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Prune Juice for Constipation

A registered dietitian nutritionist explains prune juice, its nutrition content, and more

What Is Prune Juice?

• How Much Should I Take?

How to Use Prune Juice

Strategies for digestive health.

Constipation affects about 20% of people worldwide. Females and adults older than 64 are more likely to be constipated.

Constipation looks and feels different for each person. However, constipation is defined as fewer than three bowel movements weekly. Bowel movements are hard, dry, lumpy, and difficult or painful to pass.

Your stool actually provides critical insights into your health . Changes in your stool texture and color , bowel movement frequency, and ease of pooping can reflect certain lifestyle habits or be indicative of any underlying health issue.  

The following article discusses the uses and benefits of prune juice, its nutrition, and its safety. 

Prunes are dried plums ( Prunus domestica L. ). They commonly grow in the United States, Chile, France, and Argentina. However, dried plums are consumed worldwide.

Rehydrating prunes creates prune juice. Store-bought prune juice goes through a more in-depth processing and filtration operation.  

Whole prunes and prune juice contain beneficial compounds that influence gastrointestinal function. Specifically, prunes are a potent source of fiber , polyphenols , and sorbitol, a type of sugar alcohol (polyol).

The nutrition content of a prune depends on the plum variety, where it was grown, its harvesting conditions, and its post-harvest processes.

Generally, 1 fluid ounce of prune juice contains the following nutrients:

• Water : 26 grams (g)
• Carbohydrates : 5.6 g
• Fiber : 0.32 g

Pectin is the dominant fiber in prunes. It is a soluble fiber readily fermented by gut bacteria. After processing and filtration, prune juice retains some of its fiber (pectin) content. Still, it has less than its whole counterpart.  

Whole prunes contain about 11 to 15.5 g of sorbitol per 100-gram serving (roughly the equivalent of 3.5 ounces (oz) or ⅔ cup). Prune juice contains less sorbitol than whole prunes: 6.1 grams per 100-gram serving. Still, prune juice contains more sorbitol than other fresh and dried fruits.

Prune Juice as a Laxative

The fiber, sorbitol, and polyphenols in prune juice positively affect bowel function and improve constipation.

Sorbitol exerts laxative -like effects on the body. Its beneficial effects are twofold.

Sorbitol is absorbed slowly, with much of it entering the bowel for fermentation. The breakdown of sorbitol by bacteria contributes to gas and loose stools .

Not all sorbitol is digested. Undigested sorbitol retains water, resulting in softer, wetter stools.

Polyphenols stimulate gut bacteria to support digestive health. Prunes are high in two specific polyphenols: chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acid . Some research suggests that chlorogenic acid supports beneficial bacteria while preventing pathogens from settling in the gut.  

Additional in vitro (lab) research shows that byproducts ( caffeic acid ) of the breakdown of chlorogenic acid stimulate Bifidobacteria in the colon . This produces a laxative effect. However, further research in humans is necessary.

Malorny / Getty Images

Prune Juice for Constipation: The Research

Most of the evidence on prunes for constipation focuses on dried fruit rather than juice.

Overall, research supports the benefit of prunes for constipation. Research even shows that consuming 100 g (⅔ cup) of prunes daily results in greater stool frequency and consistency improvements than psyllium husk, a supplement commonly taken for constipation.

Similarly, the available data suggest prune juice for constipation .

Notably, one small randomized controlled trial found a difference in stool shape and texture with regular consumption of prune juice. Participants with chronic constipation took 54 g (2 oz) of prune juice daily for eight weeks.  

Constipation symptoms improved after three weeks of drinking prune juice daily. However, changes in quality of life did not appear until after eight weeks.

There is no magical ingredient in prune juice. Instead, dietary fibers (like pectin), sorbitol, and polyphenols work together to support gut health and improve chronic constipation.

How Much Prune Juice Should I Take for Constipation?

The amount of prune juice for constipation depends on your age.

Juice is not recommended for children younger than 1.  

However, infants younger than four months can have 1 oz of prune juice diluted with 1 oz of water once to twice daily to alleviate constipation.

Infants 4 months to 1 year can consume prunes as one of the fruits in their diet. Prune juice can also be consumed if necessary but in minimal amounts.

