Best fruit juice for stomach pain

If you have stomach pain after drinking juice, there are steps you can take to help you avoid discomfort.

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"An apple a day keeps the doctor away," the proverb says. But for some people, that apple — especially when it's squeezed into apple juice — could serve up some stomach cramps. Stomach pain after drinking juice is not likely a serious issue, but there are steps you can take to avoid it.

Almost everyone has stomach cramps at some point, and they're usually not serious, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. They're most likely caused by gas and bloating and are often followed by diarrhea. You should see a doctor, though, if the pain, bloating or diarrhea doesn't improve in a day or two, or becomes more severe and is accompanied by nausea, vomiting and fever.

When Juice Causes Stomach Pain

Everyone has gas in the digestive tract, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, and it usually comes from swallowing air or the breakdown of certain foods by bacteria in the colon.

Gas begins when some sugars, starches and fiber aren't fully digested in the stomach and small intestine, and this undigested food passes into the large intestine, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

There, it's broken down further by the bacteria in the large intestine, creating gas, such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide and sometimes methane, in the process. Several kinds of sugars can cause gas, according to Johns Hopkins, including lactose, raffinose, fructose and sorbitol. These can be found both in whole foods and as added sweeteners.

Stomach cramps after drinking fruit juice are very common and result from sensitivity to different types of sugar, William Chey, MD, a professor of gastroenterology and nutrition science at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, tells LIVESTRONG.com

Not all sugars contribute to gas equally: While sucrose and glucose are easy to digest, fructose and sorbitol can present problems. Dr. Chey explains that when these unabsorbed sugars get into the colon, the bacteria there ferment the sugar. "That's what produces the gas and cramps," he says.

Apple, prune and pineapple juices are the main culprits for most people, Dr. Chey says. The concentration of sugar in fruit juice can also cause problems for some people who are OK eating whole fruits, he adds, because the amount of sugar in juice is much higher than in whole fruit.

A Low-Fructose Diet May Help

For some people, excess gas after drinking fruit juice might be caused by fructose malabsorption, an issue where the small intestine can't completely absorb the fructose. A doctor can diagnose this with a fructose hydrogen breath test, according to the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS). The treatment is straightforward: Stick to a low-fructose diet.

In addition to passing on fruit juices, that also means, per the UMHS, avoiding:

• Certain whole fruits, including apples, pears, watermelon, figs, mango and cherries
• Some vegetables, including artichokes, sugar snap peas and asparagus

While some fructose-containing sweeteners to avoid — like honey, agave and high-fructose corn syrup — will be easy to spot, fructose can be hiding in less obvious foods, too, like:

• Salad dressing
• Barbecue sauce
• Ketchup

Always read labels carefully, and make sure the food doesn't contain fruit juice concentrate either.

A step beyond a low-fructose diet is avoiding FODMAP foods — those that contain a group of carbohydrates including fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols, according to the UMHS. These foods might contribute to symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, especially for those who have irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease.

What About Diluted Juice?

Could fruit juice ever relieve stomach trouble? In one specific case, fruit juice — though diluted — was shown to actually be beneficial for stomach pain recovery. A May 2016 randomized trial with more than 600 children in ​JAMA​ showed that children visiting the emergency department due to gastroenteritis (which causes stomach cramps and other symptoms) and minimal dehydration who were given diluted apple juice instead of an electrolyte maintenance solution had fewer issues during recovery.

However, there haven't yet been any studies suggesting diluted juice has benefits for adults recovering from stomach issues.

Bioactive compounds in ginger provide a natural remedy for an upset stomach.

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A stomach ache may be accompanied by a range of unpleasant symptoms such as sharp or burning pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Clear fluids and other drinks that help stomach aches can ease abdominal discomforts and maintain hydration without irritating the stomach. Eating bland foods also helps soothe an upset stomach.

Drinks that help stomach aches include water, decaffeinated tea, diluted juices, clear broth, ginger ale or tea and peppermint tea.

Stomach Ache Causes

A stomach ache can be caused by a variety of conditions such as a viral infection, overeating or difficulty digesting a certain type of food. Abdominal pain may also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting or diarrhea depending on the cause. A stomach ache can present in several ways and can indicate different ailments based on the type or location of the pain:

• Widespread pain around the abdomen: virus or indigestion
• Pain in one location: appendicitis or gastritis­; a burning pain in the stomach
• Cramping: gas and pressure from bloating
• Intense pain that comes and goes: gallbladder

Clear fluids prevent dehydration and are easy to digest on an upset stomach. Drinks that help stomach aches include water, decaffeinated tea, diluted apple or grape juice, ginger ale or lemon-lime soda and clear broths. These beverages maintain hydration and are less likely to exacerbate a stomach ache than other foods or drinks.

Individuals with a stomach ache can also take in fluids by eating ice chips, flavored gelatin or fruit-flavored ice pops. Avoid dairy beverages, caffeinated drinks and alcohol because they can worsen an upset stomach.

Nausea, Vomiting and Diarrhea

It is important to replace fluids lost by vomiting, diarrhea or sweating from a fever, but drinking a large volume all at once may trigger additional nausea and vomiting. It's gentler on the stomach to take small, frequent sips. Sugary drinks, such as soda, sports drinks and undiluted juices, can make diarrhea worse, so opt for broth, diluted juice and tea instead.

According to a 2016 study published in Integrative Medicine Insights, phytochemicals in ginger can be effective for treating nausea and vomiting. Teas brewed with ginger make a soothing drink for an upset stomach. Drink in moderation because consuming too much ginger can cause heartburn.

Relieving Gas and Indigestion

A stomach ache after a meal — especially a large, fatty or spicy meal — may feel like sharp pain, burning pain or bloating. Drinks that help stomach aches caused by indigestion include carbonated water and club soda, because the higher pH neutralizes some of the excess acid in the stomach. Also, burping due to the carbonation relieves some of the gas pressure.

Abdominal pain in the intestines may be soothed by peppermint tea, which relaxes the gut muscles that are stretched due to gas. Drinking water helps to move the gas along the gastrointestinal tract where it eventually can be passed.

Foods for Stomach Ache

Maintain a clear liquid diet until vomiting and diarrhea subside, and symptoms of pain and nausea have improved. Reintroduce solid foods gradually, opting for bland, easily digestible offerings such as plain white toast, saltine crackers, applesauce and bananas. Spicy, fatty, high-fiber or dairy foods are harder on the digestive system and can cause abdominal symptoms to worsen.

A bland diet is easy on the stomach but low in nutrients. Stick with simple, easily-digestible foods for one to two days after vomiting and diarrhea have stopped. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other nutrient-dense foods can then be incorporated to resume a normal diet.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Stomach ache is often a symptom of a temporary digestive disorder or viral infection. However, a stomach ache can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition. Call the doctor if the abdomen is rigid, there is a fever, diarrhea lasts five or more days or if the stomach discomfort persists for a week or more.

Some symptoms are more worrying and warrant a trip to the emergency room. Seek immediate medical attention if a stomach ache is accompanied by difficulty breathing, neck or shoulder pain with nausea, vaginal bleeding or if there is blood in your vomit or stool.