Does Orange Juice Make You Gassy?

Orange juice is a frequently used beverage that is well-liked and well-known for its vivid flavor and high vitamin C content. This citrus juice has many health advantages, such as immune support and hydration. However, some people may encounter side effects from drinking orange juice, like bloating and gas.

Now the question arises, does orange juice make you gassy?

Due to the  sugars and acidity in orange juice, it may cause bloating and gas in certain people. If your stomach fails to properly digest the sugars from oranges, especially fructose, it can ferment in the stomach and cause gas production. Orange juice’s strong acidity can also irritate the lining of the stomach and cause pain. The risk of having gas after consuming orange juice depends on a number of variables, including the amount taken, each person’s tolerance to carbohydrates, and general gut health.

Does Orange Juice Make You Gassy?

Yes, you can blame orange juice if you are experiencing gas and bloating after sipping into a glass of tangy orange juice. If your stomach hurts due to gas and bloating every time you drink orange juice, then most probably, you are suffering from a condition called fructose intolerance. 

People who have this intolerance fail to digest orange juice properly, and that can make you gassy. You must be thinking, what is fructose intolerance? Well, it’s basically a condition when a person is deficient in the protein needed to break down fructose. 

Interestingly Fructose content in oranges isn’t very high. However, as orange juice is a fruit juice, it has a high sugar content. The typical total fructose amount of orange juice is 51–57 g/L or 52–54% of its total sugar content. 

NIH says Orange juice that has been fiber-enriched is good for improving your metabolic health. Fiber can aid with digestion, reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease, and also help with overall health.

However, fiber may also be a gas-producing factor. According to research, fiber-enriched orange juice might cause light bloating, rumbles, and gas. When you drink too much fiber, it can result in stomach discomfort, gas, and bloating. So, avoid drinking fiber-added orange juice and observe how your stomach reacts.

Another type of orange juice that can give you a hard time is commercially produced orange juice, which contains added sugar. About 24 grams of sugar are included in one cup of store-bought orange juice with no additional sugar.

Many people have reported that they can drink natural orange juice. On the other hand,  when it comes to drinking commercial orange juices containing artificial sweeteners, they experience gas or bloating. The reason is having difficulty digesting fructose.

Let’s not forget the fact that orange is an acidic fruit. This citrus-flavored beverage’s high acid content can lead to gas and bloating. The ph level of freshly squeezed orange juice is equivalent to 3. When you drink citrus fruit juice, it makes your stomach produce more gas. As a result, some can experience heartburn or acid reflux.

Does Orange Juice Cause Gastritis?

Orange juice is not solely responsible for causing Gastritis. But if you are already suffering from Gastritis and drinking orange juice is making you sick, then it’s better to avoid drinking it. No matter how tasty it may seem to you, it may not be doing good things to your health.

What exactly is Gastritis? Well, it’s actually a condition where the stomach lining becomes inflamed or irritated. As orange juice is acidic, drinking too much of it can trigger Gastritis. Drinking excessive orange juice can lead to heartburn because it increases the acid level in the stomach. Not only oranges but also other citrus food like lemon can increase your acidity level. On the other hand, for some, lemon works as a remedy for digestion issues. It can vary from person to person.

You can replace orange juice with other stomach-friendly juices like carrot juice, watermelon juice, or aloe vera juice. These juices will keep your stomach healthy and quench your thirst at the same time.

Should I Take Orange Juice Before the Meal or After the Meal?

Experts suggest drinking orange juice after breakfast is a healthier option. For example, you can drink a glass of fresh orange juice after around 1- 2 hours of completing breakfast. Because during the post-breakfast phase, the food you ate will be already digested. Another benefit is that it will satisfy your hunger after a gap of having breakfast.

Some people may highly benefit from having orange juice on an empty stomach as well. Of course, this group of people doesn’t suffer from gastritis. Some suggest drinking orange juice on an empty stomach due to the fact that it helps with nutrient & vitamin absorption. You can drink it 30 minutes before or after having a meal if you prefer drinking it more than once a day. 

However, you need to be careful about drinking orange juice when your stomach is empty for a longer period of time. It poses a threat to increase stomach acid, which can lead to other gastronomical issues.

Is Orange Juice Beneficial for Weight Loss?

Orange juice is a fantastic beverage for you if you are trying to lose weight because it is free of fat and calories. Additionally, oranges have a healthy quantity of fiber, which keeps your stomach fuller for longer. You eat fewer calories, and you feel fuller, which further aids in weight loss.

Whole fruits provide more nutritional content and a stronger feeling of satiety. Fiber makes you feel fuller for longer, which might aid in weight reduction. Whole orange juices are known for their fiber content. However, the majority of commercial orange juices are processed and lack fiber. Orange juice loses some of the fiber and other healthy ingredients included in whole oranges. 