Always discuss changes in bowel habits with a pediatrician before offering prune juice to an infant for constipation.

Fruit juice should be limited in young children.

Prunes can be part of the recommended three servings of fruit daily for children 1 year and older.

The American Pediatrics Association recommends limiting fruit juice to:

• 4 oz daily for toddlers ages 1 through 3.
• 4 to 6 oz daily for children 4 through 6.
• 8 oz for children 7 to 18.  

It is possible to remain within guidelines while addressing constipation issues with prune juice.

Again, consult a pediatrician about prune juice if your child experiences constipation.

Research shows that drinking 2 oz of prune juice daily relieves symptoms of constipation.

The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend drinking 100% juice and limiting portions to 4 oz or less.

Because prune juice can cause excess gas, introduce it slowly. Gradually increase up to 4 ounces pending tolerance—dilute prune juice with water to ease any side effects.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Avoid prune juice if you're allergic to it or its components (parts). Seek immediate medical attention if you have a severe allergic reaction (itching, hives, shortness of breath).

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of prune juice include diarrhea , gas , and bloating .

Precautions

Consult your healthcare provider before starting prune juice if you experience irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) , inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) , or other gastrointestinal issues . People with IBS or IBD may be sensitive to prune juice and its components (parts), namely sorbitol and fiber.

Prune juice is not recommended if you are experiencing diarrhea, which may exacerbate symptoms.

Interactions

Prune juice, which is naturally high in potassium , may significantly elevate potassium levels when consumed with potassium-sparing diuretics.

Prune juice has a sweet, zesty, yet slightly tart taste. Prune juice on its own may not taste good to everyone. However, prune juice can be easily added to other foods or drinks.

Try having prune juice in the following ways:

• As a liquid in smoothies
• Mixed into oatmeal instead of maple syrup for flavor and sweetness
• As a marinade or glaze
• Combined with other ingredients to make a sauce or dressing
• Diluted with sparkling water for a fizzy beverage
• Frozen as ice cubes or popsicles
• As an alternative sweetener or moistener in baked goods

A High-Fiber Diet

Increasing dietary fiber is a first line of treatment for constipation . Fiber bulks up stool and softens it by drawing water into it, making bowel movements easier to pass.

High-fiber foods include the following:

• Whole grains

Fruits in particular may significantly affect digestive health due to their high fiber, polyphenol, and sorbitol content.

A high-fiber diet and drinking adequate fluids go hand in hand.

Too much fiber is not always a good thing. High quantities of fiber can contribute to constipation. Maintaining adequate fluid intake with a high-fiber diet reduces constipation.

Physical Activity

Walking for 150 minutes or more weekly improves constipation symptoms. This translates to walking for 30 minutes five times per week.

The link between physical activity and constipation is unclear. However, regular movement improves constipation and quality of life.

Prune juice can be an effective natural laxative. With regular use, the combination of fiber, sorbitol, and polyphenols in prune juice improves constipation symptoms and quality of life. 

In addition to its fiber, sorbitol, and polyphenol content, prune juice is rich in other nutrients that support digestive and overall health. For most people, adding prune juice to their diet will encourage better bowel habits and help meet other nutritional needs.

Attaluri A, Donahoe R, Valestin J, et al. Randomised clinical trial: dried plums (prunes) vs. psyllium for constipation . Aliment Pharmacol Ther . 2011;33(7):822-828. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2036.2011.04594.x

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Constipation .

Penn Medicine. The scoop on poop: What does your poop say about your health?

Gill SK, Lever E, Emery PW, et al. Nutrient, fibre, sorbitol and chlorogenic acid content of prunes ( Prunus domestica ): an updated analysis and comparison of different countries of origin and database values . Int J Food Sci Nutr . 2019;70(8):924-931. doi:10.1080/09637486.2019.1600664

Stacewicz-Sapuntzakis M, Bowen PE, Hussain EA, et al. Chemical composition and potential health effects of prunes: A functional food? Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr . 2001;41(4):251-286. doi:10.1080/20014091091814

U.S. Department of Agriculture FoodData Central. Prune juice, canned .

