Can you eat oranges when you have gastroenteritis?

Dec 07, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Can people with gastroenteritis eat oranges?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xuemei
Patients with gastroenteritis are advised not to eat oranges. Oranges are acidic fruits that contain high levels of vitamin C, but their acidity may irritate the stomach and intestines, worsening symptoms of gastroenteritis such as indigestion and diarrhea. Additionally, orange peels are rich in plant fiber, which can increase diarrhea and exacerbate symptoms in patients with gastroenteritis. Patients should instead choose low-acid fruits such as apples, bananas, and peaches, which can aid digestion and help relieve symptoms. It is also important to manage diet carefully, avoiding excessive intake of spicy, greasy, smoked foods, and alcohol, as these may aggravate gastroenteritis symptoms.