12 Interesting Ways To Use Prune Juice For Constipation

Constipation is an ordinary gastrointestinal trouble that most of the people face during their lifetime.

When a person faces difficulty and pain in defecating stool he is suffering from constipation.

This usually occurs when the stool stays in the intestine for a long period and the colon absorbs most of its water.

The main cause behind constipation is low physical activity, low fiber diet and less intake of water.

castor oil, olive oil and Prunes for constipation are considered to be safe laxatives for the treatment of constipation.

Read on further to discover why do prunes make you poop?

It is a superfruit

Prunes for constipation are supposed to be a super fruit for the general well being of a human body.

Prune juice is fiber-less and a laxative. Prunes are rich in fiber and taste good.

It contains high levels of sorbitol that acts as a laxative in human body. Other essential nutrients are as follows:

• Iron prevents anemia
• Potassium helps in maintaining healthy blood pressure
• Sugar and fiber give us continued energy
• Phenolic compounds help prevent chronic ailment
• Boron prevents osteoporosis

Nutritional Value of Prune Juice

Funny enough, plums and prunes are actually the same fruit; however, farmers refer to certain plums as prunes when they are cultivated specifically to be dried.

So, that’s why the more official term for prunes is dried plum.

Plum and prunes is one and the same fruit but farmers do refer to them as different. This is because some plums are grown to be dried.

This is the reason why it is also known as dried plum. The prune juice contains:

• 6 gm fiber
• 7 g carbohydrate
• 6 g protein
• 1 g fat
• 6 mg vitamin B6
• 707 mg potassium
• 4 mg manganese
• 3 mg iron
• 5 mg vitamin C
• 7 mcg vitamin K
• 2 mg vitamin B2
• 2 mg vitamin B3
• 8 mg magnesium
• 2 mg copper
• 64 mg phosphorus
• 5 mg zinc

Does Prune Juice Help With Constipation?

Prunes are the best natural medicine that helps in relieving constipation. It contains;

1. Soluble Fiber: It helps in the improvement of the digestive system by beginning a wave movement of the digestive muscles.

This helps in the movement of the food through the digestive system.

The soluble prunes fiber absorbs lots of water and helps in clearing the blockages that cause constipation.

It plays an important part in the proper absorption of nutrients in the human body.

2. Non-soluble Fiber: This is indigestible and passes out of the human body without causing any harm.

The non-soluble fiber helps in providing bulk to the stool and attracts large quantity of water to it.

This decreases the transit time of bowel movement and also provides a free passage. Non-soluble fiber helps in the growth of healthy bacteria inside the gut to improve digestion.

3. Sorbitol: There is 15% sorbitol present in prunes. It helps in acquiring the lost water content of the colon. It also softens the stool to help it pass freely.

4. Dihydrophenylisation: This chemical substance is usually found in the skin of the fruit. It helps in the movement of the intestines and secretes fluid that helps in the softening of stool.

Active Digestive Enzymes: The digestive enzymes get activated in the intestines due to a strong presence of Vitamin A, Potassium and other important minerals found in Prune.

These activated digestive enzymes help in speeding up the movement of the stool through the colon and rectum area.

Prunes constipation have high potassium levels that help in retaining the water in the colon and fight against harmful bacteria

Prune Juice for Constipation– Is It Effective?

If you want to treat constipation naturally then you can eat prunes or drink prune juice. You have to select an option as per the intensity of your case. Prunes are fiber rich and can hence cause gas and bloating.

If you can bear a little bloating then go ahead and eat whole prunes for your daily diet or otherwise begin drinking warm prune juice.

You must avoid the prune juice that contains pulp. This is because pulp contains fibers that lead to bloating.

Why Only Prune Juice for Constipation?

Prunes also known as dried plums are the best source of fiber for the human body. It helps in regularizing the bowel movement in humans. Prunes provide a laxative effect and are filled with anti-oxidants that fight cancer, hypertension, osteoporosis and other such diseases.

The anti- hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic and hepatoprotective effects help in the treatment of colon cancer, heart and liver disease.

It also strengthens the bones. Now, it is really hard to believe that prune juice can actually do all of this alone.

There are a lot of studies that show prune juice produces laxative effect on the human body.

I. Prune Juice Laxative Can Soften Stool

Prune juice supplementation is helpful in providing fiber, water and energy to the human body.

These are the main requirements that help in regulating the bowel movement in human beings.

If there is a balanced presence of water fiber and energy it will soften the stool and decrease the transit time of bowel movement.

II. Increased Frequency

It is believed that psyllium husk is best for the treatment of constipation but studies do reveal that eating prunes on a daily basis improves the poop consistency and increases the frequency of occurrence in the individual.

III. Home Remedy is Better than Over-The-Counter Medications

If you eat prunes or drink prune juice daily then you can actually eliminate the daily poop medications completely.

This is a slow process but it saves you a lot of money that you could have used up for the normal laxative.

Prune juice constipation- should it be given to infants?

Prune juice is the general medicine suggested by parents all around the world for constipation in infants.

But the question still looms in the mind, is it safe? Prune or dried plum juice has a variety of nutrients.

