Laxatives can help relieve the condition, but the relief is short-term, and there may be a few side effects (2). You can try out some home remedies to treat this problem, such as drinking juice. Wondering what the best juices for constipation are? In this article, we will discuss homemade juices to treat constipation, their dosage, and benefits. Read on!
Why Drink Juices For Constipation
Juices are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber and have a high water content (3). They can keep you hydrated and provide your body with the required dietary fiber. Soluble fiber helps to retain water in the stool and makes it softer. This helps in better bowel movement. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the fecal matter, which quickens the bowel movement (3). According to the American Dietetic Association, the fiber intake should be 20-35 g/day for adults and 5 g/day for children (4). Sorbitol, a carbohydrate present in fruit juices, helps in facilitating rapid bowel movement, especially among children (3).
8 Homemade Juices To Treat Constipation
1. Apple Juice For Constipation
1 apple, seeds removed ½ teaspoon fennel powder ½ cup water
Apples are rich in fiber, minerals, and vitamins (4). Having an apple as a whole or in the juice form can help prevent constipation (3). Fennel seed powder is rich in dietary fiber (5). It helps in retaining water in the stool, facilitating smooth bowel movement and preventing constipation (6).
2. Grape Juice For Constipation
Freshly picked black grapes ½ inch ginger Black salt to taste ½ cup water or as per the desired consistency
Grapes contain a lot of water and fiber, which is important to hydrate the body and bulk up the stool (3), (7). Grapes contain sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that holds more water and facilitates easy passage of stools. It is a cost-effective natural laxative to treat constipation (8).
3. Orange Juice For Constipation
1 cup roughly chopped oranges A pinch of black salt
Oranges are a rich source of vitamin C, minerals, and dietary fiber (9). Incorporating orange juice into your diet can also be beneficial, as it helps relieve constipation naturally due to its high fiber content. The dietary fiber helps to retain water and adds bulk to the stool, thereby stimulating bowel movement (3).
4. Pear Juice For Constipation
2 pears, pith removed 2 teaspoon lime juice A pinch of black salt
Pears are also rich in fiber (10). They contain almost twice the amount of sorbitol as in prunes. Sorbitol helps in facilitating bowel movement (11).
Jordan Anthony, a Certified Nutritionist, says, “Pear juice is especially gentle on the system. It’s recommended by pediatricians for babies, as well as for adults.”
5. Prune Juice For Constipation
5-6 prunes ½ teaspoon honey ½ teaspoon cumin powder 1 cup warm water
Drinking prune juice for constipation may help as it contains dietary fiber and sorbitol that help quicken bowel movements (3), (11). Cumin helps maintain good gut health and is great as a seasoning for prune juice (12).
6. Cherry Juice For Constipation
1 cup fresh cherries 2 teaspoons lime juice ½ cup water Black salt to taste
Cherries contain polyphenols, water, and fiber(13). The fiber content of cherries helps to add bulk to stool and makes evacuation smooth (3).
7. Lemon Juice For Constipation
½ lemon 1 cup warm water 1 teaspoon honey ½ teaspoon cumin powder
Lemon is rich in fiber and vitamin C (14). They not only help treat constipation but also boost the immune system. Cumin powder is extremely helpful in keeping the digestive system healthy (12).
8. Cranberry Juice For Constipation
Ingredients
1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries 1 orange ½ cup of water 1 teaspoon of organic honey (optional)
How To Prepare Why This Works Cranberry juice may help increase the good bacteria in your gut and significantly improve constipation in those with obesity (15). Raw, unsweetened cranberries contain 87% of water and 3.6 gm of fiber (16). Fruit juices with fiber and water may help relieve constipation (3)
Juice Dosage For Constipation
You can have one cup of juice every day. Try to include the pulp and do not add extra sugar. You can add spices, such as cumin and fennel. These may aid in flushing out toxins from the colon. Drink the juice for constipation first thing in the morning every day. Though these juices are helpful in treating constipation, do take a look at the possible side effects.
Side Effects
There are no possible side effects of drinking fruit juices, but you should be aware of dosage. Always use fresh homemade juice as canned or processed juice contains preservatives and added sugar (17). This is not recommended for people with diabetes. The excess of fructose from fruit juices may lead to cardiovascular diseases, nonalcoholic fatty liveri A general term for liver problems brought on by an accumulation of extra fat that affects people who drink minimal to no alcohol. , diabetes, and malabsorption syndromei An illness that hinders nutrients from being absorbed through the small intestine and may be brought on by an infection or medicine. (18). If you experience constipation regularly, try to change your diet. Here is what you should eat (19).
