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Is Ginger Ale Good For Diabetics


Diabetes Meal Plan: Salmon Cakes

? is ginger good for diabetics

Al Boshi references a review published in March 2015 in the Journal of Ethnic Foods that suggested taking ginger supplements may help reduce A1C levels and fasting serum glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. is a common diabetes test that measures your average blood sugar level over a two- to three-month period.

Sounds great, right? Not so fast: Al Bochi notes the review wasnt without flaw. All of the sample groups were really small, they were done over a few weeks of time, and they were all homogenous based out of one or two countries. Due to those factors, the studies the researchers analyzed didnt provide enough information for health experts to conclusively recommend ginger as an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes.

Still, other research seems to support the possible benefit of ginger in a diabetes diet. Take a study published in June 2015 in the Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, which suggested that, compared with the placebo group, ginger powder helped improve glycemic control in Iranian adults with type 2 diabetes who were not on insulin, after three months of supplementation. The study was short, lasting only three months, but it was double-blind, randomized, and controlled, which suggests a potential causal effect between ginger and blood sugar control.

RELATED: 6 Surprising Alternative Treatments That Worked for People With Diabetes


Should I Drink Alcohol

In Australia, drinking alcohol is generally acceptable and for many people is a normal part of social events. However, for as long as alcohol has been used and enjoyed, some people have experienced problems associated with it. Most people with diabetes can enjoy a small amount of alcohol. However, its best to discuss it first with your diabetes health care team.

For people who are on insulin or certain diabetes tablets, alcohol may increase the risk of hypoglycaemia .

Lets Get To The Truth

Ginger ale is definitely in the junk drink category, begins Stacy Mitchell Doyle, MD, resident physician of FoodTherapyMD and long-time advocate of plant-based nutritional protocols.

Dr. Doyle continues, Just like every other soda, ginger ale is made of concentrated artificial sugars and chemicals. It carries all the health risks that Coca Cola or Pepsi have.

Oooh, but what about ginger ales clear color?


Dr. Doyle explains, Its clear color doesnt mean it is better for you. As for the ginger in ginger ale: Yes, ginger is good for you.

In fact, it has amazing anti-inflammatory properties as well as being a potent antibacterial and antiviral plant.

However, the ginger flavor that is in ginger ale is not substantial and definitely not significant enough to override the inflammatory characteristics of soda.

What’s The Ph Of Ginger Ale

4/5

Chart 1. pH Values of Common Beverages and Foods
BEVERAGE/FOOD

2.82


Similarly, what drinks are basic in pH? A pH of 7, such as pure water is neutral. A pH less than 7 is acidic and greater than 7 is basic.pH Values.

Crystal Light Sunrise Ruby Red Grapefruit 3.81
3.70

Similarly one may ask, is ginger ale acidic?

Ginger naturally soothes the stomach and can help reduce the production of stomach acid. Caffeine-free ginger tea, with a little honey added as a sweetener, is the best way to consume ginger tea for a person with reflux. Ginger ale is unlikely to help, because it is carbonated and may contain caffeine.

What is the pH of Gatorade?

Sugar and Acidity or pH of common drinks


Drink or Substance Acid pH

Pregnant Women And Ginger Consumption

Is Ginger Ale Good Or Bad For You? Learn The Truth!

According to the U.S National Library of Medicine, using ginger during pregnancy is controversial.1

There is some concern that ginger might affect fetal sex hormones. There is also a report of miscarriage during week 12 of pregnancy in a woman who used ginger for morning sickness. However, studies in pregnant women suggest that ginger can be used safely for morning sickness without harm to the baby.

The risk for major malformations in infants of women taking ginger does not appear to be higher than the usual rate of 1% to 3%. Also there doesnt appear to be an increased risk of early labor or low birth weight.

There is some concern that ginger might increase the risk of bleeding, so some experts advise against using it close to your delivery date. As with any medication given during pregnancy, its important to weigh the benefit against the risk. Before using ginger during pregnancy, talk it over with your healthcare provider.

Hearing Smell And Taste

Your vision isnt the only sense thats at risk. Diabetes doubles your chances for hearing loss. Prediabetes ups your chances by 30%. Experts arent sure why. The reason could be nerve damage, but more research is needed to know for sure.


