Constipation can be frustrating and uncomfortable at the same time. This common problem affects millions of people around the world who have a bowel movement less frequent than usual (less than three times a week). While it may be embarrassing to discuss when and how you poop with somebody, it is important to deal with this problem as it can cause complications if left untreated. Let go of the discomfort because a simple juice is all you need. Read on to learn about how to use prune juice for constipation relief.

The juice we are talking about is prune juice. This is a better option as compared to OTC medications or prescription drugs. Many studies have proven the efficacy of prune juice in treating constipation. We have compiled a list of its ingredients and how to use prune juice for constipation below.

Does Prune Juice Help With Constipation?

One of the most recommended natural remedies for constipation is prune juice. It contains certain nutrients and compounds that make it an effective laxative aid. Here’s an insight into what prune juice contains that makes it so effective in treating constipation.

1. Prune juice has a high sorbitol content, which makes it an effective laxative (1).  Other sugars like fructose, glucose, and sucrose are quickly absorbed in the gut, but sorbitol isn’t. By staying in the gut, it opposes the absorption of water from the colon. Therefore, it decreases dehydration of stools and fights constipation.
2. Prunes are also known for their high fiber content (2). Opt for prune juice that includes its pulp to provide the much-needed extra fiber required to treat constipation. This nutrient passes through the digestive tract without being absorbed in the intestines and without breaking down. It helps in drawing water to the stools, making them softer and bulkier.
3. The phenolic compounds present in prune juice act as antioxidants that protect your body against cell aging and oxidative stress. A benefit of using phenolic compounds to treat constipation is that they function as stimulating laxatives (2). This results in the stools moving faster in the colon, thus causing them to be less dehydrated.

Quite obviously, there is a lot of actual scientific evidence that shows the efficacy of prune juice as a natural treatment for constipation (3). Research has shown that prune juice helps in increasing the fluid volume that remains in stools and, at the same time, causes contractions that stimulate bowel movement. To eliminate constipation, you can use these effective prune juice remedies.

Prune Juice As A Remedy For Constipation

1. Prune Juice For Constipation

You Will Need

1. A cup of prune juice

What You Have To Do

Drink this as and when it is convenient for you.

How Often You Should Do This

Have 3-4 cups of prune juice in a day.

Why This Works

The laxative effects of the components of prune juice will start showing results in a day or two.

2. Milk Of Magnesia And Prune Juice For Constipation

You Will Need

1. 1 cup prune juice
2. 2 tablespoons milk of magnesia

What You Have To Do

1. Add the milk of magnesia to the prune juice and microwave this for 30-45 seconds.
2. Drink it while it is warm or once it has cooled down a bit.

How Often You Should Do This

This remedy should give you relief in 1-3 hours.

Why This Works

Milk of magnesia is chemically known as magnesium hydroxide, which is a common ingredient in commercially available antacids and laxatives. It draws fluids into the colon, causing easy movement of the bowels and inducing their evacuation (4).

3. Butter And Prune Juice To Get Rid Of Constipation

You Will Need

1. 6-8 oz prune juice
2. 1 tablespoon butter

What You Have To Do

1. Heat the prune juice on a medium flame for 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the butter and heat for another minute.
3. Let this mixture cool down. Drink it.

How Often You Should Do This

This remedy will give you instant relief from constipation. Use it as and when required.

Why This Works

The oils from the butter make the passage of the stools smoother from your intestines (5).

4. Apple Juice And Prune Juice To Prevent Constipation

You Will Need

1. 2-3 glasses prune juice
2. 2 glasses apple juice

What You Have To Do

1. Drink all of the prune juice first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
2. After half an hour, drink a glass of apple juice.
3. Drink another glass of apple juice an hour after the first glass. This helps in cleaning out your bowels properly and making sure that they function as they should.

You can drink orange juice if you do not have any apple juice available.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this in the morning to relieve constipation.

Why This Works

This is a very effective remedy for those who suffer from chronic constipation or have not had bowel movement for 2 to 3 days. It kickstarts bowel movement even if you are suffering from a particularly severe case of constipation (6).

5. Olive Oil And Prune Juice For Constipation

You Will Need

1. 1 tablespoon virgin olive oil
2. A glass of prune juice

What You Have To Do

Mix the oil with the prune juice and drink it.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat after a few hours if required.

Why This Works

Olive oil promotes healthy digestion and lines the intestinal walls with fats to aid the quick passage of stools (7).

6. Coffee And Prune Juice To Prevent Constipation

You Will Need

1. 1 cup prune juice
2. 2 teaspoons instant coffee
3. 1/4 cup hot water

What You Have To Do

1. Heat the prune juice by microwaving it for 45-60 minutes.
2. Mix the instant coffee with hot water and add this to the prune juice.
3. Drink it while it is hot.

How Often You Should Do This

Drinking this once has shown results in hundreds of people.

Why This Works

The warmth of this concoction promotes stool movement and helps you defecate easily (8).

7. Prune Juice And Oat Milk For Constipation

You Will Need

1. 1/2 glass prune juice
2. 1/2 glass oat milk

What You Have To Do

Mix the two and drink this mixture in the morning on an empty stomach.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this every morning until your bowel movement becomes regular.

Why This Works

The combination of oat milk and prune juice is recommended for treating constipation. This mixture facilitates easy movement of the stools (9).

When using these remedies, keep in mind that the amount of prune juice that needs to be consumed to obtain relief from constipation varies from person to person as not everyone responds to dietary changes in the same fashion. You may need to experiment with this juice until you find the optimum quantity that helps you find relief from constipation. If the need is urgent, opt for remedies that work instantly.