it for next day delivery.
Subject title changed from “Something I’ve been Pondering…” - Jill
Ginger ale is always my beverage of choice on flights.
It really does settle upset stomachs. Ginger capsules also work. 7-Up is helpful to some. I agree that you should avoid caffeinated beverages, as caffeine may make things worse.
My dad gave me Coke syrup when I was a nauseating little kid. I mean, when I was a little kid and was nauseated. I remember one time that we went through the drive-through at Jack in the Box late at night and they dispensed the syrup into a small cup by turning off the carbonated water. It worked very well.
I’ve never tried ginger ale to relieve nausea, but I’ve noticed that ginger ale is served on commercial airlines and I’ve always assumed it was to settle the stomachs of queasy passengers.
I also remember hearing on a radio talk show that the ginger ale of coke should be carbonated, not flat. The reasoning is that the gas from the drink will cause the person to burp, thus expelling all the excess gas from the stomach.