Apple Juice to Treat Diarrhea: Myth or Reality?

Apple juice is often touted as a remedy for diarrhea , but is it really a good option? In this article, we'll take a look at its properties and sort out the truth from the fiction to find out if it's really advisable to consume it in cases of diarrhea .

1. Why is apple juice often consumed in cases of diarrhea?

Apple juice is a widely used solution for diarrhea. On the one hand, it is easy to access. Indeed, it is a common drink that is present in many homes and especially whose taste is appreciated by a large number of people. On the other hand, it is a source of sugar , and therefore carbohydrates , which will give energy to your body.

2. Risks of apple juice in case of diarrhea

Despite its popularity, it can present certain risks during episodes of diarrhea. The main risk of consuming apple juice in this case lies in the presence of fructose . This will actually cause an increase in the amount of water in the intestine and therefore worsen the symptoms of diarrhea. This unabsorbed fructose has an osmotic effect : it attracts water into the intestine, thus increasing the volume of stools and worsening diarrhea. Imagine a sponge that absorbs water: fructose acts the same way in the intestine, which contributes significantly to dehydration.

Electrolytes play a very important role in compensating for losses, and the body needs to replenish sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium . However, this fruit juice does not contain enough minerals to meet these needs.

Finally, in young children, whose digestive systems are more sensitive than those of adults, apple juice can cause certain complications. Pediatricians often recommend avoiding undiluted fruit juice for children with diarrhea because it can worsen dehydration.

3. The diluted apple juice solution

Diluted apple juice can be consumed by children who cannot tolerate conventional oral treatments. By adding water, good hydration is maintained , while limiting the adverse effects of fructose, for example. This is suitable for relatively mild symptoms and thus helps avoid the discomfort associated with excessive sugar concentration.

To make your diluted drink, simply mix half apple juice and half water. Try to use juice with no added sugar to avoid excess glucose.

However, in case of persistent or severe diarrhea, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.

4. What drinks should you drink in case of diarrhea?

When you have diarrhea, the preferred drink is oral rehydration solutions (ORS) . It is important to know that they are particularly suitable for infants and are recommended by doctors because their goal is to maintain a good water and electrolyte balance . Their effectiveness is due to the fact that they contain water, electrolytes and glucose, in the right proportions.

You can find these drinks in pharmacies or you can also prepare them yourself at home by mixing 1 L of water, 6 teaspoons of powdered sugar and half a teaspoon of salt.

Coming back to our apple juice, if we compare it to SRO:

• the effectiveness of its hydration is less,
• the electrolyte intake is very low,
• the risk of worsening is greater,
• on the other hand, its accessibility is very simple.

At Hydratis, we offer an effective and easy-to-access solution to combat dehydration caused by diarrhea. The lozenges are rich in electrolytes , providing optimal hydration and replenishing lost minerals. One of the advantages of our lozenges is their taste. Their variety allows them to adapt to everyone, from the youngest to the oldest. This is why they are a good alternative to ORS , which you can easily obtain in pharmacies and are suitable for everyone.

5. Foods and drinks to avoid during diarrhea

To avoid complications, avoid consuming sodas or overly sugary drinks , undiluted fruit juices , coffee and especially alcohol ! Caffeine stimulates intestinal transit and will increase the frequency of bowel movements. Alcohol, on the other hand, severely dehydrates your body and irritates the intestines.

When it comes to foods, some are difficult to digest and can have an impact on your digestion. We are talking here about foods rich in fiber , fatty foods such as fatty meat, cold cuts, dishes with sauce, very sugary foods and dairy products.

6. FAQ

Is apple juice good for children with diarrhea?

It can be consumed, but only if diluted by half and if it is in the case of mild diarrhea.

Can I drink undiluted apple juice if I have diarrhea?

It is best to avoid it, as it contains too much sugar and will increase water loss.

What is the best drink for diarrhea?

It is better to favor SRO in children or consume solutions that optimize hydration such as our Hydratis lozenges.

How to avoid dehydration with diarrhea?

You should drink regularly, avoid the drinks and foods we listed above, and monitor for symptoms of dehydration.

To recap, apple juice can be a great hydration solution, but only if diluted with water and consumed during mild diarrhea. Otherwise, opt for oral rehydration solutions or Hydratis lozenges; they'll provide everything you need to fully recover.

Bibliography

Kneepkens, C.M.F., Jakobs, C., & Douwes, A.C. (1989). Apple juice, fructose, and chronic nonspecific diarrhea. In European Journal of Pediatrics (Vol. 148, Issue 6, pp. 571–573). Springer Science and Business Media LLC. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00441561

Guo, X., Wang, J., Niu, R., Li, R., Wang, J., Fan, X., Wang, X., & Sun, Z. (2022). Effects of apple juice fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum CICC21809 on antibiotic-associated diarrhea of ​​mice. In Journal of Functional Foods (Vol. 99, p. 105334). Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2022.105334

Atia, AN, & Buchman, AL (2009). Oral Rehydration Solutions in Non-Cholera Diarrhea: A Review. In The American Journal of Gastroenterology (Vol. 104, Issue 10, pp. 2596–2604). Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). https://doi.org/10.1038/ajg.2009.329