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Nausea is an extremely uncomfortable condition that often precedes vomiting. Illnesses, medication, or certain physiological conditions such as pregnancy can cause the feeling of nausea.
Some symptoms you may experience when you feel nauseous include: (1)
- Excessive salivation
- Slow heartbeat
- Paleness
- Sweating
- Reduced breathing
In some cases, nausea can be managed by consuming certain foods or drinks. Sucking on ice chips or ginger tea are common ways to deal with nausea. (2)(3)
But one underrated way of dealing with nausea is by sipping on orange juice. Some people do report feeling better upon drinking orange juice when they are nauseous.
Dietitians often recommend drinking orange juice in the early stages of nausea.
Note: It is important to note that orange juice is effective while nauseous before vomiting. If you have already vomited, then orange juice is a big no.
How Can Orange Juice Help Improve Nausea?
Orange can help improve nausea in the following ways.
1. Provides potassium
According to some experts, potassium-rich foods can help relieve nausea, (4) and orange juice is rich in potassium. The juice of one orange provides 172 mg of potassium. (5)
The exact mechanism is unknown, but it is likely that the restoration of electrolytes helps.
2. Provides aromatherapy benefits
There is some evidence that aromatherapy from the essential oil of orange can lower the feeling of nausea. It can relieve stress, improve mood, and also improve the symptoms associated with nausea. (6)
Drinking orange juice will allow you to inhale its scent, which can benefit nausea by providing a form of aromatherapy.
3. Can help with digestion
Orange juice is rich in citric acid, which can give it a slightly sour taste. Experts recommend using sour foods such as unsweetened orange juice to curb nausea. (7)
Orange juice can also aid in digestion and can help improve nausea if it is caused by indigestion.
4. Has an acceptable taste
Orange juice is a great way to hydrate and can be used to consume medication that can cause discomfort and nausea.
A study revealed that orange juice decreased discomfort in patients who had to drink a preparatory solution before undergoing endoscopy. These patients also reported feeling less nauseous. (8)
Precautions to Consider
If you have already vomited, orange juice is a big no. It is a highly acidic drink (9) and can upset stomach acids, worsening reflux and inducing more vomiting.
How Much Orange Juice Should I Drink to Improve Nausea?
Drink the juice of one freshly squeezed orange in small sips until you feel better. You can also chill the juice before consuming.
Can I Add Sugar to the Orange Juice?
You can add some amount of sugar to improve the flavor if you wish; however, limit its use.
Practical Takeaways
- Orange juice is helpful for nausea as it contains a good amount of potassium.
- The scent of the essential oils in orange can also help improve the feeling of nausea.
- The sour flavor and citric acid content can help improve nausea if it is caused by indigestion.
- Orange juice should not be consumed after you have vomited as the high acidic content of the juice can worsen acid reflux.
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