Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Karen W. on 11/02/2009 04:38:40

Title: Can craving Orange Juice be indictive of a vitamin deficiency?
Post by: Karen W. on 11/02/2009 04:38:40
I like orange Juice but very rarely drink it.. A few months back I had a terrible craving for it.. and it lasted a couple weeks straight maybe three.. anyway I wasn't counting..

The odd thing is I have not been able to drink orange juice since My first pregnancy because During that pregnancy I became quite sensitive to many things I was used to having.. Orange Juice become impossible to drink because of extremely bad heartburn.. for days just drinking 1 glass... it was immediate so I don't drink it!

   These days I do not drink it because I am trying to lower sugar intake, so I rarely drink Juice as per my Doctors request.

  Well Yesterday I started craving Orange Juice again.. not my favorite (Grape juice,or apple juice, or pineapple..etc or mixed fruit juice..)Anyway, I drank one 16 oz glass yesterday and today I fought it till now! I have just drank two 16 oz glasses and feel immediately better then I had earlier this evening!

I was feeling over sensitive and kinda down... just blah..
So can that be more a vitamin problem...?
Title: Can craving Orange Juice be indictive of a vitamin deficiency?
Post by: Nicci on 11/02/2009 09:09:36
There generally isn't enough nutrition in a glass of juice. By the time you get to drink most fruit juice it has been pasturised beyond all recognition. Even if nutrients are added afterward they are generally way under the recommended daily dose to have any significant impact. What may be happening is that your blood sugar is low. Do you crave juice if you haven't eaten for a period of time? You body certainly knows where to get quick energy from and juice is a surefire way to stabilize sugar levels - but not for long unfortunately which is why most people over do it and end up consuming excess calories. Try eating a whole orange next time, this should satisfy your craving and give you added fiber. whats more your blood sugar will be stabilized for longer.
Title: Can craving Orange Juice be indictive of a vitamin deficiency?
Post by: Karen W. on 11/02/2009 10:09:08
I have eaten an tangerine and apple every morning with breakfast along with a protein.. I love oranges and they don't give me heartburn just the juice...

And yes there was a very long period between eating today.. so quite possible low sugar.. but I never thought of that...
Welcome to the site and thank you Nicci! Good thoughts..
Title: Can craving Orange Juice be indictive of a vitamin deficiency?
Post by: Nicci on 12/02/2009 07:55:35
Only a pleasure! You mentioned eating a source of protein with your fruit - excellent way to keep your sugar levels stable and prevent cravings.
Title: Can craving Orange Juice be indictive of a vitamin deficiency?
Post by: Karen W. on 12/02/2009 08:03:05
Thanks.. I will do it and keep the cravings under control...
Title: Can craving Orange Juice be indictive of a vitamin deficiency?
Post by: Lisabeth65 on 06/06/2009 15:20:22
I am glad I found this site.  I too, have been craving OJ for about a month every morning I wake up.  I haven't bought any because it too gave me bad heartburn in the past.  I am going to do the navel orange and protein thing now every morning.  How about a piece of toast with a litte peanut butter...something I also crave!!!

One other problem I am having is insomnia some nights.  I drag early in the day, and then don't get going until later in the evening, although my going is actually sitting and watching tv or at my computer.  Is it the computer keeping me awake?  I have heard it has the same effect as a blue light used for the circadium(spelling?)rhythm.

Any comments on what I can do????
Title: Can craving Orange Juice be indictive of a vitamin deficiency?
Post by: Don_1 on 06/06/2009 16:38:35
Hi Lisabeth, welcome to TNS.

There are dozens of remedies for insomnia, the problem is finding the one that suits you. Some remedies work for some but not for others. A combination might be your best bet.

1) Avoid caffeine after the late afternoon. (Tea, coffee)
2) Take a bath before you go to bed. Getting out of the water about 1/2 - 1 hour before you go to bed.
3) Try a light snack of chicken & lettuce before bed.
4) Reduce light levels at least an hour before bed.
5) Try not to doze during the evening.
6) Have a hot milky drink, such as coco, Horlicks or Ovaltine before bed.
7) Try to stick to a regular bed time and waking time.
8) If you have a 'sleep timer' audio, (the type which plays for an hour then turns off) try some relaxing quiet music or soft voices talking.
9) Avoid pills and potions, even though some may work for some people, you may find yourself unable to sleep without them.
10) If all else fails, get smashed out of your mind on booze. (https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbestsmileys.com%2Fdrinking%2F4.gif&hash=9bd4f968a6d26b91d58f1716741abd3a)
Title: Can craving Orange Juice be indictive of a vitamin deficiency?
Post by: JnA on 07/06/2009 02:22:57
Hi Lisabeth


eating anything citrus on an empty stomach will cause indigestion (heartburn) (you are ingesting acid in an acid environment (empty stomach) so it's important to eat something non citrus first.. peanut butter on toast is good!