Can apple juice help you poop?

Constipation is a common problem that can affect people of all ages. It occurs when stool passes through the large intestine too slowly, resulting in hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. Constipation can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort. When it occurs frequently, constipation can negatively impact quality of life.

There are many possible causes of constipation, including poor diet, lack of exercise, certain medications, and various medical conditions. Treatment typically focuses on lifestyle changes like increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and getting more exercise. When these aren’t enough, laxatives may be recommended for short-term relief of constipation.

Does Apple Juice Help Constipation?

Many people wonder if drinking apple juice can help get things moving when you’re backed up. Apple juice contains sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol that can act as an osmotic laxative when consumed in large amounts. Osmotic laxatives work by drawing water into the intestines to soften and stimulate bowel movements.

Studies have found that consuming a large glass of apple juice (around 300ml) provides a sufficient amount of sorbitol to generate an osmotic effect and promote bowel movements. The results tend to be seen within just a few hours.

Study	Participants	Dosage	Results
RCT by Attaluri et al. in 2010	60 adults with chronic constipation	300ml apple juice 3 times per day for 2 weeks	Increased bowel movement frequency and improved consistency
Clinical trial by Anuras et al. in 1985	21 constipated elderly patients	300ml apple juice 3 times per day for 12 days	Significantly increased bowel movement frequency and softened stool consistency

Based on the available research, drinking around 1 cup (8 ounces) of apple juice up to 3 times daily can provide a laxative effect to help relieve constipation in many cases. Fruit juices like prune juice and pear juice may also have benefits due to their sorbitol content.

Benefits of Apple Juice for Constipation

Drinking apple juice can provide the following advantages when trying to deal with constipation naturally:

• Contains sorbitol, a natural laxative
• Helps soften hard, dry stools
• Increases bowel movement frequency
• Improves consistency of stools
• Well tolerated with minimal side effects
• Convenient and easy to use
• Provides hydration to support regularity

Apple juice is gentler on the digestive system than many stimulant laxatives. It may be especially useful for relief of mild to moderate constipation.

Other Remedies for Constipation

In addition to apple juice, there are many other natural constipation remedies that can help get things moving again. Some other options include:

• Fiber supplements – Psyllium husk, methylcellulose, and calcium polycarbophil draw water into the colon to soften stools.
• Exercise – Physical activity stimulates the intestines and can help relieve constipation.
• Probiotics – Beneficial gut bacteria like lactobacillus and bifidobacterium support regularity.
• Fluids – Staying hydrated is key for preventing constipation.
• Magnesium supplements – Magnesium helps relax the intestinal muscles for easier bowel movements.
• Castor oil – The ricinoleic acid in castor oil stimulates the bowels within a few hours.

These natural remedies can be used in combination with apple juice or on their own to find the most effective constipation relief. Pay attention to your body’s responses to identify what works best for your symptoms.

Downsides of Apple Juice for Constipation

Although apple juice can certainly get things moving again when you’re backed up, there are some potential downsides to be aware of:

• May cause bloating, gas, or abdominal cramping
• Frequent use may result in diarrhea
• Not recommended for long-term use due to calorie content
• May interact with certain medications
• Not suitable as a sole treatment for chronic constipation
• Contains high amounts of natural sugar
• Possible concerns about arsenic content

Apple juice should be used in moderation as part of a comprehensive approach to relieving constipation. Be sure to identify and address any underlying causes, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, or health conditions.

Who Should Not Use Apple Juice as a Laxative?

Although apple juice can help many people with constipation, it may not be appropriate for everyone. You should avoid using apple juice as a laxative if you:

• Need to restrict your sugar intake for health reasons
• Have diarrhea or loose stools
• Have a bowel obstruction
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have irritable bowel disease
• Are prone to gas, bloating, or abdominal cramps
• Have fructose intolerance

Children, older adults, and people on medications should only use apple juice as a laxative under medical supervision due to risks of diarrhea and drug interactions.

Is Apple Juice Safe for Babies with Constipation?

Constipation is very common in infants and babies. Before solid foods are introduced, an infant’s bowel movements depend entirely on the composition of breast milk or formula. If a baby is constipated, apple juice may seem like an easy solution for desperate parents. However, there are some important considerations.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against giving juice to babies under 1 year old. Juice offers no nutritional benefit at this age and can contribute to issues like diarrhea, gas, abdominal distension, and tooth decay. Excess fructose from juice can also lead to poor weight gain.

If your baby is constipated, apple juice is not the best solution. Instead, try rectal stimulation with a thermometer, bicycle legs gently, or give a warm bath. If the constipation persists, see your pediatrician to identify and address the cause. They may recommend electrolyte solutions, increased fluids, or even laxatives in severe cases.

Homemade Apple Juice Recipe

Store-bought apple juice offers an easy and convenient way to get your apple juice fix. However, some people prefer making their own at home. Homemade apple juice retains more nutrients and allows you to control the ingredients. Here is a simple recipe to try:

Ingredients

• 5 medium apples, cored and quartered
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled (optional)
• 1-2 tsp honey or sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash, core, and quarter the apples.
2. Add apples, water, lemon juice, and ginger (if using) to a blender. Blend until smooth.
3. Strain mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove pulp and sediment.
4. Press down on the solids to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
5. Sweeten with honey or sugar if desired. Serve chilled.

This easy homemade apple juice requires minimal ingredients and takes just 5 minutes of prep time. Adjust the apple quantity based on your desired yield. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

When you’re feeling backed up, apple juice may provide a helpful natural remedy for relief. The sorbitol content in apple juice acts as an osmotic laxative to stimulate bowel movements. Research indicates around 1 cup of apple juice consumed up to 3 times daily can help increase stool frequency and soften stool consistency.

Apple juice has advantages including being gentle on the digestive system with minimal side effects. However, it does have some downsides to consider. Apple juice works best as a short-term remedy combined with other lifestyle adjustments to address the underlying cause of constipation.

The safest approach is to start with a small 4-8 ounce glass and wait 6-12 hours to see how your body responds before increasing the amount if needed. This can help you avoid issues like diarrhea, cramping, or bloating from too much sorbitol. Pay attention to your symptoms and adjust your dosage accordingly.

While apple juice can get things moving in the right direction when you’re backed up, it shouldn’t replace medical attention for persistent or severe constipation. Work with your doctor to identify and treat any underlying issues.