What Is Constipation?
Digestive system problems are a common experience for many people that results in frustrating symptoms of constipation. These symptoms may include difficulty passing stool, straining with bowel movements, a sensation of incomplete elimination, or decreased frequency of bowel movements. If you are constipated, some additional signs and symptoms include:
- Having less than three bowel movements a week
- Abdominal discomforts such as cramping or bloating
- Hard or lumpy stools
- A decrease in appetite or feeling of fullness
Constipation can occur due to a variety of reasons, including:
- Low fiber intake
- Lack of physical activity
- Medications
- Not drinking enough water
- Delaying going to the bathroom
- Certain medical conditions like colon diseases and neurological disorders
Fortunately, a simple at-home solution may help with these symptoms. Studies show that prune juice increases the frequency of your bowel movements, making it an effective remedy for constipation.
How Does Prune Juice Work?
Prune juice is a natural and effective remedy for constipation due to its high content of sorbitol, a carbohydrate and sugar alcohol that is also present in plums. The sorbitol in prune juice is known to cause an osmotic effect, attracting water into the colon to soften stools and facilitate their easy passage.
Additionally, prune juice is rich in fiber, which aids in regulating bowel movements and speeding the movement of stool through the intestines. Studies have shown that prune juice works better than psyllium, a fiber laxative widely used in over-the-counter medicines, to enhance stool frequency and consistency.
Prunes Vs. Prune Juice: Which Is More Effective?
Dried prunes can be just as effective as prune juice in providing constipation relief. In fact, dried prunes may be a preferred option for mild to moderate cases. This is due to their higher concentration of sorbitol and fiber compared to prune juice, which loses some fiber during the juicing process. Both options, however, are reliable in promoting bowel movements and alleviating constipation symptoms.
Balancing Prune Juice Intake: How Much Is Too Much?
When it comes to consuming prune juice, moderation is key. Due to its sugar and calorie content, excessive consumption of prune juice might raise health concerns, especially when consumed in large quantities.
If you’re an adult trying prune juice for the first time, it’s best, to begin with a four-ounce serving (half-cup) in the morning. If it’s well-tolerated, consider having another half-cup serving before bedtime. Children should consume half of the amount recommended for adults.
Remember that consuming too much prune juice or prunes can cause diarrhea, bloating, and gas. Therefore, adjusting the quantity according to your tolerance is important.
Managing Constipation: An Integrated Approach
If you’re experiencing constipation, prune juice can be a helpful at-home remedy. However, you can also make other lifestyle changes to promote regular bowel movements, such as:
- Increasing your fiber intake
- Staying hydrated
- Managing stress
- Engaging in exercise
- Getting enough sleep
Talk To Your Doctor Today!
It’s important to take a comprehensive approach to bowel health. If your constipation persists or is accompanied by symptoms like blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, severe pain during bowel movements, or lasts longer than three weeks, seek medical advice.
If you’re experiencing persistent constipation symptoms or have questions or concerns, schedule an appointment now!
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FAQs
Additionally, prune juice is rich in fiber, which aids in regulating bowel movements and speeding the movement of stool through the intestines. Studies have shown that prune juice works better than psyllium, a fiber laxative widely used in over-the-counter medicines, to enhance stool frequency and consistency.
How quickly does prune juice work for constipation? ›
Some will see results in as little as a few hours. For some, it may take a day or so. Using this “go-slow” approach makes you more likely to improve symptoms without rapid urgency or even diarrhea. However, you should always listen to your body and use the least effective amount of prunes or prune juice possible.
Does prune juice break up impacted stool? ›
Prune juice containing sorbitol, pectin, and polyphenol ameliorates subjective complaints and hard feces while normalizing stool in chronic constipation: A randomized placebo-controlled trial.
What drink is good for emptying your bowels? ›
Beneficial drinks for constipation include prune juice, lemon juice, apple juice, and cranberry juice. However, some constipation relief over-the-counter (OTC) medications can also come in a drink format.
Should I drink water after drinking prune juice? ›
Tip: You can also try drinking more water along with the prune juice to help your digestion issues.
