Common Reasons Ensure Can Cause Sickness
Feeling sick after consuming a nutritional supplement like Ensure can be surprising, but it is a relatively common experience for some individuals. The discomfort is rarely a sign of serious harm but is usually tied to specific ingredients or the way the product is consumed. Understanding these factors is the first step toward preventing future stomach upset.
Ingredient Sensitivities and Intolerances
One of the most frequent culprits behind digestive issues is a sensitivity or intolerance to one or more of Ensure's ingredients.
- Lactose Intolerance: While most Ensure products are described as suitable for lactose intolerance, they are not completely lactose-free. The small amount of lactose may be enough to cause symptoms like gas, bloating, and diarrhea, especially for those with a high degree of sensitivity. Lactose-free versions, like Ensure Plant-Based Protein, are available for individuals with this concern.
- Artificial Sweeteners: Some formulations of Ensure contain artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and acesulfame-potassium. These additives can cause digestive upset in sensitive individuals, leading to gas and bloating. The specific type and amount of sweetener can affect how your body reacts.
- Dietary Fiber: The addition of fiber in some Ensure products, particularly those promoting digestive health, can cause gas and bloating as the body adjusts. A sudden increase in dietary fiber can overwhelm the digestive system, so it is often recommended to start with a smaller quantity.
- Milk Protein Concentrate: All Ensure products (except the plant-based version) contain milk protein. For those with a true milk protein allergy, this can cause a more severe allergic reaction, not just a simple intolerance. It is important to distinguish between an intolerance and an allergy, with a healthcare provider, to ensure safety.
High Sugar Content
Some varieties of Ensure contain a high amount of sugar, which can contribute to digestive issues and overall unwellness. A rapid influx of sugar can cause blood sugar levels to spike and then crash, leading to feelings of anxiety, jitters, and a general feeling of being unwell. For individuals with diabetes, this sugar content can be particularly problematic. The added sugar can also disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, which can trigger gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Speed and Quantity of Consumption
How you drink Ensure can also play a major role in how your body responds.
- Drinking Too Fast: Consuming a large amount of a high-calorie, nutrient-dense liquid in a short period can overwhelm the digestive system. This can lead to nausea and stomach cramps as your body works overtime to process it.
- Drinking on an Empty Stomach: For some, drinking a supplement like Ensure on an empty stomach can be a shock to the system, causing nausea or a feeling of heaviness. Eating a small amount of solid food beforehand can help prepare the digestive tract.
Other Factors Influencing Nausea
Beyond the product itself, personal health and habits can affect your experience.
- Underlying Conditions: Conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), gastritis, or simply a sensitive stomach can make a person more susceptible to digestive upset from any supplement.
- Medication Interactions: Some medications, including certain antibiotics or pain relievers, can cause nausea or interact with nutrients in Ensure, increasing the likelihood of stomach issues.
Comparison of Ensure Products and Alternatives
Different Ensure products have varying formulas, and knowing the differences can help identify a more suitable option. If you experience negative side effects, consider a plant-based or lower-sugar alternative.
| Feature | Ensure Original | Ensure High Protein | Ensure Plant-Based Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lactose | Contains some, generally suitable for intolerance | Contains some, generally suitable for intolerance | Lactose-Free |
| Protein Source | Milk protein concentrate, soy protein isolate | Milk protein concentrate, soy protein isolate | Fava bean and pea protein |
| Sweeteners | Sugar, corn syrup | Sugar, artificial sweeteners | No artificial sweeteners |
| Digestive Sensitivity | Moderate, due to lactose and sugar | Moderate, due to lactose, sugar, and sweeteners | Lowest - ideal for sensitive systems |
How to Minimize Sickness from Ensure
If you find that Ensure makes you feel sick, several strategies can help you manage or prevent the issue altogether:
- Consume Slowly: Sip the shake over a longer period, rather than drinking it all at once.
- Take with Food: Pair Ensure with a small snack or a meal to help your digestive system handle the influx of nutrients.
- Reduce Serving Size: Start with a smaller amount, such as half a bottle, to allow your body to adjust before increasing the serving.
- Try a Different Formula: Switch to a product with less sugar or a different protein source, such as the Ensure Plant-Based Protein, to see if an ingredient is the problem.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as dehydration can exacerbate feelings of nausea.
For a deeper dive into how your diet affects overall health, explore nutritional information from a trusted source like the National Institutes of Health. NIH National Library of Medicine: Nutrient Recommendations
Conclusion
Feeling sick after drinking Ensure is a common, though unpleasant, experience often caused by ingredients like lactose, artificial sweeteners, or high sugar content, as well as the speed of consumption. The good news is that most discomfort can be resolved by adjusting how and which type of Ensure you consume. By being mindful of ingredient sensitivities, experimenting with consumption methods, and considering alternative formulations, you can find a way to incorporate nutritional supplements without feeling unwell. If symptoms persist or worsen, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
