If you have received a diagnosis of ulcers or colitis, certain foods can cause abdominal pain. Because the orange juice is very acidic, you may be wondering if you have to cross it from your shopping list. But that does not affect everyone in the same way, so it depends on your level of personal tolerance.
Orange juice and ulcers
According to Mayo Clinic, gastro-duodenal ulcers are wounds that develop inside the stomach lining or the highest part of the small intestine (duodenum). These open wounds can be quite painful and can also cause bleeding. The burn of stomach pain is the most common symptom. Other symptoms include nausea, stomach burns and the feeling of full.
“Some people experience stomach pains after drinking orange juice,” said Nicole Goodrich, RDN, founder and president of Anderson’s Nutrition, a dietitian nutritionist and certified / certified health coach. “Due to the acidity levels found in orange juice, it may be ulcers.”
Ulcers most often develop from one of the two causes:
H.p_ylor__. Although certain foods like orange juice can irritate ulcers, food does not cause them, not even spicy foods (although this too can worsen pain). The bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the most common cause of ulcers.
According to Mayo Clinic, it can weaken or damage the protective mucosa of your stomach and the small intestine. When the mucosa is compromised, gastric acid can create an open wound or ulcer. A H. pylori Infection can also cause irritation and inflammation of the mucosa of the stomach, known as gastritis, and can increase the risk of developing certain types of stomach cancer.
Analgesics. Another very common cause of ulcers is the frequent use of over -the -counter pain relievers and prescription pain relievers. These include aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and sodium naproxene, according to Mayo.
Find out more: Side effects of too much orange juice
Orange juice and colitis
Colitis is an inflammation of the mucosa of the large intestine (colon) and is not associated with the stomach. Symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramps, dehydration, bloody stools and the urgency of having a saddle, explains the National Library of Medicine in the United States.
“Since the colitis is located in the large intestine, it is less likely that orange juice will irritate the colitis,” explains Goodrich. “Indeed, once acidic foods pass through the stomach, they become neutralized before reaching the large intestine.”
Possible causes of colitis include viral or parasitic infections, certain foods, bacterial food poisoning or drugs, explains the National Library of Medicine.
If you have received a colitis diagnosis, you have a higher risk of malnutrition. According to the Crohn and Colité Foundation, this is due to the loss of liquid and nutrients associated with symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea. To avoid nutrient deficiencies, make sure you talk to your doctor and work together, perhaps with a dietitian, to establish a well-balanced diet that will help keep your nutritional needs.
Alternative options to obtain vitamin C
There are low acidic orange juice versions available, which could be a tasty option for drinking ordinary orange juice. In fact, Goodrich says: “There are many foods rich in vitamin C available as an alternative to orange juice” which are also naturally lower in acid, such as broccoli, peppers and mango.
The other examples of food options rich in vitamin C that you may include in your diet are berries, cherries, spinach, carrots, cabbage, Brussels cabbage and potatoes, notes Mayo Clinic. Your doctor may also recommend a vitamin C supplement if you are afraid that you are not below the daily requirement.
In addition, you may want to avoid spicy foods, alcoholic drinks and dairy products because these foods can potentially cause acid excess and increase abdominal discomfort and pain, according to Mayo.
Find out more: Why does my body want orange juice
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