You may lose your hearing slowly so that you arent even aware. If you ask people to repeat themselves a lot, get your hearing checked.

Diabetes even affects the nerves that handle these senses. If you take insulin, you may be more likely to have trouble noticing scents. This may make food taste off. You may even catch a whiff of something thats not there.

Experts suspect it could stem from nerve damage or a glitch that starts in the brain. It may be an early sign of trouble with thinking skills. People who have Alzheimers disease or dementia often report problems with their sense of smell before their diagnosis.

Bladder And Sex Organs

Uncontrolled blood sugar forces your bladder to handle a lot of urine because your body retains more fluid. You may wake often at night to use the bathroom. The interrupted sleep can be one reason diabetes leaves you tired.

Or diabetes can damage your nerves so you wont feel that your bladder is full. You could leak pee. Weakened urinary muscles can make it harder for you to empty your bladder fully. Or you may pee too much.


Poor bladder control, plus high blood sugar and immune system problems, can lead to urinary tract infections .

When it comes to sex, men with diabetes are three times more likely to have trouble getting or keeping an erection . For women, their sex drive could drop, lubrication drops, and sex may hurt. Lowered blood flow or nerve problems could make it harder to have an orgasm.

Ginger Has Powerful Healing Properties

Ive already written on how you can use ginger as a medicine for a great health and ginger is also featured in my e-book the Herbal Remedies Guide.

Gingers health-promoting qualities have been touted for generations by a wide-reaching group of people, from the ancient peoples of Asia to modern health gurus. From calming an upset stomach and aiding in digestion to relieving pain and killing off cancer cells, gingers beneficial properties run the gamut.

Many people can experience improvements in health by using ground ginger in food or as a dietary supplement, but its not the right choice for everyone. Lets discuss some situations where ginger should be avoided or used sparingly.


Protection From Free Radical Damage

Ginger Helps Against Diabetes, Dandruff and Pain: 6 Reasons To Eat More Ginger

Ginger ale is very beneficial for protecting our cells and tissues from the oxidative damage caused by the free radicals.

Free radicals are the unstabilized ions produced in our body during various metabolic reactions. As these are unstabilized, so they steal electrons from the neighboring molecules and while doing so, it causes oxidative damage to our cells and tissues.

This benefit of ginger ale is because of its antioxidantal properties. The antioxidants in the ginger ale combats with the free radicals stabilize them and thus prevents them from causing oxidative stress to our body.

Free radical damage is bad for our body and may increase the risk of central nervous system diseases like Alzheimers, cardiovascular problems, autoimmune and respiratory problems, age-related macular degeneration, increased risk of various cancers and premature aging.

Oh Snap Side Effects Of Ginger Ale

Overall, ginger ale is a low-risk beverage for many people. Potential side effects include:


  • Gas. If youve been sipping on ginger ale and notice bloating, burping, and toots, its all thanks to the carbonation. You may also notice more farts if youre drinking diet ginger ale. Artificial sweeteners, especially sugar alcohols, can be hard to digest and cause stomach issues if consumed in large amounts.
  • Blood thinner interactions. Ginger can slow down blood clotting, which is also what blood-thinning medication does. Drinking or eating too much ginger while taking a blood thinner can put you at risk of bleeding and bruising. But since ginger ale doesnt usually contain much ginger, its generally OK for most people to consume alongside a balanced diet.

Benefits Of Staying Hydrated

Staying hydrated is vital for general health, and even more so for people with diabetes. Drinking ample fluid throughout the day can help support glucose control by flushing out excess sugar in the blood through urine.

At the same time, being dehydrated is a common side effect of diabetes. When the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or becomes less sensitive to insulin , sugar can build up in the bloodstream, forcing the kidneys to work extra hard and increasing the production of urine .

Ultimately, the body becomes dehydrated as fluid is pulled from the organs and tissues. Keeping on top of your fluid intake can help support your kidneys and keep your other organs healthy, while at the same time stabilizing your glucose levels.

