Why Drinking Orange Juice Might Be the Worst Thing You Can Do When Sick
The other day, a client asked me a question that I hear all the time:
“Does drinking orange juice actually help when I’m sick?”
It’s such a common belief that orange juice is the ultimate cold remedy.
I understand why people think that—it’s marketed as being ‘loaded’ with vitamin C, it’s comforting, and it’s practically a tradition to sip on when you’re under the weather.
In fact, the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) alone spent approximately $14.7 million in the 2022–23 fiscal year promoting Florida orange juice.
That’s a lot of money to keep OJ’s reputation alive!
But here’s the truth: while orange juice might seem like the perfect immune booster, it could actually be making things worse.
The Orange Juice Myth
It’s time to expose the biggest myth in the history of sniffles and sore throats…
The idea that drinking orange juice is the ultimate cure for the common cold.
I know…this is a shocker and I never like being the bearer of bad news, but your trusty glass of OJ isn’t the cold and flu fighting superhero it’s cracked up to be.
In fact, it might just be the villain sabotaging your valiant attempts to kick that cold to the curb.
Why Orange Juice Falls Short
Here’s the bitter truth about this so-called “cold remedy”:
It’s not the immune booster you’ve been led to believe. In fact, what’s hiding in that seemingly innocent glass of orange juice might actually make your recovery harder.
Let’s break it down.
First of all, let’s talk about the sugar situation. An 8-ounce glass of OJ comes packed with a whopping 20-24 grams of the sweet stuff.
That’s like consuming a massive dose of pure sugar when your body is already working overtime to fight off an infection.
Not exactly the immune system support you need right now.
And it doesn’t stop there. Most of the vitamin C in your average carton of OJ is eliminated during the pasteurization process, leaving you with far fewer benefits than you’d expect.
On top of that, orange juice is pretty acidic.
We’re talking a pH level between 2.8 and 4.0—highly acidic for an already raw and inflamed throat.
No wonder it feels worse instead of better after a sip!
But it’s not just your throat that suffers.
The acidity in orange juice can also trigger acid reflux, irritate your stomach, and even increase mucus production—making congestion even harder to deal with.
Suddenly that “soothing” glass of orange juice doesn’t seem so comforting after all.
So what’s a desperate, sniffling, coughing human to do? Ditch the OJ and embrace REAL remedies that actually support your body’s germ-fighting efforts:
- Hydrate like a boss with plain old water or herbal tea
- Sip on soothing broth to replace those lost electrolytes
- Cozy up with a steaming mug of green tea for an antioxidant infusion
- Swirl some raw honey and lemon into warm water to tame that angry throat
But if you’re looking for an even more effective way to support your immune system and help speed up your recovery, consider this powerful option…
How an Immune Support IV Drip Can Be Your Best Friend When You’re Under the Weather
Here are 5 ways an IV drip can help your immune system when it’s working overtime:
- Hydration Made Easy
Staying hydrated is key when you’re sick, but it’s not always easy to drink enough water when you’re feeling under the weather. An IV drip provides hydration directly to your cells, which can help your body stay balanced while it’s doing the hard work of healing. - Efficient Delivery of Vitamin C
Direct-to-bloodstream vitamin C delivery at levels impossible to achieve through oral supplements.
This means your body can absorb a much higher dose—far beyond what’s possible through food or supplements—without the risk of upsetting your stomach.
This direct approach provides your immune system with the extra support it needs to tackle whatever’s bringing you down.
- A Blend of Immune-Supporting Nutrients
Many IV formulas include zinc, magnesium, and other nutrients known to support immune health. Together, these nutrients can complement your body’s natural defenses. - Support for Faster Recovery
While everyone’s recovery timeline is unique, IV therapy is designed to give your body additional resources that may help ease symptoms and get you back to feeling more like yourself. - Tailored to Your Needs
Not all colds are the same, and neither are you. At Higher Health, the Immune Support IV drip is customized to include the nutrients your body may benefit from most, based on your unique needs.
When it comes to cold remedies, finding what truly supports your body can make all the difference.
The truth is, orange juice is nothing but a phony in the world of cold remedies. Don’t let this imposter sabotage your recovery with its acidity and sky-high sugar content.
Stick to the tried-and-true methods, and show that cold who’s boss!
Stay Immune Strong,
Dr Tara and the HH Team
P.S. Want to know what’s even better than using an IV to bounce back from a cold? Staying ahead of it in the first place. IV therapy is a powerful way to support your immune health so you can keep feeling your best—even during cold and flu season.
Don’t wait for sickness to slow you down.
Book your free consultation today to learn how IV therapy can work for you and help support your immune health!
Reference Links:
https://citrusindustry.net/2023/10/31/florida-department-of-citrus-budget-and-tax-rates-set
https://www.verywellfit.com/orange-juice-nutrition-facts-calories-and-health-benefits-4113143