Koyama T, Nagata N, Nishiura K, et al. Prune juice containing sorbitol, pectin, and polyphenol ameliorates subjective complaints and hard feces while normalizing stool in chronic constipation: a randomized placebo-controlled trial . Am J Gastroenterol . 2022;117(10):1714-1717. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001931

Lever E, Scott SM, Louis P, et al. The effect of prunes on stool output, gut transit time and gastrointestinal microbiota: a randomised controlled trial . Clin Nutr . 2019;38(1):165-173. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2018.01.003

Lever E, Cole J, Scott SM, et al. Systematic review: the effect of prunes on gastrointestinal function . Aliment Pharmacol Ther . 2014;40(7):750-758. doi:10.1111/apt.12913

Van Der Schoot A, Katsirma Z, Whelan K, et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis: foods, drinks and diets and their effect on chronic constipation in adults . Aliment Pharmacol Ther . 2024;59(2):157-174. doi:10.1111/apt.17782

Heyman MB, Abrams SA. Fruit juice in infants, children, and adolescents: current recommendations . Pediatrics . 2017;139(6):e20170967. doi:10.1542/peds.2017-0967

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Coping with constipation .

Petric Z, Žuntar I, Putnik P, et al. Food-drug interactions with fruit juices . Foods . 2020;10(1):33. doi:10.3390/foods10010033

Gao R, Tao Y, Zhou C, et al. Exercise therapy in patients with constipation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials . Scand J Gastroenterol . 2019;54(2):169-177. doi:10.1080/00365521.2019.1568544

By Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN, is a private practice dietitian and nutrition consultant based on the West Coast. She is passionate about translating nutrition science into digestible and actionable educational information and recommendations.

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Tony Ferguson Prune Juice – 250ml

R 54.95 (incl vat)

Tony Ferguson Prune Juice is a natural source of antioxidants and a delicious way to support digestive health. Made from high-quality prunes, our juice is a convenient and tasty way to add more fibre to your diet. Perfect for a morning pick-me-up or a midday snack.

• Specifications
• Ingredients

SUGGESTED USE: A high fibre drink to be consumed, in moderation, as and when additional fibre is needed in your diet.

ALLERGENS: None.

*Excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. *Refrigerate after opening and consume within 5 days. *Shake well before use. *Store in a cool, dry place.

INGREDIENTS: Dried Prunes (50%) [Prunes, Preservative (Potassium Sorbate), Vegetable Oil (Sunflower Seed)], Water, Enzymes.

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7 Uses for Prune Juice for Constipation, According to Registered Dietitians

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7 ways to use prune juice for constipation

Are there any side effects or risks associated with prune juice, the takeaway.

“Constipation is defined as having three or fewer bowel movements a week,” says registered dietitian Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN . She adds that when someone who is constipated is able to go, typically the stool is hard, difficult to pass and very uncomfortable. “[Constipation] is the most common gastrointestinal complaint,” she says.

Bonci says that there are several potential reasons for constipation: side effect from certain medications, not drinking enough fluid, not eating enough fiber, being too sedentary, disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome–constipation, laxative abuse, traveling, pregnancy or aging. If it’s something you experience regularly, it’s worth it to make an appointment with a gastroenterologist who can help you pinpoint exactly what the problem may be so you can find a long-term solution together.

There are also specific beverages and foods that help relieve constipation . One that often flies under the radar is prune juice. Before you dismiss it completely, do yourself — and your gut — a favor and get the facts on how it can help with constipation and the best ways to use it. (Spoiler: You don’t have to drink it straight!)

Is prune juice good for constipation?

Bonci says that there’s no question about whether or not prune juice can help with constipation; the answer is a resounding yes . “The fiber and sorbitol in prunes have a laxative effect, and studies have shown prunes to be as effective, if not more, than over-the-counter products,” she says.

Registered dietitian Shirin Hooshmand, PhD, RD, a professor of nutrition at the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences at San Diego State University, says that while prunes have been scientifically studied more than prune juice, it’s reasonable to speculate that prune juice has many of the same health benefits of prunes — including helping with constipation — just to a smaller degree.

“This topic is not as well-studied as one might think, but the limited available data do suggest a potential laxative benefit of both prunes and prune juice for constipation while causing limited negative effects such as loose stools in people without bowel health issues,” Dr. Hooshmand says. “In fact, softer stools are the typical side effect reported in healthy subjects, which would likely be viewed as a benefit.” It’s a noteworthy point: While constipation can be super uncomfortable, having to literally run to the bathroom isn’t any more pleasant.