What To Eat To Treat Constipation
Fruits – Plum, pear, watermelon, orange, lime, lemon, and apple. Vegetables – Kale, spinach, broccoli, carrot, radish, beetroot, and celery. Proteins – Garbanzo beans and black beans. Seeds And Nuts – Cumin seeds, fennel seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed, and soaked almonds. Fats And Oils – Olive oil Beverages – Water, coconut water, buttermilk, fresh fruit juices, and detox water.
Useful Tip
Consume a lot of fiber-containing foods and keep yourself hydrated. Also, if possible, drink a glass of warm water as soon as you wake up, even before drinking your morning juice. You can also add other fruits, such as grapefruit, pineapple, mango, kiwi, and papaya to enhance the flavor of your juices. Moreover, anecdotal evidence suggests that adding probiotics, aloe vera, cucumber, and psyllium husk to your diet can help relieve constipation. Here are the signs and symptoms of constipation (20).
Symptoms Of Constipation
Slower bowel movement Abdominal pain Hardened stool Not feeling the urge to go to the washroom Bloating Difficulty in passing stool Vomiting sensation
What Causes Constipation?
Not drinking enough water or fluids Not eating enough dietary fiber Irritable bowel syndromei A collection of digestive system symptoms, mainly due to an intestinal problem that causes diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. Colon cancer Leading a sedentary lifestyle Excessive consumption of alcohol Stress Pregnancy Certain medications, such as antidepressants and antacids Sudden change in diet or activity level Spinal cord injury Multiple sclerosisi A condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves’ protective layer and results in visual loss or poor movements. Stroke Weak pelvic muscles Dyssynergiai An issue preventing the muscles from working together correctly, generally caused by a problematic brain-spinal cord connection. Diabetes Hypothyroidismi A disorder in which the thyroid gland does not generate adequate thyroid hormone, affecting metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. or hyperthyroidismi A disorder in which the thyroid gland overproduces the thyroid hormone, causing unwanted weight loss, abnormal heart rate, and irritability.
Many of us tend to ignore our health problems. If you think that constipation is a minor problem, take a look at the next section to know what could happen if you ignore it.
Adverse Outcomes Of Constipation
While occasional episodes of constipation are not a cause for worry, regularly experiencing constipation can pose health risks if you do not address it immediately:
Anal fissuresi A tiny rip in the anus developed due to difficult bowel movements, leading to discomfort and bleeding when passing bowel movements. Rectal prolapse Swollen veins in the anus Fecal impactioni Long-term constipation causes firm stool to become trapped in the lower colon or rectum, which is extremely painful. Bowel stricturei Intestinal blockage caused by a narrowing of the intestines as a result of long-term inflammation. Colon cancer
Other factors can aggravate the risk of constipation. Here is what you should be aware of
Constipation Risk Factors
The following individuals are at risk of constipation (20):
People on medications, such as narcotics, blood pressure medicines, antidepressants, and antacids. Women Elderly adults Individuals with eating disorders Individuals dealing with depression People who do not get enough sleep People who do not get enough physical activity People who do not drink enough water
Judy, an experienced nurse in pediatrics, highlights the prevalence of constipation in children, emphasizing its link to tummy aches in her blog. She writes, “As a healthcare professional with years of experience, I’ve encountered many cases of childhood constipation, and I recommend open communication, dietary adjustments, and practical remedies like glycerin suppositories to address this common issue (i)” . Is it safe to drink cranberry juice for constipation? According to Anthony, “Yes, it’s safe to drink cranberry juice for constipation. While some compounds in cranberry juice can become problematic in large doses, this is usually only a real issue with cranberry-based supplements.” What are the benefits of drinking mango juice for constipation? Anthony says, “Mango juice is rich in fiber and highly nutritious, making it great at promoting regular bowel movements as well as overall health.” When should you go to the hospital for constipation? If you have bleeding stools or anal fissures or have not had stool elimination for 15 days, you should go to the hospital and consult a specialist. How long is too long to be constipated? If you are finding it difficult to pass stool for more than 7-8 days, it should be considered chronic constipation. Does carrot juice make you poop? Carrot is loaded with fiber, which is important to add bulk to stool and help in proper evacuation. Is yogurt good for constipation? Yes, yogurt contains good bacteria that promote gut health and helps relieve constipation and maintain regular bowel movement (22).
Illustration: Best Juices To Treat Constipation
Learn about the 3 great juices that can help reduce constipation and restore your digestive system! Check out this video to learn how to regain your health using easy home remedies.