The Top 5 Drinks A Person With Diabetes Should Avoid

For people with diabetes, keeping blood glucose at safe levels is paramount. With much of a newly diagnosed persons focus often on shifting from eating unhealthy food to more healthy choices, beverages can be easily overlooked. Among the top drinks a person with diabetes should avoid, a common denominator exists: sugar. Soda and sweet tea might seem like obvious culprits, but other drinks can pack a sugary punch as well.

A single serving of many sugary drinks can contain the same amount of sugar as a plate of food. So, someone with diabetes could get 45 to 60 grams of sugar from a 20-ounce bottle of sweet tea but wouldnt get other nutrients otherwise gained from a balanced meal.


Ideally, people with diabetes shouldnt get sugars from beverages, said Priscilla Benavides, a registered dietitian and health educator with the Texas A&M Coastal Bend Health Education Center. This is because you can easily get more than a meals worth of sugar from one drink and not even know it.

Benavides says sugar-laden beverages can raise blood sugar above the recommended target range because our bodies absorb liquids more quickly than most foods. She adds that excess sugar creates a problem for a person with diabetes because sweet drinks are a fast-acting source of glucose that can lead to hyperglycemia when consumed. Hyperglycemia is the medical term for high blood sugar and can cause serious complications, such as coma or death, if left untreated.

Ummm Ginger Ale Anyone

Ginger Ale Good For Diabetes

LexieBee said:At the risk of sounding like a total nutcase, I suspect that drinking ginger ale at night has helped lower my morning glucose levels. Really. I noticed it immediately after the first time having ginger ale before bed, and it has continued for the past few nights. I know that ginger is supposed to help lower blood glucose, but ginger ale? Ha! The Canada Dry version has “made from real ginger” stamped on the label. Of course I am using the diet version. Has anyone used ginger supplements successfully and if so, how much and how often?

Ginger And Its Nutrition Profile

Ginger is a spice obtained from rhizomes of Zingiber officinale plant. 

Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, people in India and China have been using it as a natural remedy for many diseases, including nausea, morning sickness, motion sickness, Alzheimer’s disease, flu, and cold for over 3,000 years . 

Besides, it also reduces cholesterol, helps in weight loss and stimulates blood circulation


Allegedly, it may also slow down the growth of tumor cells.

Ginger contains some bioactive plant substances, the most important of which is gingerol. 

This molecule is responsible for most anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of ginger.

There are many ways to eat ginger. You may use it as a spice or food ingredient, make some ginger tea or buy some ginger powder, oil or juice in your local pharmacy or specialized stores.

Cosmetic manufacturers also add ginger to beauty products.


Many people think that the edible part of ginger is its root, but it is not true. The piece of the Zingiber officinale plant used in medicine is called rhizome, which is an underground section of the stem.

The summary

How To Make Ginger Ale At Home

Making ginger ale at home is very convenient and cost-effective. It is advisable to make ginger ale at home instead of consuming those available in the market because of a couple of reasons such as control over the quality and quantity of the ingredients, no excessive sugar, and no caffeine.

To make ginger ale at home, you will need the following ingredients

  • Thinly Sliced fresh organic ginger- 1½ cup
  • Lemon Juice- ½ cup
  • Club Soda- 1 Liter
  • Steps involved in the production of ginger ale are as follows:-


  • For making ginger ale, take one cup of water and add sliced ginger, brown sugar, and white sugar to it, and then boil the mixture in a saucepan. Stir the solution frequently and ensures that both sugars get dissolves completely.
  • Once the sugar is dissolved, lower the flame and keep cooking the mixture for a minimum of 15 minutes. In this step, the mixture will turn into a syrup.
  • Strain the mixture, and let the mixture cool down at normal temperature. Let it cool naturally without the use of a fan or air conditioner.
  • Add lemon juice to the solution and mix well.
  • At the final step, add club soda to the mixture and stir well.
  • This way you can have 8 glasses of fresh ginger ale and that too without the risk of any kind of adulteration or unwanted substances like caffeine or preservatives.

    Ginger Should Be Avoided When Taking Certain Medications Or Having Certain Health Conditions

    Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer Food & Nutrition

    Ginger root is one of natures healing plants and has been used for its taste and health potential for thousands of years. However, ginger is a plant whose powers should be wielded with caution, as it isnt appropriate for all people. Are you one of the people who should avoid or restrict consuming ginger? Read on to find out.