While prune juice can be used any time of day to support digestive health, Bonci says that she especially thinks it’s a good idea to sip it before bed, which gives it a chance to work overnight. If you do decide to drink it during the day, she recommends trying it for the first time when you feel relaxed and there’s a bathroom nearby. “That way, you don’t need to worry or feel frantic about rushing to the toilet,” she says.

Convinced it’s worth a shot? Here are seven ways to give it a try.

1. Drink it straight.

The most direct — and perhaps easiest — way to use prune juice to prevent or relieve constipation is to drink it as-is. The serving size is key here. If you’ve never sipped on prune juice with the intention of preventing or relieving constipation, both dietitians say it’s best to start with a small serving. “Start with four ounces and see how you feel,” Bonci says. “Then, if there's a need, increase the amount gradually.”

Prune juice on its own is quite thick, which not everyone finds appealing. Bonci says that prune juices that are diluted may be more palatable, so you can look for them when shopping. She points out that many prune juices you can buy are in eight-ounce bottles, but, remember, a four-ounce serving is best to start, so drink only half. Some brands to look for are Lakewood Organic , Knudsen and Langers .

2. Warm it up.

Sipping a warm cup of prune juice just might become your pre-bedtime, constipation-preventing ritual. After all, as Bonci previously shared, consuming prune juice at night gives it time to work its gut-supporting magic while you sleep. Both dietitians say that warm prune juice has the same nutritional benefits as cold prune juice. Simply warm your four-ounce serving in the microwave for about two minutes, and you’re good to go.

There are also powdered prune products you can buy that will make your prune drink even more tea-like, especially in texture. A couple to try are FuXion Prunex and Ciruelax Natural Prunelax .

3. Add it to a smoothie.

If you don’t like the taste of prune juice on its own (whether it’s cold or heated up), Dr. Hooshmand says that it can also be integrated into a smoothie with other frozen fruits. All fruits contain fiber, a key nutrient for keeping the digestive system running properly , so a smoothie spiked with prune juice is an extra-gut-healthy way to start the day. Dr. Hooshmand says that one way to integrate prune juice into smoothies is to freeze it in an ice-cube tray. That way, you have prune juice ice cubes you can just pop into your blender with your other ingredients. Some fiber-rich fruits that have been scientifically linked to helping with constipation include apples, avocados, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, figs, grapefruit and guava.

4. Mix it with other juices.

Another way to make prune juice more palatable is to combine it with a fruit juice you like. “I really like prune and orange juice together, or even prune and apple juice or cranberry juice,” Bonci says. She adds that something to be aware of is that both apple juice and prune juice contain sorbitol (a sugar alcohol), so the combination may be a bit too much for the gut to handle at first. Again, start small.

5. Incorporate it into dressings.

Only five percent of people in the U.S. get enough fiber each day. No wonder so many of us are backed up! Topping a salad with a dressing made with prune juice (a smart idea from Bonci) is a great way to support your gut in more ways than one. Whisk the juice with some oil and vinegar to create a quick dressing, or cook the juice for a few minutes to create a reduction before making the dressing. Some especially fiber-rich ingredients to integrate into your salad include beets, cucumber and celery — all of them natural diuretics — as well as bulgar, lentils, sauerkraut, black beans, tempeh and Swiss chard, which are great for better gut health .

6. Add it to your oatmeal.

Bonci says that adding prune juice to your bowl of oatmeal by combining it with other liquid cooking ingredients can be a delicious way to sweeten it up, similar to adding a handful of berries. This pairing also provides a one-two gut-healthy punch: Oatmeal provides a great source of fiber, helps keep blood sugar levels steady and delivers satiety so you stay full until lunch.

7. Use it as a marinade.

Remember how Bonci said that it can be beneficial to have your prune juice at night so it works while you sleep? That's exactly why incorporating it into your dinner can help. One tasty route she recommends is to use it as part of a marinade for ribs or steak. Simply combine the prince juice with olive oil and herbs of your choice, then coat your meat and let it marinate overnight. (Be sure to plan ahead!) You could also add teriyaki sauce to the mix for a richer blend.