It is a laxative that helps soften the baby’s stool for trouble free pooping experience.

But generally, it is not administered to those infants who have not started eating solid food. It so happens, that offering a new food item to your baby might land you in a soup.

Stomach and digestive system of infants do not support dry fruits and it is advisable to talk to the Pediatrician before administering it at home.

The Correct Dose for Prunes for Constipation

The general dosage for prunes constipation is 50 gm dried prunes. Roughly, 7 medium prunes will weigh around 50 gm. The dosage of prunes will usually change according to the state of your constipation.

• If you suffer from mild constipation then eating 3 to 4 prunes each day will provide you with relief.
• If you suffer from moderate constipation then eating 6 to 9 prunes each day is advised. You can also eat the same amount of prunes if you wish to start a bowel movement even if you are not constipated.
• Eating 10 to 12 prunes is only recommended to those people who suffer from a severe case of constipation. If somehow this dosage does not work then you must go to a doctor immediately.

However, there are times when eating only prunes will not provide you the desired results. This is because only adding extra fiber to your daily diet will never ever help.

Because fiber bulks up on the water and dehydrates the body which will cause extra trouble to the constipation.

This is the reason it is always advised to begin eating low quantity of prunes as it the best remedy for constipation.

How Much Prune Juice for Constipation should be administered?

If you dislike the idea of eating dried prunes then you can simply drink prune juice

If you do not like the idea of eating prunes each day then you can simply drink prune juice laxative as a medicine.

Infants: 2 to 4 ounces of prune juice is advised but you can always adjust the right quantity according to your requirement.

When you are treating constipation in a baby then 2 ounces of prune juice should be sufficient.

You can also try giving your infant stewed prunes or even popsicles if they do not prefer drinking juice. They are equally effective.

Adults: 4 to 8 ounces of prune juice every morning should do the trick. But if you are constipated since last 3 days then it is advisable to drink 3 glasses of warm prune juice.

If you drink a glass of water before drinking the juice then it will be even more effective. When you drink prune juice in the morning it leads to a normal bowel movement in the evening.

This is the reason why it is recommended to drink prune juice each night before sleeping.

How Much Time Does Prune Juice for Constipation Take to Act? 

Prune juice works differently for individuals. For many people it can work in a few minutes and for some it might even take an hour to build up the pressure.

This actually depends on the condition of the patient. But, it is always advised to wait for ample of time after drinking the juice before you begin to panic about your bowel movement.

You can try drinking warm water in the meanwhile if you still do not feel the poop pressure.

Adding Prune Juice for Constipation in Your Daily Diet

There are plenty of ways to include prunes constipation in your daily diet. Below are some recipes that can be helpful:

1. Prunes as a Snack

If you eat prunes as a snack it will definitely cure you off constipation. One cup of pitted prunes contains 12 grams of fiber and 3 dried prunes contain 3.9 gm of fiber.

You can also mix chopped prunes in your smoothie for a healthy breakfast option. Sprinkle chopped prunes to your everyday meals like salad, cereals, oats porridge, muffins, pancake, waffles and much more.

2. Apple Sauce and Prunes

This is a yummy combination that helps increase the fiber in human body. It also helps in maintaining the bowel movements.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup prunes
• ¼ cup apple sauce
• ½ cup bran

Method:

1. Take a bowl and mix all the above ingredients thoroughly.
2. Eat 2 tablespoons of this mixture and drink 6 to 8 glasses of water in a day.
3. You can eat this twice daily. Once in the morning and another in the evening.

More: Home Remedies Using Bananas for Constipation

3. Prunes Jam

Jam on Toast is a typical breakfast dish that each of us eats every day. If you suffer from constipation then you can include prune jam in your breakfast items. Prune jam has plenty of fiber and it is easy to prepare as well.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry prunes
• 1 cup mixed dry fruits (apricot, fig and dates)
• 2 cups boiling water

Method:

1. Take a saucepan and add all the ingredients.
2. Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes while stirring occasionally.
3. Take off the heat when you notice the consistency has changed.
4. Cool down completely and then transfer in a jar of your choice.

You must eat 1 tablespoon of this jam daily with a slice of bread or crackers.

{ Also Read: Remedies Using Epsom Salt for Constipation}

4. Prune Juice Laxative

Many people think that it is tough to make prune juice. This is because prunes are dry and they do not have any water content. Well, to tell you the truth making prune juice is simple and easy.

Method:

1. Remove the stones from the fruit. If you have pitted prunes then even better.
2. Soak or stew the dry prunes in water. The ratio of prunes and water must be 1:5. They will soak up the water and become soft, plump and good for juicing.
3. Take your blender jar and add soaked or stewed prunes.
4. Blend them till nice and pulpy. Pour in a glass and enjoy.

Please remember not to add extra water to your mixer as it will make your juice bland.

