When you catch gastroenteritis, you often wonder what you can or cannot drink. This is the case with orange juice, which is a very popular drink but whose effects are not necessarily very good for your body. In this article, we will see if it's a good idea to drink orange juice when you have a stomach bug!
1. Gastroenteritis and hydration: best practices
1.1 Why is proper hydration essential?
During a period of gastroenteritis, we lose a very large quantity of water and minerals, including sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. This is mainly due to vomiting and diarrhea. This will cause dehydration which will lead to various symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and impaired body function. Hydration is therefore essential to maintain our cognitive and nervous functions in the best possible condition.
1.2 What are the signs of dehydration to watch for?
If you are dehydrated, your body will let you know through several signs that should be monitored: thirst is the main one, but there may also be headaches, reduced urine output, or fatigue. In this case, it is important to drink small sips at regular intervals to rehydrate yourself.
1.3 What to drink to relieve gastroenteritis?
To relieve gastroenteritis, you'll need a drink that rehydrates you best. For infants and young children, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are the best option, as they contain an optimized mixture of sodium, glucose, and other electrolytes that promote water absorption by the body. For adults, an effective alternative is the use of electrolyte drinks containing moderate amounts of sodium and glucose, which promotes rehydration without causing excessive osmotic effects. These drinks are balanced in electrolytes and will therefore help compensate for losses due to the illness.
It is 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 with various plants included in the drinks.
2. Is orange juice recommended for gastroenteritis?
2.1 Can you drink orange juice when you have diarrhea?
When you have diarrhea, it is recommended to drink and consume neutral foods, meaning neither acidic nor basic. However, orange juice is relatively acidic, which could cause irritation of the intestinal wall and thus worsen diarrhea. In addition to its acidity, its relatively high osmolarity promotes water secretion into the intestine, which can aggravate diarrhea instead of alleviating it.
2.2 Is orange juice beneficial in case of vomiting?
For vomiting, the problem is the same as for diarrhea; acidity is not suitable for the body and risks aggravating nausea.
A possible alternative is diluted apple juice. This juice is milder, and by diluting it with water, its osmotic effect and digestive impact are reduced, making it more suitable for a weakened digestive system.
2.3 Which fruit juices to choose in case of gastroenteritis?
If you really want to drink fruit juice, it would be better to opt for diluted apple juice because it does not contain much fiber. Blueberry juice is also an interesting option, as it has proven anti-diarrheal properties and can reduce stool frequency. Finally, coconut water is very rich in electrolytes and is therefore an excellent drink for hydration after significant water loss.
3. What to eat and drink to recover after gastroenteritis?
3.1 Foods to favor
After gastroenteritis, it is advisable to eat relatively bland foods, such as rice, potatoes, and carrots, as they are easy to digest. These foods contain simple carbohydrates that provide energy while being well-tolerated by the digestive system. Bananas and cooked apples also help regulate transit. Don't hesitate to drink soups; they hydrate you in addition to providing nutrients.
3.2 Foods and drinks to avoid
Conversely, you should avoid anything acidic, fatty, and sugary, especially sodas, dairy products, and sweets. Their consumption can worsen digestive problems and cause bloating.
Coffee is also a bad idea! Indeed, caffeine is an intestinal stimulant that can accelerate transit and gastric emptying, thus worsening diarrhea and increasing the risk of dehydration.
3.3 Sample 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 Warning signs
Signs that should prompt you to consult a doctor include very significant dehydration, with all the associated symptoms, as well as the presence of high fever or blood in the stools. In the case of fever or blood, this indicates a bacterial infection and requires medical treatment.
4.2 People at risk of complications
Certain groups of people are more at risk of complications, especially young children and the elderly. In these populations, dehydration occurs more quickly and can have serious consequences. In the elderly, as the immune system is less effective, they are also more vulnerable to infections.
Orange juice is not recommended in cases of gastroenteritis due to its acidity and high sugar content, which can worsen digestive symptoms. For effective rehydration, prioritize electrolyte-rich drinks, such as oral rehydration solutions for infants, or electrolyte drinks adapted for adults containing sodium and other electrolytes and trace elements, and a small amount of glucose.
In addition, homemade solutions such as salted 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 such as high fever or blood in the stools, consult a doctor promptly. Proper hydration and an appropriate diet remain key to a quick 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.
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