    Potential Health Benefits Of Ginger For Type 2 Diabetes

    Can a Diabetic Eat Ginger Ginger Is Good Or Bad For Diabetes

    Ginger is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance that has many potential health benefits for certain conditions, including certain types of cancer, suggests a study published in April 2013 in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine.

    The possible perks of this herb dont end there. We know that ginger is commonly used to help relieve nausea, vomiting, or any upset stomach, and there is also some evidence it may reduce menstrual pain symptoms, morning sickness in pregnant women, and even arthritis pain in joints, says Rahaf Al Bochi, RD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and owner of Olive Tree Nutrition.

    When it comes to type 2 diabetes, Al Bochi says the value of ginger remains unclear due to limited research. But results produced thus far may suggest promise for including the herb in your diabetes treatment plan.

    Brain And Nervous System

    When you have diabetes, your cells must work harder to use glucose. That may tire your muscles and leave you feeling spent.

    Studies tie diabetes to proteins in your brain that are linked to dementia. Because of narrowed, hardened arteries, your chances of stroke are also higher. Your brain needs sugar to do its job. Repeated bouts of low blood sugar can damage the brain.

    Nerve damage happens to almost everyone with diabetes. Some parts of your body may go numb or have other problems. All organs, including your heart, rely on healthy nerves. Pain in your feet and legs is a common sign that something isnt right.

    You may not notice small cuts or sores at first. Those small injuries can grow into big wounds.

    Since diabetes affects your blood flow and immune system, a small sore may not get what it needs to heal. In severe cases, doctors may need to amputate a foot or other affected areas.

    What Is A Healthy Soft Drink

    10 Drinks That Will Kick Your Soda Habit For Good La Croix. Youve heard the rumors and yes its all that its cracked up to be. Bai Sparkling. Kombucha Wonder Drink . Pellegrino. Smartwater Sparkling. Kevita Organic Sparkling Probiotic Drink . Found Infused Sparkling Water. SAP Maple Seltzer.

    People Using High Blood Pressure Medications

    Some medicines used to control hypertension, such as calcium channel blockers can interact with ginger, causing the blood pressure and/or heart rate to drop to unhealthy levels, leading to irregular heartbeat or other complications.

    Discuss your use of ginger and the potential for a dosage adjustment with your doctor if you are taking any medications to treat high blood pressure.

    Pure Fruit Juice In Moderation

    Control Diabetes with Ginger

    Pure fruit juices are appropriate, but since fruit juice delivers the sugar from the fruit but not necessarily the fiber as well, people with diabetes should consume these types of drinks in small amounts.

    They will also need to account for any juices in a meal plan. For example, one 248-gram cup of fresh, unprocessed orange juice contains nearly 26 g of carbohydrate, of which almost 21 g is sugar.

    Portion size is a key factor to managing carbohydrate intake when drinking juice with a meal. Drinking juice alone can lead to a blood sugar spike, but consuming it with other foods, particularly protein or a healthful fat can help to prevent this.

    Eating fruit can be a good way to quench thirst, and it delivers more nutritional benefit than juice.

    How To Use Ginger For Diabetes

    • One way is to cut it into strips or grate it over stir-fry recipes.
    • Another way is to make some ginger lemonade, which is not only healthy but also refreshing.
    • You can make some ginger tea too. All you need to do is to boil some water and add a few pieces of ginger. Let it simmer for a while. Drink it first thing in the morning.
    • Cut a few pieces of ginger and add into some water and leave it overnight. Drink the ginger infused water or sip it through the day.

    Make sure you consult a doctor before switching to this home remedy as consuming medications and ginger simultaneously may drop blood sugar levels significantly. Stay healthy!

    Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

    Which Is Better Ginger Ale Or The Ginger Beer

    Well, it mainly depends on the purpose you would like to consume them. If you are behind the health benefits, then it is better to go with the ginger ale as most of the store-bought ginger beer doesnt even use actual ginger these days.

    They are made by using ginger flavoring. Additionally, to preserve the natural taste of the ginger ale, use of natural ginger is a must.

    So, you are more likely to get the benefits from ginger with the ginger ale, and not from the ginger beer.

