How long does apple juice take to help constipation?

Constipation is a common condition affecting people of all ages. It occurs when stool passes through the large intestine too slowly, becoming hard and dry. This makes bowel movements infrequent and difficult to pass. Constipation has many possible causes, including poor diet, lack of exercise, certain medications, and various medical conditions.

Making dietary and lifestyle changes is usually the first line of treatment for constipation. One popular home remedy is drinking apple juice. Apples contain pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can help soften stool and stimulate bowel movements. But how long does it take for apple juice to relieve constipation?

How Apple Juice Helps Constipation

Apple juice contains pectin, a water-soluble fiber, that can help treat constipation in a few ways:

• Softens stool – Pectin absorbs water in the intestines, hydrating and softening dry, hard stool.
• Increases stool bulk – Fiber adds bulk to stool, which stimulates the intestines to push stool through.
• Promotes regularity – Soluble fiber feeds the good bacteria in the gut. This strengthens the microbiome and improves regularity.
• Provides fluids – Apple juice is high in water content, helping to hydrate the body and soften stool.
• Contains sorbitol – Apples have sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol with laxative effects when consumed in large amounts.

This combination of mechanisms makes apple juice an effective natural laxative for many people with constipation.

How Much Apple Juice is Needed

There isn’t a standardized amount of apple juice that will definitely help relieve constipation. The serving needed can vary substantially between individuals based on factors like:

• Age
• Diet
• Physical activity level
• Hydration status
• Medications
• Extent of constipation
• Body size

As a general guideline, drinking 1-3 cups of apple juice per day is often recommended for constipation relief. Below are some more specific serving suggestions:

Age	Apple Juice Serving
Infants under 1 year	2-4 oz per day
Toddlers 1-3 years	1/2 – 1 cup per day
Children 4-8 years	1 – 1 1/2 cups per day
Older children and teens	2 – 3 cups per day
Adults	2 – 3 cups per day

Some experts recommend even higher amounts of up to 6 cups daily for adults with severe constipation. It’s best to start with smaller servings and gradually increase the amount if needed.

How Long it Takes to Work

It typically takes 2-3 days of drinking apple juice before it starts softening stool and inducing bowel movements. However, the timing can range quite a bit.

Here’s an overview of how long apple juice takes to relieve constipation for most people:

• 12-24 hours: Absorbs water to start softening stool
• 1-2 days: Stool softening effects become more pronounced
• 2-3 days: Bowel movements become more frequent and easier to pass
• 3-5 days: Regularity continues to improve

Keep in mind this timeline is a rough estimate and results can vary. Some people experience relief in as little as 12 hours while others may take up to 5 days to see an impact.

Tips to Improve Results

Here are some tips to help apple juice provide constipation relief more quickly and effectively:

Choose cloudy apple juice

Cloudy, unfiltered apple juice contains more pectin fiber than clear and may work better. Or, add a spoonful of pectin powder to clear apple juice.

Drink juice slowly

Sip apple juice over several hours rather than drinking a glass all at once. This gives more time for fluid absorption.

Consume pulp

Don’t discard the pulp when drinking apple juice. The pulp provides extra fiber.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water in addition to the apple juice to help soften stool.

Exercise

Light physical activity can help get the bowels moving.

Don’t strain

Avoid straining during bowel movements as this can worsen constipation.

Try prunes

Eating prunes can provide an added boost of constipation relief when combined with apple juice.

Safety and Side Effects

Drinking apple juice is generally safe and well-tolerated for constipation relief. However, potential side effects can include:

• Gas and bloating
• Diarrhea
• Cramping
• Upset stomach
• Dehydration
• Elevated blood sugar

Consuming large amounts may cause diarrhea due to the sorbitol content. This effect is more likely in young children. To prevent dehydration, drink apple juice diluted with water and avoid excessive amounts.

People with diabetes need to monitor their blood sugar levels closely when drinking juice. Apple juice contains natural sugar that can raise blood glucose, especially in excess quantities.

Special Considerations

Infants

Apple juice should not be given to infants under 6 months old. After 6 months, small amounts can be introduced under medical supervision. Too much can lead to diarrhea or malnutrition.

Frequent use

Long-term, frequent use of apple juice as a laxative is not recommended, especially in children. This can cause dependence where the bowels stop functioning normally without the juice. Use apple juice as a short-term solution alongside high-fiber foods and lifestyle adjustments.

Underlying causes

See a doctor if constipation persists after making diet and hydration changes. An underlying medical condition may need treatment.

Medications

Check for interactions between apple juice and medications. Sorbitol can affect absorption of some drugs.

When to See a Doctor

Contact a doctor if you experience:

• No bowel movements for 3+ days
• Hard stool that is painful to pass
• Rectal bleeding
• Persistent changes in bowel habits
• Unexplained weight loss
• Apple juice does not provide relief within 5 days

These can indicate a potentially serious medical condition requiring evaluation. Seek emergency care for symptoms like intense pain, vomiting, fever or dehydration.

Conclusion

Drinking apple juice can be an effective natural home remedy for constipation. It provides hydration, fiber, and sorbitol to help soften stool and stimulate bowel movements. Most people see improvements in 2-3 days, but some experience relief in as little as 12 hours. Drink 1-3 cups daily, increasing the amount if needed. Apple juice works best alongside other high-fiber foods, exercise, and fluids. Use it as a short-term solution and see a doctor if your symptoms don’t improve within 5 days.