Bananas and Ginger Ale to Settle an Upset Stomach

Bananas and Ginger Ale - A Simple Remedy for Nausea

Nausea can make you miserable. Whether it's morning sickness, motion sickness, or a stomach bug, dealing with an upset stomach is no fun. While medications can provide relief, many people prefer more natural options. As it turns out, two simple ingredients found in most kitchens - bananas and ginger ale - work together to calm nausea fast.

The Science Behind Bananas and Nausea

Bananas have compounds that make them one of the best foods for nausea. They contain vitamin B6 which assists with the production of digestive enzymes. Bananas also have pectin, a soluble fiber that absorbs excess acid and calms the digestive tract. They are easily digested yet provide energy, potassium, and carbohydrates to replenish vital nutrients when nauseated.

Ginger - A Natural Anti-Nausea Agent

The potent plant compounds called gingerols and shogaols give ginger anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory properties. Studies confirm ginger's ability to prevent and relieve motion sickness, morning sickness, sea sickness, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Ginger ale brings the power of real ginger together with the quick-easing carbonation and sugars necessary when unwell.

The Best Choice: Canada Dry Ginger Ale

Not all sodas are equally effective when you're struggling with nausea. When choosing a ginger ale, look for one made with substantial amounts of real ginger like Canada Dry Ginger Ale. Its crisp flavor comes from pure ginger extract, fruit juices, citric acid, and natural flavors. Canada Dry uses more real ginger than any other brand too. The combination of real ginger plus 7Up-like lemon-lime notes provides fast yet lasting relief from an unsettled stomach.

How Bananas & Ginger Ale Ease Nausea

Bananas and ginger ale work via multiple mechanisms to calm different forms of upset stomach and nausea. Heres how this dynamic duo team up to make you feel better fast:

1. Absorb Excess Stomach Acid

Bananas contain pectin, a soluble fiber than acts as a buffer against the stomach acid that causes nausea. Gentle carbonation helps force stomach gas upward to provide pressure relief without aggravating irritation. Together, a banana ginger ale mixture neutralizes and releases stomach contents providing fast relief.

2. Soothe Stomach Inflammation

Gingerol compounds in ginger ale have anti-inflammatory properties that relax stomach muscles and calm spasms, cramping, and aches. Bananas provide an easily digested source of potassium, an essential electrolyte for proper muscle function that is often lost during bouts of vomiting and diarrhea.

3. Settle the Stomach & Stop Vomiting

Canada Dry ginger ale acts as an anti-emetic to stop nausea that precedes vomiting. The light citrus flavors stimulate saliva production and trigger swallowing which keeps the throat lubricated for comfort. Banana segments dont require chewing, allowing easy consumption to restore blood sugar and electrolytes.

4. Relieve Migraine & Headache Pain

Migraines and headaches often co-occur with nausea in an unpleasant vicious cycle. Ginger inhibits the prostaglandins and leukotrienes that spark migraine pain. The B vitamins and magnesium in bananas also relieve headache tension and help restore normal neurological function for pain relief.

5. Replenish Vital Nutrients

Increased metabolism from fever, infection, or food poisoning drains your body of key nutrients. The carbohydrates, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins in bananas coupled with fluids and electrolytes from ginger ale prevent dehydration and energy crashes often accompanying bouts of nausea and vomiting.

6. Relax Muscle Spasms & Stomach Cramps

Bananas have antispasmodic properties to relax the smooth muscles along the digestive tract for relief from muscle contractions and stomach cramps. Ginger ale acts as an intestinal relaxant, allowing gas bubbles to pass and alleviating bloat, pressure, and pain.

7. Support Healthy Digestion & Bowel Function

The pectin fiber and fructooligosaccharides (prebiotics) in bananas feed beneficial bacteria to maintain a healthy microbiome, prevent bacterial overgrowth from pathogens, and regulate digestion. The citric acid in Canada Dry ginger ale helps stimulate digestive secretions when unwell.

8. Improve Circulation & Balance Fluids

Ginger opens up constricted blood vessels causing dizziness and cold sweats from nausea. The lightweight carbohydrates and electrolytes from bananas and ginger ale provide essential volume expansion and fluid balance critical when sick.

Which Brand of Ginger Ale for an Upset Stomach?

With so many varieties of ginger ale on the market it can be confusing to know the best options for nausea relief. Heres a breakdown of which brands provide substantial ginger flavor along with other stomach-soothing properties:

Canada Dry

• Uses actual ginger extract
• Additional fruit flavors like lemon and lime
• High carbonation calms stomach upset
• Doesnt contain excessive sugars
• Crisp flavor for excellent drinkability

Seagram's

• Real ginger bite
• Additional lemon/lime notes
• High carbonation
• More candied ginger flavor
• Higher sugar content

Schweppes

• Mild genuine ginger taste
• Higher lemon to ginger ratio
• Lower carbonation than others
• Clean, not too sweet flavor

Vernors

• Strong, spicy ginger flavor
• First ginger ale created - 1866
• Sweetness overpowers ginger
• Uses ginger juice extract

Homemade Ginger Ale for Nausea

When stomach issues have you stuck at home, try this easy DIY ginger ale using ingredients you likely have on hand:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup honey or sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Ice cubes
• Seltzer water

Instructions:

1. In small saucepan, combine water, ginger, and honey/sugar
2. Heat until just simmering; remove from heat
3. Once cooled, strain out ginger pieces
4. Mix in lemon juice and chill honey ginger syrup
5. Fill glass with ice, syrup, and seltzer to taste

Getting Fast Relief from Nausea with Bananas and Ginger Ale

Keep some overripe spotty bananas on hand along with Canada Dry or your favorite ginger ale beverage. At the first sign of nausea or vomiting take small sips of the carbonated ginger drink followed by small bites of banana. Continue alternating until your nausea subsides. The soluble fiber and nutrients in easy to digest banana bites, supplemented with anti-nausea ginger will have you feeling better in no time.

Along with bananas and ginger ale, foods like rice, crackers, mint, chamomile, and lemon water can help overcome stomach woes. However, the winning combination of real gingers anti-nausea effects plus bananas stomach soothing power is hard to beat when youre feeling queasy.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.