    A better choice will be to make ginger ale at home. It will be completely natural and you will have complete control over the ingredients, and you will be able to make it as per your liking .

    Is Ginger For Diabetes Good And Safe

    Ginger lowers blood sugar, promotes insulin release and has positive effects on other risk factors of diabetes and insulin resistance.

    However, it may interact with some medicines used to treat diabetes and increase their efficiency, which can be dangerous.

    We do not recommend taking any ginger supplements or drink ginger tea for diabetes without a prior consent of your doctor.

    Diabetes requires proper evidence-based treatment and natural medicines, such as ginger, should not be taken as a substitute for regular medications.

    Although many people believe that natural medicines cannot harm you, it’s not true. Even natural substances may reduce the effects of other medications you take or make your symptoms worse.

    Things To Look Out For

    Why Ginger is Dangerous for Diabetes [TURN ON SUBTITLES!]

    Many drinks contain high levels of sugars and carbohydrates. Food labels and nutritional facts can give valuable information about what they contain. Labels should state the serving size and carbohydrate content of any drink.

    People with diabetes have different needs, so there are no exact dietary rules, but the following tips may help manage blood sugar:

    • Consume a balanced diet and manage the intake of carbohydrate from food and drinks.
    • Keep carbohydrate levels consistent from day to day and spread evenly throughout.
    • Consume enough carbohydrate to enable the body and brain to function properly.
    • Check blood sugar levels regularly and speak to a doctor if there are any concerns.
    • Each person should speak to their healthcare provider about their daily nutritional needs.

    The following drinks are not good choices for people with diabetes.

    How Much Ginger To Consume

    Most people tolerate ginger very well, and find it handy for combating anything from minor stomach or digestive upsetsincluding nausea and vomitingto arthritis pain and menstrual cramps.

    According to Maryland Medical Center2, for people who do not have medical or health conditions on the cautionary list discussed above, taking up to 4 grams of powdered ginger root per day is safe, while pregnant women should not take more than 1 g per day. According to Drugs.com3, ginger has been used in clinical trials in doses of 250 mg to 1 g, 3 to 4 times daily.

    Whats good about ginger is that you can use it both in fresh or ground form. The ground form is much more concentrated, and usually when converting fresh to ground ginger, a single tablespoon of fresh ginger root is equal to 1/4 of a teaspoon of dried ginger.

    Your Diabetes And Drinking

    If you have type 1 diabetes, courses like DAFNE can give you advice on how different types of alcoholic drinks can affect your blood glucose levels, and also suggest appropriate insulin adjustment and where this may be necessary. However, it is stressed on the course that people may respond to alcohol in different ways, and its advised that monitoring your blood glucose before and after drinking will help you to discover your own requirements. 

    Drinks For People With Type 2 Diabetes

    Choosing the right drinks for people with diabetes is as important as choosing the right foods, and it isnt always simple. Is coffee helpful or harmful to insulin resistance? Does zero-calorie diet soda affect your blood sugar? Some studies may only add to the confusion. We reviewed the research and then asked three top registered dietitians, who are also certified diabetes educators, what they tell their clients about seven everyday drinks for people with diabetes. Heres what to know before you sip.

    Alternatives To Ginger Ale

    USE OF GINGER TO CONTROL DIABETES (In Hindi)/GINGER ...

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a few tips for avoiding sugary drinks, such as ginger ale, and making better beverage choices.

    Tips include, choosing water or low-calorie beverages over sugary drinks, making sure not to stock the refrigerator with soda and other sugar-filled beverages, adding flavor like lemon, watermelon or lime to sparkling water and opting for a small size if you do choose to get a sweetened beverage. Keep in mind that ginger ale contains 135 calories in a 12-ounce cup, while water contains zero calories.

    Diet sodas that are replaced with low-calorie artificial sweeteners, are not necessarily healthier, says Harvard School of Public Health. There needs to be further research to study its effects, and whether low-calorie sweeteners can, in fact, be detrimental.

    Another ginger ale replacement you can try, as mentioned earlier, is ginger beer. Ginger beer is similar in taste to ginger ale, though it actually contains ginger, which means it comes with a number of health benefits, such as alleviating an upset stomach or nausea.

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