Constipation is amongst the most common gastrointestinal disorders worldwide, affecting millions of people, especially seniors. People experiencing constipation have infrequent bowel movements or difficulty in passing stools, which can cause discomfort and other digestive issues. While there are different remedies for constipation, one of the most popular natural remedies is prune juice.
Prunes are dried plums commonly consumed as a snack or added to dishes for extra sweetness. They’re also known to boost digestive health and help with constipation. A glass of prune juice contains a significant amount of fiber and sorbitol, which possesses a mild laxative effect. This makes prune juice an excellent natural remedy for constipation.
Prune juice has been long recognized as a natural laxative to alleviate constipation, but many people wonder how quickly it works to release them from the discomforts of constipation. This article answers the question – “how quickly does prune juice work?”
What is prune juice?
Prune juice is the liquid extracted from dried plums. Prunes are a rich source of ellagic acid, citric acid, potassium, fiber, and sorbitol, making them a natural remedy for constipation. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol with a mild laxative effect. When it’s consumed in large quantities, it’s not entirely absorbed in the small intestine and eventually reaches the colon. Here, it pulls water into the colon and encourages bowel movements.
How prune juice works for constipation?
Prune juice works as a natural laxative to alleviate constipation. It nourishes the gut by adding bulk to stools, making them pass through the digestive tract with ease. Additionally, it softens the stools, making them less severe and easier to pass. Finally, prune juice stimulates bowel movement by encouraging peristalsis, which is the muscle movements in the digestive tract necessary for the transport of food and stools. When prune juice enters the system, the sorbitol pulls water into the colon, which relaxes the muscles and helps relieve constipation within hours getting the urge to use the restroom.
How quickly does prune juice work?
Prune juice’s effectiveness can vary from person to person, depending on their age, general health, and the root cause of their constipation. Prune juice works quickly for some, but it can take up to a day or longer for others.
The laxative effect of the prune juice usually starts to appear between 1-4 hours after drinking it. This could be as a result of the sorbitol content in the prunes, which acts as a natural laxative, pulling water into the gut, which helps loosen the stools.
However, some studies suggest that the laxative effect of prune juice may take as long as 24 hours to work fully. A study conducted in 2008 indicated that drinking prune juice regularly for two weeks helped improve bowel function and consistency. A more recent 2014 study found that prune juice helped speed up colonic transit, reducing constipation severity within 12 hours.
Dosage of prune juice for constipation
The correct dose of prune juice for constipation depends on the severity of the symptoms and the individual’s general health. For most adults, drinking a half or full glass of prune juice at one sitting can help relieve symptoms within hours. Those with severe constipation may need to drink prune juice daily for up to two weeks to experience significant relief.
While prune juice is safe to consume in moderation, it is essential to note that its high sorbitol content might cause diarrhea, gas, or bloating when consumed in excess. Drinking more water during the day can help minimize these effects.
Conclusion
Prune juice is an excellent natural remedy for constipation that works within hours of drinking, and its effectiveness can vary from person to person. Sorbitol, the sugar alcohol present in prune juice, acts as a natural laxative by pulling water into the gut and softening the stools. Anyone with constipation can consider prunes or prune juice as a natural way of easing their constipation symptoms. However, those with severe constipation or underlying health conditions should consult their doctor before consuming prune juice.
FAQ
Is prune juice a fast laxative?
Prune juice is a natural remedy that is widely used for its digestive benefits and laxative properties. It is indicated for those who have constipation, a condition which is characterised by less frequent bowel movements that are hard and dry. Prune juice is said to be an effective and fast laxative as it contains some important components that promote bowel movement.
One of the reasons why it’s considered a fast laxative is because of its high fiber content. Fiber is an essential component in maintaining a healthy digestive system and preventing constipation. Prunes are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is mainly insoluble. This type of fiber adds bulk to the stool making it easier to pass through the colon. Drinking half a cup of prune juice can provide up to 3 grams of fiber, which is about 12% of the recommended daily intake.
Another reason why prune juice is a fast laxative is because of its high sorbitol content. Sorbitol is a type of sugar alcohol that is difficult to digest, and it works by drawing water into the intestines, softening the stools and making them easier to pass. Sorbitol also stimulates bowel movements by triggering the production of enzymes that result in peristalsis, the contraction of muscles in the colon. This helps move the stool through the digestive tract more quickly.
Studies have shown that prune juice can be an effective natural remedy for constipation. In a study published in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, participants who drank prune juice experienced significant improvements in their constipation symptoms compared to participants who received a placebo. The same study also showed that prune juice was more effective than psyllium, another dietary supplement commonly used for constipation.
Prune juice is a fast laxative that has been used for centuries to help ease constipation. It is high in fiber and sorbitol, making it a natural laxative by easing digestion and making bowel movements more regular. People who drink half a cup of prune juice a day usually don’t have trouble with regular bathroom use. However, it’s essential to drink enough water to avoid dehydration, and people with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, should avoid drinking too much prune juice due to its high sugar content.
What to expect after drinking prune juice?
Prune juice is a popular remedy for constipation due to its high fiber and natural laxative properties. When consumed, it can help soften the stool and stimulate bowel movement. However, it is important to note that consuming too much prune juice can also cause some unwanted effects.
One of the most common side effects of drinking prune juice is an increase in flatulence, or gas. This is due to the high amounts of sorbitol, a naturally occurring sugar found in prunes. Sorbitol is difficult for the body to digest, and as a result, can cause excess gas production. Some people may also experience cramping or bloating along with the gas.
In addition to its gas-causing effect, prune juice is also very high in sugar and calories. This is because prunes themselves are extremely dense in sugar, and the juice typically contains a concentrated amount of it. Consuming large amounts of prune juice regularly can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Another potential side effect of drinking prune juice is diarrhea. This is because of the laxative effect of the juice, which can cause the body to eliminate waste more frequently. While this may be beneficial for constipation relief, consuming too much prune juice can lead to loose stools, cramping, and dehydration.
Consuming prunes or prune juice is a relatively low-risk remedy for constipation. However, it is important to consume it in moderation and be aware of the potential side effects. If you experience any severe symptoms after drinking prune juice, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
How much prune juice do you have to drink for it to work?
Prune juice is known for its ability to relieve constipation. It contains certain compounds that act as natural laxatives, such as sorbitol and fiber, which help regulate bowel movements. The amount of prune juice one needs to drink for it to work can depend on various factors such as age, tolerance, and severity of the condition.
If you want to give prune juice to an infant, it is important to consult with a doctor first. According to the Mayo Clinic, parents can start with 2 to 4 ounces of prune juice and increase the amount as necessary. It is important to observe the baby’s reaction and make sure that they are not experiencing any adverse effects such as diarrhea or tummy pain. It is also recommended to dilute the prune juice with water, one part water to one part prune juice, especially for infants.
For adults, the recommended amount of prune juice to relieve constipation is about 4 to 8 ounces each morning. However, some people may need more or less depending on their tolerance and the severity of their condition. It is important to note that consuming too much prune juice can also lead to diarrhea or stomach upset.
In addition to drinking prune juice, it is also recommended to increase your intake of water and fiber-rich foods to support healthy bowel movements. Drinking plenty of water helps soften stools while adding fiber to your diet promotes regularity. It is also important to engage in regular exercise as it helps stimulate digestion and promote bowel movements.
Prune juice can be an effective and natural remedy to relieve constipation. However, it is important to consult with a doctor before using it, especially for young children or certain medical conditions. It is also important to follow the recommended dosage and make sure you are not experiencing any negative side effects.