Does prune juice soften stool that is already hard? ›
The sorbitol in prune juice is known to cause an osmotic effect, attracting water into the colon to soften stools and facilitate their easy passage. Additionally, prune juice is rich in fiber, which aids in regulating bowel movements and speeding the movement of stool through the intestines.
What is a quick homemade laxative? ›
Natural laxatives include foods rich in magnesium, fiber, and probiotics, as well as drinks like water, prune juice, and coffee. Certain herbs, such as senna, ginger, peppermint, and aloe vera, can also help to keep your bowel movements more regular. Using natural laxatives to relieve constipation is usually safe.
What simple trick empties your bowels immediately? ›
Try These Tricks for Quick Bowel Movement Stimulation
- Drink coffee. Regarding drinks that make you poop, coffee is probably the first that comes to mind. ...
- Squat when you poop. ...
- Use a fiber supplement. ...
- Take a stimulant laxative. ...
- Take an osmotic laxative. ...
- Take a lubricant laxative. ...
- Try a stool softener. ...
- Use a suppository.
Depending on the cause, you can try eating more fiber to soften your stool or use an over-the-counter softener like Miralax. Exercise and abdominal massage might also help. If none of these work to release the stool and reduce your pain, see your doctor. Learn more about ways to release hard stool.
How do I disimpact my bowels myself? ›
Manual Disimpaction
If hardened stool is palpable in the rectum, it may require manual fragmentation or disimpaction. A lubricated, gloved index finger is inserted into the rectum and the hardened stool is gently broken up using a scissoring motion.
A range of dietary and lifestyle changes like eating more fiber, staying hydrated, and exercising more may help. If you have severe symptoms, taking laxatives or other OTC medications can help activate your digestive system. Be sure to reach out to a healthcare provider if you often have difficult bowel movements.
What are the signs of a blocked bowel? ›
Symptoms of intestinal obstruction are:
- Severe pain in your belly.
- Severe cramping sensations in your belly.
- Throwing up.
- Feelings of fullness or swelling in your belly.
- Loud sounds from your belly.
- Feeling gassy, but being unable to pass gas.
- Constipation (being unable to pass stool)
Constipation Mistakes
- Add fiber too fast. Eating fiber from fruits, vegetables, and other foods is really important. ...
- Drink alcohol. Booze zaps your body of fluids, which can make your stools hard -- and harder to pass.
- Double down on dairy. ...
- Skip your workout. ...
- Rely on laxatives.
One study even concluded that dried prunes “should be considered as a first-line therapy” for mild to moderate constipation. Compared to prune juice, dried prunes offer: More than double the amount of sorbitol in the same serving size. Higher fiber content (as some fiber is lost during the juicing process).
Does prune juice help immediately? ›
After only three weeks, the people drinking prune juice reported fewer hard and lumpy stools than did those who were drinking the placebo. After seven weeks, most had regular bowel movements.
When prune juice doesn't work? ›
If you experience chronic constipation, or if eating prunes and drinking prune juice doesn't solve your problems, contact your doctor for professional advice. Also, make sure to talk to your doctor if you begin to experience: rectal or abdominal pain. blood in your stool.
What is the nurse's co*cktail for constipation? ›
The nurse identified that one of the approaches was to give patients with constipation a “co*cktail” of warm prune juice, lemon juice, and Senokot liquid to facilitate the first postoperative BM. This practice led to interest in studying the effectiveness of this approach.
What are the side effects of prune juice? ›
Prunes can cause gas and bloating for some people. They contain sorbitol, a sugar that is known to cause these effects. Dietary fiber, also found in prunes, can also lead to gas and bloating.
Are dates or prunes better for constipation? ›
Both prunes and dates are excellent choices for constipation relief due to their high fiber content. Prunes, with their lower calorie count and higher sorbitol content, might be more effective for some individuals.
How fast does MiraLAX work? ›
How long does it take for MiraLAX® to work? MiraLAX® generally produces a bowel movement in one to three days.