5. Apple Prune Smoothie

If you cannot drink prune juice then you can try this smoothie. It tastes delicious and is easy to prepare. You can also use Apple cider vinegar for constipation naturally at home

Ingredients:

• 65 gm pitted prunes
• 350 ml apple juice
• 3 tablespoon yogurt
• A pinch cinnamon

Method:

1. Mix together pitted prunes and apple juice in a bowl.
2. Cover the mixture and leave it overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Blend this mixture with cinnamon and yogurt and serve chilled.

6. Prune Juice for Constipation

This is a high energy drink that not only is high in fiber but is filled with good nutrients for your body.

Ingredients:

• 25 gm pitted prunes
• 125 gm spinach
• 2 pears

Method:

1. In a mixer add prunes, pear and spinach.
2. Blend it till smooth and serve chilled.

{ Also Read: How to Get Rid of Stomach Ache }

7. Stewed Prunes

Stewed prunes are also effective for the treatment of constipation. You can use fresh or dried prunes to make a stew.

If you use dried prunes then you have to soak them for a few hours before you can start making a stew. The stew of prunes can be kept fresh refrigerated.

Basic Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cup water
• 2 cup pitted prunes

Method:

1. In a saucepan add water and pitted prunes.
2. Let the mixture come to a boil
3. Simmer the mixture for 25 minutes
4. Switch off the flame when prunes are soft.
5. Let it cool and then store in refrigerator.

You can try two kinds of variations in the basic recipe that is given above for stewed prunes.

If you wish to add in another flavour to make your prunes constipation delicious then you can add lemon juice or orange juice.

When boiling the prunes you can add in 1 tablespoon lemon juice or ½ cup orange juice to change the flavour of the stew.

More: Mineral Oil for Constipation

8. Prune Juice and Milk of Magnesia Concoction

The chemical name of milk of magnesia is magnesium hydroxide. It is a common laxative and antacid.

This mixture will attract more fluids to the colon and will cause easy bowel movement in an individual. Drinking this concoction should give you relief within 3 hours.

Ingredients

• 1 cup prune juice
• 2 tablespoon milk of magnesia

Method:

1. Mix the milk of magnesia and prune juice in a bowl and microwave it for 30 seconds.
2. Drink this concoction when it is warm

9. Butter with Prune Juice Laxative

Butter acts as a laxative and gives a coating to the colon to make a smooth passage for the stool. This concoction should provide you with instant relief.

Ingredients:

• 6 to 8 ounce prune juice
• 1 tablespoon butter

Method:

1. Heat the prune juice in a saucepan for 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Add the butter and let it simmer for 1 minute.
3. Drink this while it is still warm.

10. Prune Juice Constipation with Olive Oil

There are excellent ways to use olive oil for constipation a it lubricates the colon and intestinal walls so that there is a free passage to the stool. It aids in healthy digestion.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 glass of prune juice

Method:

1. Mix the olive oil with prune juice.
2. Drink it chilled

11. Prune Fibers with Coffee

The warmth provided by the coffee and prune decoction will help you pass stool easily.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup prune juice
• 2 teaspoon instant coffee
• ¼ cup hot water

Method:

1. Heat water in a saucepan and add coffee.
2. Make a decoction. Heat the prune juice in another saucepan.
3. Add the coffee decoction to the hot prune juice.
4. Drink this mixture when it is hot.

12. Prune And Oats Milk

Oats milk is rich in fiber and fat. When these two ingredients are mixed together they help in proper movement of the stool.

You can always take this mixture daily on empty stomach till your bowel movements become regular.

Ingredients:

• ½ glass prune juice
• ½ glass oat milk

Method:

1. Mix the ingredients and then drink the mixture chilled on empty stomach.

{ Also Read:Rapid Home Remedies for Acid Reflux }

Other Interesting Ways to Eat Prunes Constipation:

• Smoothies, jam, juice, stewed and mocktails are regular ways for eating prunes. Below are some interesting ways to prunes:
• If you like eating middle-eastern cuisine then you can serve stewed prunes with braised lamb and rosemary potatoes. You can also include them in the pilaf rice that you prepare.
• Make a puree of stewed prunes. Add coriander powder, honey, cinnamon powder and yoghurt. Serve chilled.
• Serve stewed prunes with pancakes or waffles.
• You can make a trail mix at home by combining roasted dry fruits with pitted and chopped prunes.
• Make a fantastic poultry stuffing with prunes.
• Mix prune puree with ground beef and then shape it into a burger.

Safety Instructions:

Prunes are the best natural medicine for treating constipation but there are a few precautions that you must take if you do not want a bad experience.

Prunes have oxalate which is beneficial for human body if they are eaten in small quantities.

But if oxalate is consumed in heavy quantity then it automatically lowers the body’s capability to digest calcium.

Therefore, when you are taking prunes in your diet daily then you must also increase the intake of calcium.

If you have kidney stones or gall bladder issues then you have to control the level of calcium in your body.

It is imperative to take the correct dosage when you are eating or drinking prune juice for constipation.

Human body is not capable of handling excess amount of prunes and it can thus lead to diseases like stomach cramps, stomach gas, diarrhea and bloating.

You must notice the changes in your body and adjust the dosage accordingly.

If the prunes or prune juice do not help in clearing the constipation then it is imperative to take professional advice from a doctor.