Both dietitians say that the main risk or side effect to be aware of when consuming prune juice for constipation is that it might work a little too well — that’s why it’s best to keep the serving small to start. (Bonci says that prune juice is also safe for kids, but the serving size should be even smaller: just two ounces.)

Dr. Hooshmand says that it isn’t unusual to feel some slight discomfort when the prune juice starts to work. “One potential issue with using a liquid such as prune juice is that it may result in cramping when the pressure caused by the liquid reaches the ‘blockage’ in the colon,” she says. Bonci adds that since prune juice can have a laxative effect, it may not be the best idea to consume it before exercise.

If constipation is something you experience regularly, Dr. Hooshmand emphasizes that it’s best to see a doctor who can help you figure out exactly why this is something you’re dealing with on a regular basis and the best way to move forward.

To truly support your gut, it’s important to eat a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods and be mindful of your fiber intake. But for occasional constipation, prune juice can be a clutch solution.

Emily is a freelance writer and certified health coach who specializes in writing about mental health, fitness, healthy food, and social justice issues. Emily spent six years as an editor and writer at Well+Good, covering everything from food trends to serious issues like the opioid crisis in America and gun violence. She has also worked at Seventeen , Elle , and Twist magazines. She regularly writes for publications including Forbes, Parade , Shape , and The Huffington Post. Emily lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her cat Evie. 

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Prune Juice – 250ml

R 54.95

Tony Ferguson Prune Juice is a natural source of antioxidants and a delicious way to support digestive health. Made from high-quality prunes, our juice is a convenient and tasty way to add more fibre to your diet. Perfect for a morning pick-me-up or a midday snack.

Tony Ferguson Prune Juice is a natural source of antioxidants and a delicious way to support digestive health. A convenient and tasty way to add more fibre to your diet.

• Specifications
• Ingredients

SUGGESTED USE: A high fibre drink to be consumed, in moderation, as and when additional fibre is needed in your diet.

ALLERGENS: None.

*Excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. *Refrigerate after opening and consume within 5 days. *Shake well before use. *Store in a cool, dry place.

INGREDIENTS: Dried Prunes (50%) [Prunes, Preservative (Potassium Sorbate), Vegetable Oil (Sunflower Seed)], Water, Enzymes.

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How to Drink Prune Juice

Last Updated: February 15, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Jason Piken and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden . Jason Piken is a Chiropractor, Certified Nutrition Specialist, Health Coach, and Owner of Innate Wellness Group. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Piken specializes in providing a holistic, whole-body approach to nutrition and wellness. He earned a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northeast College of Health Sciences and is certified as a Practitioner of Applied Kinesiology by the International College of Applied Kinesiology. In addition to his nutrition certification, he holds a Therapeutic Lifestyle Certification and a Gonstead Certification. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 91,364 times.

Prune juice is made from prune concentrate, water, and sugar. If you have digestion issues, you may have heard about the benefits of prune juice for constipation or bloating. Try adding prune juice to your diet to see if it eases the digestive issues that you have. Stop drinking prune juice if it makes your digestive issues worse or you have diarrhea or stomach cramps. [1] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source

Alleviating Digestion Issues

• Prunes contain fiber which aids in digestion and can help alleviate constipation and bloating.

Warning: If you experience any stomach pain, diarrhea, or cramping, try reducing your intake to 0.25 cups (59 mL) of prune juice per day.

• Meals that feature a lot of food low in fiber, like beef and poultry, are often harder to pass and can lead to constipation.

Tip: You can also try drinking more water along with the prune juice to help your digestion issues.

• If your child is younger than 12 months old and you think they are constipated, talk to their doctor to see if you should be giving them prune juice.
• You can also make prune juice popsicles for your child to eat throughout the day.
• Never give your child laxatives for constipation unless their doctor recommends them.
• If your child doesn’t show signs of constipation for 24 hours, you can stop giving them prune juice. [7] X Research source

Prune juice has great nutrition that keeps your digestion on track. Try a small glass daily, warmed up or blended into a smoothie. For something new, use it to sweeten oatmeal or liven up a marinade. Moderation is key — start with 4 ounces to see how your body responds. More than a constipation cure, prune juice gives you a blend of vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. It's a tasty way to nourish your body from the inside out.

