Many people wonder why they feel thirsty after eating ice cream, which raises their concern that this thirst is a sign of a health problem. In the following lines, "Dalili Medical" reviews the reasons for feeling thirsty after eating ice cream, according to our website.

What is ice cream?

 

Ice cream is a type of frozen dessert, also known as ice cream. It consists of a mixture of milk, cream and sugar, in addition to various flavors such as caramel, vanilla, chocolate, pistachio and fruit flavors. It is usually served in cups or cones, and can be eaten alone or with waffles, cakes or fruits.

Is ice cream healthy or not?

 

Ice cream often contains large amounts of sugar and saturated fats, which increases calories. Excessive consumption can lead to weight gain and high cholesterol levels, which increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

**Is ice cream good for the stomach?**

 

Ice cream can have negative effects on the stomach if eaten in large quantities or excessively. Containing high amounts of sugar and saturated fats may make it heavy on the stomach, which increases the difficulty of digestion and leads to a feeling of discomfort.

Ice cream may also not be suitable for people who suffer from lactose intolerance or digestive problems associated with milk consumption.

**The reason for feeling thirsty after eating ice cream**

 

Ice cream negatively affects the body's hydration levels, due to its high sugar content. These sugars cause the water in the cells to quickly move into the bloodstream, in order to control the increase in glucose levels, which causes the body to feel dehydrated. When dehydration occurs, the cells send signals to the area responsible for sensing thirst in the brain, which stimulates the person to drink more water to compensate for the lack of fluids.

But sugar is not the only factor that causes thirst after eating ice cream, the body also needs water when using dairy products such as yogurt, milk and cream in preparing ice cream. In order for the stomach to be able to digest the components of these products, such as fats and lactose sugar, it is necessary to drink enough water, as it is necessary for the digestion process.

However, a person does not feel thirsty immediately after eating ice cream, because the coldness of the ice cream leads to temporary numbness in the mouth. When this effect wears off, the person begins to notice a lack of saliva, which prompts him to drink water.

**Calories in Ice Cream**

Calories in ice cream vary depending on the size, type, and flavor. In general, the calories in half a cup range from approximately 100 to 250 calories. Ice cream also usually contains a high percentage of fat, whether animal or vegetable fats, as the amount of fat can range from approximately 10 to 20 grams in a small cup.

**Health Benefits of Ice Cream**

If you are an ice cream lover, here are some benefits that may interest you:

. **Providing the body with vitamins**

A group of vitamins are often added to ice cream, such as vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin A, and vitamin K, making it rich in vitamins that are beneficial to the body. For example, vitamin K is an important nutrient that helps prevent blood clotting.

In addition, ice cream contains vitamins that act as antioxidants, such as niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin, which boost the immune system and improve nerve function.

. Energize the body

When you eat your favorite type of ice cream, you often feel an increase in energy, because ice cream contains large amounts of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins necessary for energy generation. The milk used to make ice cream contains more than 10% fat, and this percentage may reach 16% when some other ingredients are added.

Remember to eat ice cream in moderation to avoid weight gain and tooth decay.

. Contains essential minerals

Another benefit of ice cream is that it is rich in calcium, which helps strengthen bones and teeth, and phosphorus, which supports kidney function and contributes to maintaining healthy joints.

. Promotes happiness

Studies have shown that eating ice cream can increase people's feelings of happiness. This result was reached through a study that included 240 adults, where they were asked to rank 62 types of foods according to the level of happiness they gave them, and it was found that ice cream was the most capable of enhancing happiness.

. Relieves thirst

This is a common feature among all cold foods, in addition to its refreshing effect on those who eat it.

• Relieve stress: Ice cream contains a substance known as tropium, which is naturally secreted in the body and helps reduce stress and increase feelings of happiness, making it a natural sedative that contributes to calming the nerves and treating insomnia.

• Calcium: Skim milk is one of the main ingredients of ice cream, and it is known that the lower the percentage of fat in milk, the greater the body's ability to absorb calcium.

• Vitamins: Ice cream, especially those made from natural fruits, contain a group of vitamins such as A, B, C, D, and K, which play a role in preventing blood clotting.

• Snack: Many children tend to skip their main meals, especially in the summer or during the holidays, so ice cream can be a suitable option as a snack.

**Ice Cream and Dietary Restrictions: Alternative Options**

 

There are some alternatives that people with nutritional problems can rely on, including:

1. **Vegan Ice Cream**

This type of ice cream is made using plant-based alternatives such as almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, and rice milk.

2. **Lactose-Free Ice Cream**

This type of ice cream isIt is lactose-free, making it suitable for people with lactose intolerance.

3. **Gluten-free ice cream**

This type of ice cream is produced without the use of wheat or any other source of gluten, making it an ideal choice for people who are sensitive to gluten or follow a gluten-free diet.

4. **Sugar-free ice cream**

Some commercial types of ice cream can be found that do not contain sugar, and are suitable for people who are looking to reduce their sugar intake in their diet.

**Gluten-free and nut-free varieties**

Gluten-free and nut-free ice cream is an ideal choice for people who are sensitive to gluten or nuts, or who follow a gluten-free diet.

**The harms of ice cream to your health**

Despite the benefits of ice cream, you should pay attention to the quantities you eat of your favorite type, as it can cause many harms, including:

. **Contains various fats**

Ice cream contains a high percentage of whole milk, which makes it rich in saturated fats, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, in addition to weight gain.

**Contains a quantity of cholesterol**

Eating large amounts of ice cream can lead to an increase in blood cholesterol levels. For example, half a cup of vanilla ice cream contains about 25 mg of cholesterol, so it is necessary to eat ice cream in moderation if you suffer from high cholesterol levels.

There is a reason why diabetics are prohibited from eating ice cream, as it contains large amounts of sugar in each serving, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, in addition to uncontrolled high blood sugar levels. One serving of ice cream contains about 40 calories from sugar, and these calories represent 40% of the recommended daily intake of sugar.

**Contains lactose**

Dairy products, especially lactose or milk sugar, are a major ingredient in ice cream. This ingredient can cause digestive problems in people who are deficient in the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to digest lactose.

If these people can't resist the delicious taste of ice cream, it is best to take lactase supplements to ease digestive problems, or replace ice cream with similar frozen products made with soy milk.

**Causes ice cream headaches**

Despite the benefits of ice cream in boosting energy and activity, researchers believe that eating it can lead to a headache and severe throbbing in the forehead due to sudden changes in blood flow to the brain, known as ice cream headaches.

The easiest way to avoid this is to take a break from eating it for a minute or two, then drink some warm water or press your tongue to the roof of your mouth.

**Chemical ingredients**

Poor quality ice creams can contain unhealthy chemicals, such as sweeteners, colorings, artificial flavors, and preservatives.

So, if you experience abnormal symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath, it is best to consult your doctor.

**Diabetes**

Ice cream contains ingredients that may be harmful to health when consumed in large quantities, such as sugars that may not be suitable for diabetics or people with high blood sugar levels. It also contains saturated fats that may raise levels of harmful cholesterol, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

**Allergies**

Ice cream can cause allergic reactions in some individuals due to the presence of certain ingredients, such as dairy products or soy, which may lead to allergies in some people.