Can Lucozade Help with Feeling Sick?

According to research on managing sickness, it is more important to drink plenty of liquid than to consume solid food when feeling ill. Many people turn to Lucozade as a go-to remedy, but can Lucozade help with feeling sick effectively and without side effects?.

Quick Summary

Lucozade's effectiveness for nausea depends on the cause of the sickness; its high sugar and carbonation can worsen some stomach issues, while its carbohydrates and electrolytes aid rehydration after fluid loss. Flat Lucozade might be tolerated better for minor dehydration, but severe illness requires medical advice.

Key Points

• Modern Formulation: Current Lucozade has significantly less glucose than the original recipe, impacting its effectiveness for some medical uses.

• Potential Irritant: The high sugar and carbonation in regular Lucozade can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea, potentially worsening stomach upset.

• Better Alternatives: Options like ginger tea, oral rehydration solutions, clear broths, and coconut water are often gentler on the stomach for treating nausea and dehydration.

• Flat is Better: If using Lucozade, letting it go flat first can help reduce the gas and bloating associated with carbonation.

• Not a Cure-All: The reputation of Lucozade as a cure for sickness is largely based on its old formulation and historical marketing; it's not a medical treatment.

• Hydration Focus: When sick, prioritising simple fluid intake with water or gentle options is more important than sugary drinks.

The Historical Use and Modern Reality of Lucozade

For generations, Lucozade has been a household staple for anyone feeling under the weather. Originally marketed specifically as a recovery drink for the sick, its 'Lucozade aids recovery' slogan was widely known. However, the product has undergone significant reformulation, primarily to reduce its sugar content due to sugar taxes. This change has altered its composition and effectiveness for medicinal purposes, particularly for treating low blood sugar in diabetics. The nostalgic reputation of Lucozade as an instant cure-all for sickness is based on its past formula, not the current one.

The Impact of Ingredients on an Upset Stomach

To understand if Lucozade can genuinely help with feeling sick, it's crucial to examine its ingredients. The primary components of Lucozade Energy are water, glucose syrup, and a blend of acids and flavourings.

• High Sugar Content: While the sugar levels are now lower than the original recipe, they can still be high enough to cause problems for a sensitive digestive system. Excessive sugar can pull water into the intestines, leading to bloating, gas, and potentially worsening diarrhoea.
• Carbonation: The fizz in regular Lucozade is carbon dioxide gas, which can cause bloating and stomach upset for some individuals, especially those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other digestive sensitivities. Letting the drink go flat can mitigate this effect.
• Acidity: The citric acid in Lucozade can also be an irritant for a sensitive stomach lining.

Comparing Lucozade to Recommended Rehydration Methods

When comparing Lucozade to clinically recommended oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and other fluids, its limitations become clear. ORS products are specifically formulated with an optimal balance of electrolytes and carbohydrates to facilitate efficient fluid absorption.

Feature	Lucozade Energy (Original)	Sports Drinks (Isotonic)	Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)	Plain Water
Primary Goal	Energy and hydration	Enhanced hydration during exercise	Optimal rehydration for illness	Basic hydration
Sugar Content	Moderate, previously high; can upset stomach	Balanced with electrolytes for absorption	Balanced electrolytes/glucose for absorption	None
Electrolytes	Contains some sodium	Designed to replace lost salts	Optimized ratio of salts and minerals	None
Carbonation	Fizzy; can cause bloating/gas	Isotonic versions are typically still	None; non-irritating	None; non-irritating
Gastrointestinal Impact	High sugar/fizz can worsen some issues	Generally well-tolerated for dehydration	Mild on the stomach; aids recovery	Gentle; may not replace electrolytes

Healthier Alternatives for Relieving Nausea

For those seeking genuine relief from nausea and upset stomach, several alternatives are more beneficial than Lucozade. These focus on gentle hydration and soothing properties.

• Ginger Tea: Ginger has long been recognized for its anti-nausea properties. A warm ginger tea can be very soothing for an upset stomach. You can make it by steeping fresh ginger root in hot water.
• Clear Broths: Simple, clear broths can help replace lost fluids and provide some nourishment without irritating the stomach. This is particularly helpful after vomiting.
• Coconut Water: A natural source of electrolytes, coconut water is a great way to rehydrate without the high sugar content found in some commercial drinks.
• Plain Toast or Crackers: When you are ready to introduce solid food, bland options like crackers or toast can be more gentle on the stomach than sugary drinks.
• Water: The single most important aid to recovery is plain water, as it helps flush out toxins and rehydrate vital organs.

The Takeaway

While once a popular remedy, the modern formulation of Lucozade makes it a less-than-ideal choice for dealing with sickness. Its high sugar and carbonation can aggravate a sensitive stomach, potentially causing more discomfort. For basic rehydration after a mild illness, other options like watered-down juice, flat soda, or specialized rehydration sachets are often better tolerated. Severe symptoms lasting more than 24 hours warrant professional medical advice.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for any health concerns.

Visit the NHS website for further information on dehydration and self-care during illness

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did people used to think Lucozade was so good for being sick?

Historically, Lucozade was specifically marketed as a recovery drink for the sick and sold primarily in pharmacies. Its original formula contained a high amount of glucose, which provided a quick energy boost, and its rebranding over the years led to a strong association with illness recovery.

Can the sugar in Lucozade make my stomach feel worse?

Yes, for individuals with sensitive stomachs or conditions like IBS, the high sugar content in Lucozade can pull water into the intestines, potentially causing or worsening symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

Is Lucozade Sport better than regular Lucozade for an upset stomach?

Lucozade Sport is an isotonic drink designed for exercise, containing a better balance of electrolytes for rehydration than the standard energy drink. While it may be less irritating than the fizzy energy drink, oral rehydration solutions are still clinically superior for illness-related dehydration.

Should I let Lucozade go flat before drinking it when sick?

Yes, if you choose to drink Lucozade, letting it go flat is recommended. The carbonation can cause gas and bloating, which can aggravate an upset stomach. Plain, still fluids are generally easier to tolerate.

What are some better alternatives to Lucozade for rehydration?

For rehydration during illness, better alternatives include oral rehydration solutions (ORS), coconut water, clear broths, and ginger tea. Water is the most important fluid for overall recovery.

Can drinking Lucozade help a hangover?

Yes, some people find isotonic sports drinks like Lucozade helpful for hangovers. They can help replace lost salts and sugars, aiding rehydration after excessive alcohol consumption, which is a major cause of hangover symptoms.

What should I drink if I can't keep fluids down?

If you are struggling to keep down fluids, sip small amounts of clear, cold liquid slowly. Sucking on ice chips or popsicles can also help replace fluids without triggering more vomiting. If this persists, seek medical advice.