If fruit juices upset your stomach, you most likely have a condition called hereditary fructose intolerance. This condition occurs when your body fails to produce the needed protein to break down the fructose. Fructose is a simple sugar found primarily in fruits and fruit juices. Fructose is also found in table sugar and is commonly used in most packaged products, such as cereal, baby food and beverages. Stop drinking fruit juices until you can be evaluated by your doctor.
About Fructose Intolerance
Fructose intolerance occurs when your intestines don't produce the aldolase B enzyme, which is required to break down fructose. If you ingest fructose with this condition, various chemical changes transpire in your body that can lead to further complications. A common complication occurs because the body cannot store the energy from the sugar in the body, which causes a drop in blood sugar. This can also cause chemical buildup in your liver, damaging it. This specific food intolerance is hereditary, passed down family lines.
Symptoms
If you are fructose intolerant and you drink fruit juice, not only will your stomach become upset, but you will develop other symptoms that could be life-threatening. Common symptoms include sleepiness, convulsions, jaundice, irritability, vomiting, problems eating fruits and nausea. Symptoms commonly occur within the first 30 minutes of drinking the fruit juice. The severity of symptoms will vary between each individual from mild to severe. If you feel faint, dizzy or cannot breathe, call 911 immediately for emergency medical attention.
Treatment
Treating this condition begins with a proper diagnosis. Never attempt to treat a medical condition without a clinical diagnosis. The most effective treatment for fructose intolerance is avoidance of all fruits juices and other foods and beverages that contain fructose. This may be difficult because all fruits, some vegetables, packaged foods and table sugar contain fructose. You will need to meet with a dietitian who can help you create a diet plan to avoid foods containing fructose. Many people with this condition use sugar substitutes, such as sucralose or stevia extract.
Complications
If you've been drinking fruit juice and having stomach pain for an extended period of time, call your doctor immediately. Common complications from this condition include gout, bleeding, liver failure, low blood sugar and seizures. Inform your family, friends and co-workers of your condition in case of an emergency.
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