Constipation Prune Juice

By Dr. Ritu Krishnatreye, BHMS

Constipation prune juice

Although constipation is often looked upon as a common problem, if not treated or if treatment is delayed, it can lead to complications such as fissures, fistula or hemorrhoids.

Home remedies are the best way to relieve the symptoms of constipation. They are generally safe, effective and for most you do not have to worry about developing a dependency. One of the more effective home remedies for constipation is prune juice. 

Prunes are dried plums that act as a natural laxative. It can be safely given to children and pregnant women. 

4 Ways Prune Juice

Helps with Constipation

Prune juice acts in multiple ways to help with constipation.

It contains an array of ingredients that are known to naturally relieve the symptoms of constipation.

Here are the 2 main ways that prune juice works. 

1. Sorbitol, a natural laxative

Prunes are a natural source of sorbitol, a simple sugar alcohol and a natural laxative. Sorbitol helps in softening the stool and relieving constipation.

Sorbitol also helps to stimulate the wave-like peristaltic contractions of the colon that moves stool along. This helps to reduce stool transit time, hence reducing the risk of constipation.

Sorbitol is not easily digested. It draws in a significant amount of water as it moves through the intestines, pulling stool along with it. Prunes are high in sorbitol, and the effect of prune juice on constipation can usually be felt within a few hours.

2. Prunes are high in fiber

The generous amount of fiber in prune juice helps to form a bulkier stool.

In our bodies, it is the bulk of the stool that triggers peristalsis, the muscular contractions of the colon that move stool along.

3. Other benefits of prune fiber

• Fiber helps to absorb sugar in the digestive system
  
  
• It slows down the digestion of excess carbohydrates
  
  
• This in turn helps in controlling the blood sugar levels

Fruits and vegetables contain a lot of fiber, which helps in maintaining a healthy digestive system.

However, for those whose diets lack fiber, introducing prune juice can help in relieving constipation by supplying some extra fiber.

Just 5 prunes contain almost 3 g. of fiber, or about 12% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA).

4. Easy availability

Most grocery stores sell prune juice, meaning this form of relief is readily available. If you prefer, there are always options like eating plumbs or dried prunes. 

Unlike other fruits that are good for constipation, for instance papaya, prunes are easily available all through the year, and are an affordable solution to relieve constipation.

One of the best ways to get your prune juice is to prepare it in your own home, free from additives. To prepare it:

1. Simmer five parts filtered water with one part dried plums for three to four hours
   
   
2. Remove any pits and puree
   
   
3. Enjoy
   
   

Enhancing Prune Juice Effectiveness

To greatly enhance the effectiveness of prune juice for constipation relief, add in some low sodium for a healthy body. 

They are also high in magnesium, which is one of the most effective ways of getting rid of constipation, plus magnesium is also a needed nutrient. 

Just add half a teaspoon of Ionic Sea Minerals in to a glass of prune juice and stir. Prune juice and sea minerals are actually perfect companions for each other.

The magnesium and potassium in sea minerals give it a bitter taste, but prune juice helps to hide this taste. This nourishing drink is not just delicious, but also incredibly healthy and nutritious.

Just drink a glass of prune juice with ½ tsp. of Ionic Sea Minerals in the morning. If constipation is not relieved, repeat again in the evening. Should constipation still persist, increase the dose of sea minerals to 1 tsp. per glass of prune juice, twice a day.

If after a couple of days this powerful combination doesn’t clear out your colon, then it may be time to visit your doctor.

Health Benefits of Prune Juice

Prunes are loaded with a variety of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. They contain beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals in the body.

Free radicals cause an oxidation of healthy cells, thereby leading to chronic degenerative diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer. 

Warnings and Side Effects

of Prune Juice

Drinking an excessive amount of prune juice may cause diarrhea. Prune juice, with its high sorbitol content, tends to act quickly.

Consuming no more than 4 to 8 ounces of prune juice in the morning and 4 to 8 ounces at night will hopefully help you to avoid overdoing it.

While Prune juice is very effective in relieving constipation, it should not be used as an excuse for an unhealthy lifestyle. The following lifestyle modifications are recommended:

• Get some exercise. Clinical studies prove that a sedentary lifestyle contributes to constipation
  
  
• Eat vegetables, fruits, beans, and products made from whole grain or containing bran
  
  
• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. Dehydration is a major cause of constipation
  
  
• Don’t delay defecation when you feel the urge to go

Conclusion, constipation prune juice

Constipation can be a troublesome problem that is best remedied with lifestyle changes and natural solutions. 

Prune juice provides fiber, plus it contains certain sugars and phenolic compounds that enhance its laxative effect. It is generally found to be even more effective than psyllium husk supplements for constipation relief.

(Return from Constipation Prune Juice to Natural Remedies for Constipation)