It’s much needed for you to stay hydrated for both weight reduction and general wellness. Orange juice can help you stay hydrated, but you should also drink lots of water throughout the day.

How to Drink Orange Juice Properly And Healthfully

Choose whole oranges over orange juice whenever feasible. Whole fruits include fiber, which helps improve digestion and help control blood sugar levels. Consuming the entire fruit also gives you a sensation of fullness that drinking the juice would not.

If you’re going to have orange juice, go for 100% pure or freshly squeezed. Try to avoid juices containing extra sugar, artificial flavors, and preservatives.

About 8 ounces (240 ml) of orange juice makes up a normal serving. Overindulging in orange juice will result in excessive calorie and sugar consumption. So, be moderate while including orange juice in your diet chart.

You can lessen the sugar amount per serving if you find orange juice to be excessively intense by diluting it with water. As a result of this, your calorie intake may decrease. Orange juice can help slow down the absorption of sugars and offer a more well-balanced breakfast when you combine it with a source of protein or fiber, such as eggs, Greek yogurt, or whole-grain bread.

Who Should Refrain from Consuming Orange Juice?

Orange juice has a comparatively high natural sugar content, which can cause quick rises in blood sugar. People with diabetes need to closely manage their carbohydrate consumption and blood sugar levels. If they decide to drink orange juice, they should do it sparingly and ideally as part of a meal that is balanced.

Also, the acidity of orange juice may increase the symptoms of people with certain gastrointestinal diseases. People suffering from acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should avoid this citrus drink. Calcium, which may come from dairy sources, is occasionally added to commercial orange juices as an additive. Check the ingredient list if you have a lactose allergy to be sure there are no additions made from dairy.

Some people may be sensitive to citrus fruits, even though orange allergies are very uncommon. Orange juice should not be consumed by anybody with a known citrus sensitivity to avoid adverse reactions.

Orange juice’s acidity has the ability to gradually destroy your tooth enamel. People who are sensitive to dental materials or worry about enamel erosion may choose to restrict their intake. If you are one of them, then you can use a straw as a solution to protect your teeth.

Orange juice ingredients may interact with several drugs, reducing or eliminating their absorption or efficacy. Consult a medical professional to confirm.

Orange juice is often not advised for young babies under a year old since it is heavy in sugar and deficient in the nutrients they need to thrive. Before adding orange juice to a child’s diet, consult a physician.

Key Nutrients of Orange Juice

There’s no denying the fact that orange juice provides essential nutrition to our bodies. We can implement mindful portion control and drink this delicious juice to reap the benefits while not harming our bodies at the same time.

Here’s what you get when you drink 100g of raw orange juice.

How to Lessen The Impact of Gas after Consuming Orange Juice 

You can take these steps to control your gas after drinking orange juice. But if your situation remains unchanged or gets worse, kindly talk to a doctor for further help.

• To facilitate healthy bowel motions and assist digestion, drink lots of water.
• Tea with peppermint leaves may relieve bloating and gas. You can consider variants without caffeine.
• Ginger may help alleviate flatulence since it has anti-inflammatory qualities. Take into account consuming ginger tea or including fresh ginger in your meals.
• Walking is a gentle activity that might aid with gas relief and digestion.
• Gas can be moved through the digestive system more easily if you lie on your left side.
• Gas bubbles in the stomach may be broken down by over-the-counter simethicone products. Prior to usage, speak with a healthcare provider.

FAQs

Why Do I Feel Dizzy After Drinking Orange Juice?

If you drink orange juice on an empty stomach, it can cause dizziness as it’s not good for your gut health. Orange juice has a good amount of sugar in it, which can raise blood sugar levels. An increase in blood sugar can be another cause of dizziness. 

Does Orange Juice Cause Diarrhea?

You will find fructose in fruits and it is a sugar that is present naturally. Our body can only process limited quantities of fructose at a time. Consuming too many fructose-containing meals at once can result in diarrhea since 

As you already know, oranges contain fiber, so if you drink way too much orange juice, it can cause diarrhea.

Is It OK to Drink Orange Juice Daily?

You can drink orange juice regularly as it has various health advantages. Orange juice lessens inflammation and supports heart health. It is better to drink it in moderation and to keep your daily intake to no more than 8 ounces. Wherever possible, use freshly squeezed or 100% orange juice because it is likewise heavy in calories and sugar.

Bottom Line

So does orange juice make you gassy? Yes, orange juice has the potential to induce gas and bloating in certain people, even though it can provide a pleasant and healthy element to your diet. Oranges’ natural sugars and the acidity of the juice, when taken in excess or on an empty stomach, can cause gastric pain. So it’s best to consume it in moderation. You can think about diluting it with water, couple it with protein or healthy fats, and avoid drinking a lot of it at once. Maintaining a food journal, drinking plenty of water, and researching digestive aids like probiotics, ginger, and peppermint tea can all help reduce gas symptoms.