Dealing with Side Effects

• For some people, the amount of fiber in prune juice is too much for your bowels to handle. This could mean that prune juice makes your symptoms worse.

• Too much sugar can disrupt the natural balance in your body and cause long-term pancreas problems.

• If you are taking blood thinners and having digestion issues, talk to your doctor about alternatives to prune juice.

Expert Q&A

• Lower your intake of prune juice if you feel any bloating, cramping, or gas to avoid digestive problems. [11] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about fixing digestive issues, check out our in-depth interview with Jason Piken .

• ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/prune-juice-for-constipation
• ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/prune-juice-for-constipation-a-new-study-says-yes
• ↑ https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Constipation/
• ↑ https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/nutrition/if-nfs-constipation-in-babies-and-children.pdf
• ↑ https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167753/nutrients
• ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/46YKLFlFF8cP8YJmRrk4VHf/what-should-i-not-eat-or-drink-when-i-m-taking-medication

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Home > Food Facts > How Much Prune Juice for Constipation Relief?

How Much Prune Juice for Constipation Relief?

It is terrible to feel as if you have to use the washroom, and yet nothing comes out. If you’re having a problem with regular bowel movements, prune juice for constipation may be the solution.

In a healthy body, waste travels through the digestive tract within six to 24 hours. When it passes through the large intestine too slowly, this is called constipation.

Constipation among the elderly is especially prevalent. In fact, constipation affects 50% of community-dwelling older adults, and 74% of those living in a nursing home.

A healthy person has one to three bowel movements each day, but if your bowels are constipated, you likely haven’t passed a stool in two to three days.

Also, when your bowels are constipated, it is not just difficult to pass stools; the urge to pass waste may disappear altogether. Sometimes constipation has no signs, but at other times you may pass painfully hard stools, experience a general feeling of malaise, or have a distended abdomen.

Although constipation is the top gastrointestinal disorder in the U.S., it is actually quite easy to avoid. Stress, inactivity, and certain medications all contribute to the problem.

That said, the best treatment for constipation is increasing your fiber and fluid intake. When fluids and fiber are lacking, the large intestine lacks regular stimulation to generate contracting motions, and waste cannot be propelled through the intestinal tract.

Luckily, prune juice kills two birds with stone. It is a liquid and high in fiber. Let me explain why many top doctors recommend prune juice for constipation, how much to drink for constipation, and much more…

Why Prune Juice for Constipation?

Prunes, aka dried plums, and prune juice are amazing sources of fiber that can keep you regular. Although they are best known for their laxative effect, they also have antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-osteoporosis, and hepatoprotective effects. As a result, prune juice can help treat colon cancer, prevent heart disease, protect against liver disease, strengthen your bones, and reduce oxidative stress in the body.

Who would have thought that prune juice could do all that? There is even evidence to support a prune juice laxative effect .

Studies Say Prune Juice Is Laxative

1. prune supplements can soften stools.

A study published in the Korean Journal of Community Nutrition in 2008 found that prune supplementation is effective for energy, fiber, and water, which helps relieve constipation symptoms in adults.

The prune supplementation softened the stools and decreased the pain and length of time involved in a bowel movement.

2. Prunes Increase Frequency of Bowel Movements

Also, a review published in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics in 2014 found that prunes were more effective than high-fiber psyllium husk for constipation treatment.

The authors of the study noted that prunes increased the frequency of bowel movements and improved stool consistency in those with constipation.

3. Prune Juice Is More Effective Than Medicinal Laxatives

In 1980, a geriatric center in New Jersey even found that they could almost completely eliminate pharmaceutical laxatives by using sources of dietary fiber, including prune juice. The center even saved $44,000 in pharmaceutical expenses that year.

How does prune juice work and keep you so regular? Why is it considered good for your health?

5 Nutrients That Make Prunes the Best Remedy for Constipation:

1. soluble fiber.

Soluble fiber improves the digestive system by stimulating peristalsis, which is a movement of the intestinal muscles that moves food through the digestive tract. Soluble fiber breaks down the blockages that cause constipation by absorbing water.

2. Non-Soluble Fiber (Insoluble Fiber)

The insoluble fiber in prunes fuels the probiotics, or good bacteria, in the digestive system. The good bacteria must exist in large amounts within the gut to maintain a healthy digestive tract.

