Orange juice and gastroenteritis: good or bad idea?

When you get gastroenteritis, you often wonder what you can and can't drink. This is the case with orange juice, which is a widely consumed beverage but whose effects aren't necessarily very good for your body. In this article, we'll see if it's a good idea to drink orange juice when you have gastroenteritis!

1. Gastroenteritis and hydration: best practices

1.1 Why is it essential to stay hydrated?

During a bout of gastroenteritis, we lose a large amount of water and minerals, including sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. This is mainly due to vomiting and bowel movements. This can cause dehydration , which can lead to various symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and poor body function. Staying hydrated is therefore essential to maintaining our cognitive and nervous functions in the best possible shape.

1.2 What are the signs of dehydration to watch for?

If you're dehydrated, your body will let you know through several signs, which you should watch for: thirst is the main one, but there may also be headaches, decreased urination, or fatigue. In this case, it's important to drink small sips at regular intervals to rehydrate.

1.3 What to drink to relieve gastroenteritis?

To relieve gastroenteritis, you'll need a drink that optimally rehydrates you. For infants and young children, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are the best option, as they contain an optimized blend of sodium, glucose, and other electrolytes to promote water absorption. For adults, an effective alternative is electrolyte drinks containing moderate amounts of sodium and glucose, which promote rehydration without causing excessive osmotic effects. These drinks are balanced in electrolytes and will therefore help compensate for losses due to the illness.

It's also possible to drink homemade preparations, such as salted broth or herbal teas. Broth is very rich in water, which is the main ingredient for hydration, but also in salt and potassium, which restore minerals. Herbal teas, on the other hand, can soothe your digestive system, thanks to the various herbs included in the drinks.

2. Is orange juice recommended for gastroenteritis?

2.1 When you have diarrhea, can you drink orange juice?

When suffering from diarrhea, it is recommended to drink and consume neutral foods, meaning they are neither acidic nor basic. However, orange juice is relatively acidic, which can cause irritation of the intestinal wall and therefore worsen diarrhea. In addition to acidity, its relatively high osmolarity promotes the secretion of water in the intestine, which can aggravate diarrhea instead of alleviating it.

2.2 Is orange juice beneficial for vomiting?

For vomiting, the problem is the same as for diarrhea: the acidity is not suitable for the body and risks aggravating nausea.

A possible alternative is diluted apple juice. This juice is sweeter, and diluting it with water reduces its osmotic effect and digestive impact, making it more suitable for a weakened digestive system.

2.3 Which fruit juices should you choose in case of gastroenteritis?

If you really want to drink fruit juice, it's best to opt for apple juice diluted with water, as it doesn't contain much fiber. Blueberry juice is also a good option, as it has proven anti-diarrheal properties and can reduce bowel movements. Finally, coconut water is very rich in electrolytes, making it an excellent drink to rehydrate after significant water loss.

3. What to eat and drink to recover after a stomach flu?

3.1 Foods to favor

After a stomach flu, it's recommended to eat relatively neutral foods, such as rice, potatoes, and carrots, as they're easy to digest. These foods contain simple carbohydrates that provide energy while being well tolerated by the digestive system. Cooked bananas and apples also help regulate bowel movements. Also, don't hesitate to drink soups; they hydrate you as well as nourish you.

3.2 Foods and drinks to avoid

Conversely, avoid anything acidic, fatty, and sugary, especially sodas, dairy products, and sweets. Consuming these can aggravate digestive problems and cause bloating.

Coffee is also a bad idea! Caffeine is an intestinal stimulant that can speed up transit and gastric emptying, thus worsening diarrhea and increasing the risk of dehydration.

3.3 Example 3-day menus for optimal recovery

Day 1:

• Breakfast: applesauce and herbal tea

• Lunch: white rice and cooked carrots

• Dinner: Vegetable broth and mashed potatoes

Day 2:

• Breakfast: mashed banana and chamomile infusion

• Lunch: Grilled chicken fillet with white rice

• Dinner: Vegetable soup and applesauce

Day 3:

• Breakfast: lightly toasted white bread with a little honey

• Lunch: Steamed white fish with potatoes

• Dinner: vegetable soup and a banana

4. When should you consult a doctor?

4.1 Worrying signs

Signs that should make you think about seeing a doctor are severe dehydration, with all the accompanying symptoms, as well as the presence of a high fever or blood in the stool. In the case of fever or blood, this means that there is a bacterial infection and that you need medical treatment.

4.2 People at risk of complications

Certain groups of people are at higher risk of complications, particularly young children and the elderly. In these populations, dehydration occurs more quickly and can have serious consequences. Older people, because their immune systems are weaker, are also more vulnerable to infections.

Orange juice is not recommended for gastroenteritis due to its acidity and high sugar content, which can aggravate digestive symptoms. For effective rehydration, choose drinks rich in electrolytes, such as oral rehydration solutions for infants, or electrolyte drinks suitable for adults containing sodium and other electrolytes and trace elements and a small amount of glucose.

Additionally, homemade remedies like savory broth or herbal teas can also help restore fluid balance and soothe the digestive system. Finally, if your symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by worrying signs like a high fever or blood in the stool, consult a doctor promptly. Proper hydration and a proper diet remain the keys to a speedy recovery.

Bibliography

Sinclair, W.B., Bartholomew, E.T., & Ramsey, R.C. (1945). ANALYSIS OF THE ORGANIC ACIDS OF ORANGE JUICE . In Plant Physiology (Vol. 20, Issue 1, pp. 3–18). Oxford University Press (OUP).

Tabershaw, I.R., Schmelzer, L.L., & Bruyn, H.B. (1967). Gastroenteritis From an Orange Juice Preparation. In Archives of Environmental Health: An International Journal (Vol. 15, Issue 1, pp. 72–77). Informa UK Limited.