The belief that a glass of root beer can soothe an upset stomach or settle indigestion is a piece of enduring American folklore. This popular home remedy suggests the fizzy, sweet drink possesses properties that actively calm digestive distress. To understand if this common wisdom holds any truth, it is necessary to separate the physical effects of carbonation from the historical uses of its ingredients and the chemical composition of the modern beverage. Investigating the science behind this claim reveals a complex history where medicine and flavoring have intertwined.
How Carbonation Affects Digestion
The temporary relief some people feel after drinking a carbonated beverage is primarily a mechanical process within the digestive system. Carbonation involves dissolving carbon dioxide gas into the liquid under pressure. When this liquid is consumed, the gas is released inside the warm environment of the stomach, effectively introducing air.
This sudden influx of gas creates pressure on the stomach walls, leading to a sensation of fullness or bloating. The body naturally attempts to expel this excess gas through burping, also known as eructation. The act of successfully burping can relieve the feeling of pressure caused by trapped air, which is often mistakenly interpreted as the stomach being “settled.” Therefore, the fizziness of root beer may relieve a symptom (bloating) but does not treat the underlying cause of the stomach upset. Conversely, for individuals with sensitive digestive tracts or conditions like acid reflux, the added pressure and acidity from carbonation can actually worsen symptoms.
The Medicinal History of Root Beer Ingredients
The idea of root beer as a stomach remedy originated long before it became a commercial soft drink, rooted in traditional herbal preparations. Early root beers were historically crafted as “small beers” using a blend of roots, barks, and herbs, including sassafras, sarsaparilla, wintergreen, and licorice root. These early preparations were often lightly fermented, giving them a mild alcoholic content and a slight natural effervescence.
Sassafras, derived from the root bark of the Sassafras albidum tree, was the primary flavoring agent and the source of its medicinal reputation. Indigenous peoples in North America used sassafras for centuries to treat various ailments, including skin conditions, fevers, and upset stomachs. Early European settlers adopted these uses, and pharmacists in the nineteenth century began marketing root beer for its perceived health benefits.
This traditional preparation underwent a fundamental change in the 1960s with a regulatory action by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The active compound responsible for sassafras’ distinctive flavor and aroma, safrole, was banned from use in mass-produced food and drugs. This decision followed laboratory studies that found high doses of safrole caused liver damage and cancer in test animals. The removal of safrole meant that modern root beer could no longer rely on the traditional root extract, severing the link to its alleged medicinal properties.
Modern Root Beer Composition and Scientific Verdict
The root beer available today is a product of this regulatory shift, bearing little resemblance to its herbal ancestors. Modern commercial varieties typically replace the traditional sassafras extract with artificial flavorings to mimic the original taste. Furthermore, these beverages are characterized by high concentrations of added sweeteners, such as high fructose corn syrup or sugar.
This high sugar content is the primary reason modern root beer is not recommended for an upset stomach. Consuming large amounts of sugar can irritate the already distressed digestive system, potentially worsening nausea and drawing water into the intestines, which may trigger or exacerbate diarrhea. Artificial sweeteners, often found in diet versions, can also lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, or diarrhea in sensitive individuals.
The scientific consensus is that modern root beer should not be considered a treatment for digestive upset. For genuine stomach distress, medical professionals often suggest clear, bland liquids like water, diluted clear broth, or electrolyte solutions to prevent dehydration. If a person finds a carbonated beverage temporarily helpful, drinking a small amount of flat ginger ale or an unflavored seltzer may provide the same burp-inducing relief without the high sugar load that can irritate the gut.