3. Sorbitol

Why else are prunes for constipation so helpful? Prunes contain 15% sorbitol, which helps to soften and loosen stools by drawing lost water content back into the colon.

4. Dihydrophenylisatin

Dihydrophenylisatin is a chemical substance found in prunes’ skin. It powerfully stimulates intestinal movement. This increases fluid secretion to help soften stools.

5. Active Digestive Enzymes

Many of the minerals and vitamins in prunes like potassium and vitamin A help activate the digestive enzymes.

This helps stools move quickly through the colon and rectum. The potassium also draws back lost water and strengthens the colon against harmful bacteria in the digestive tract.

Lakewood Prune Juice- Enriched With Fiber

Prune juice nutritional content.

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.

Besides 2.6 g of fiber, one cup of prune juice contains:

• 44.7 g of carbs
• 1.6 g of protein
• 0.1 g of fat
• 0.6 mg of vitamin B6
• 707 mg of potassium
• 0.4 mg of manganese
• 3 mg of iron
• 10.5 mg of vitamin C
• 8.7 mcg of vitamin K
• 0.2 mg of vitamin B2
• 2 mg of vitamin B3
• 35.8 mg of magnesium
• 0.2 mg of copper
• 64 mg of phosphorus
• 0.5 mg of zinc.

How Much Prune Juice Should I Drink for Constipation?

How much prune juice for adults.

Adults should take four to eight ounces of prune juice each morning to ensure proper colonic stimulation. When you haven’t expelled a stool in a few days, you should drink up to three glasses daily .

Also, drinking a glass of water before consumption increases its effectiveness. A glass of heated prune juice in the morning will encourage a bowel movement in the evening, while a glass of warm prune juice before bed will help you go in the morning.

How Much Prune Juice for Infants?

When treating a baby or small child with constipation , two to four ounces is recommended , but two ounces per day should be enough. If the child doesn’t like it, try prune juice popsicles!

How Long Does Prune Juice Take to Work?

Because prune juice is high in natural sugar, it’s best that you purchase juice without added sugar. Better yet, you can easily make prune juice yourself using one cup of dried prunes and five cups of water.

Remove the stones from the prunes and boil five cups of water. Add some boiled water to a heat-safe container with the prunes. Fill the container until the prunes are submerged, set aside the rest of the boiled water for later use, and let the prunes soak for 12 to 24 hours.

Blend the prunes and the water you soaked them in until smooth. Using a sieve, push the mixture into a one-liter container, and get rid of the solid pieces. Use the remaining water to fill the container till you have a full liter, stir, and chill the juice in the fridge for up to a week.

How long does it take for prune juice to work? They work differently for certain people. For some it works in a few minutes, and for others it takes 30 minutes to an hour.

However, it is always best to wait at least a few hours after consuming prune juice for natural constipation relief before you start panicking that you haven’t had a bowel movement yet.

If you still haven’t had a bowel movement after several hours, try drinking warm distilled water as well.

Conclusion: How to Juice Prunes

You can choose prunes or prune juice to help treat constipation. However, the fiber in prunes may cause gas and bloating. As a result, it may be best to go with prune juice. It is also better to go with juice without added pulp, which also can lead to bloating.

Also, follow these tips for a better bowel movement:

• Exercise stimulates intestinal contractions, and even a brisk 30-minute walk is enough to get your bowels moving.
• Drink eight to 10 glasses of water per day. Water is a must since dehydration can lead to constipation.
• Never hold back. When you do, you are actually training your bowels not to expel waste, and the result is chronic constipation.
• Retrain your bowels by sitting on the toilet at the same time each day, even if you don’t feel the urge to go. After exercise or early in the morning are good times.
• Use a stool or squatty potty. This helps put you in the correct position to move all the waste smoothly through your digestive tract.

Enjoy your prune juice, and happy pooping!

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Sources: Balch, J., et al., Prescription for Natural Cures: A Self-Care Guide for Treating Health Problems with Natural Remedies Including Diet, Nutrition, Supplements, and Other Holistic Methods (Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2004), 211-216. Johnson, J., “Prune Juice: Health Benefits and Nutritional Information,” Medical News Today web site, January 20, 2017; http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315340.php .

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