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 good for your body. In this article, we will see if it is a good idea to drink orange juice when you have a stomach bug!
1. Gastroenteritis and hydration: good practices
1.1 Why is good hydration essential?
During a period of gastroenteritis, we lose a very large amount 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 poor body function. Hydrating is therefore essential to maintain our cognitive and nervous functions in the best possible shape.
1.2 What are the signs of dehydration to watch out for?
If you are dehydrated, your body will let you know through several signs, which should be monitored: thirst is the main one, but there may also be headaches, less urine, or fatigue. In this case, it is important to drink small sips regularly to rehydrate yourself.
1.3 What to drink to relieve a stomach bug?
To relieve gastroenteritis, you will 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 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, help relieve your digestive system with various plants included in the drinks.
2. Is orange juice recommended for gastroenteritis?
2.1 When you have diarrhea, can you drink orange juice?
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 lining and thus worsen diarrhea. In addition to acidity, its relatively high osmolarity promotes water secretion in the intestine, which can worsen 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 worsening 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 fragile digestive system.
2.3 Which fruit juices should you favor in case of gastroenteritis?
If you really want to drink fruit juice, it's better to opt for apple juice diluted with water because it doesn't contain a lot of fiber. Cranberry juice is also an interesting option, as it has demonstrated anti-diarrheal properties and can reduce stool frequency. Finally, coconut water is very rich in electrolytes and is therefore an excellent drink for rehydrating 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 neutral 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. Do not hesitate to drink soups as well; they hydrate you in addition to nourishing you.
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 see a doctor include very significant dehydration, with all its accompanying symptoms, as well as the presence of high fever or blood in the stools. In the case of fever or blood, this means there is a bacterial infection and you need medical treatment.
4.2 People at risk of complications
Some 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 for gastroenteritis due to its acidity and high sugar content, which can worsen digestive symptoms. For effective rehydration, favor electrolyte-rich drinks, such as oral rehydration solutions for infants, or electrolyte drinks suitable for adults containing sodium and other electrolytes, 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 a high fever or blood in the stools, consult a doctor quickly. Good hydration and an adapted diet remain the keys to a rapid 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.
