Flu makes you dehydrated. You lose fluids through sweat, snot, and fever. Ginger ale is mostly water. So, drinking it does hydrate you. But so does tap water. And water doesn’t come with 30 grams of sugar per can.
Ginger Ale: 20 Benefits, Side Effects, Types & How to Make It
That sugar is a double-edged sword. It gives you a quick energy boost. But your immune system hates sugar. Studies show sugar can weaken white blood cells for hours. So, a can of ginger ale might make you feel perky—then crash your defenses. Not ideal.
The best ginger ale for flu is the spicy, fermented kind. Look for brands like Fever-Tree or Reed’s. They use actual ginger root. The taste is sharp, almost like a ginger beer. It’s not for the faint of heart. It will make your nose run faster. And that’s a good thing!
What Your Grandmother Knew
Remember Grandma’s home remedy? She probably made ginger tea. She grated fresh ginger, boiled it, and added honey. That’s the ancient wisdom. Ginger ale is just the lazy version of that. If she gave you store-bought soda, she was a generous liar.
Here’s a weird fact: ginger can trick your brain into feeling better. The spicy compound gingerol binds to serotonin receptors in your gut. Serotonin is the “happy chemical.” So, real ginger might actually improve your mood while fighting inflammation. That’s a two-for-one deal.
But the flu is a virus. No food or drink kills viruses directly. Your body does the work. Ginger ale can soothe symptoms, but it’s not penicillin. It’s a support actor, not the star of the show.