Many people experience constipation from time to time. In general, occasional constipation occurs when waste moves through the digestive system too slowly. This gives the colon time – too much time – to absorb water from the waste. When that happens, waste slowly builds up and becomes hard and dry, making it difficult to push out.

Luckily, there are many home remedies that can help get things moving again, like drinking apple juice.

Drink apple juice for constipation relief

Apple juice can relieve constipation for three reasons. First, it keeps you hydrated. As explained earlier, you get constipated when food waste moving through your digestive system becomes hard and dry. Drinking hydrating beverages like apple juice can help soften stools and stimulate your bowel movements.

The second reason apple juice can ease constipation is it contains pectin. Pectin is a fiber in the cell walls of plants. It is what gives plants their structure. About 15 to 20 percent of the pulp of apples is pectin.

As a gel-forming fiber, pectin easily absorbs water and has been shown to improve stool consistency. In a study by Chinese researchers, people with constipation who took pectin showed improvements in their symptoms. Additionally, previous studies have also shown that apple juice can tame flatulence and relieve abdominal pain.

Finally, the third reason apple juice can help with constipation is it contains sorbitol. Sorbitol is the main sugar alcohol in apples. As a natural laxative, sorbitol speeds up bowel movements by stimulating the walls of the digestive tract. In fact, sorbitol has been developed into an actual laxative to relieve constipation symptoms.

How to use apple juice for constipation relief

The best way to relieve constipation using apple juice is to drink a glass of it every day. Make sure to choose only pure, unsweetened apple juice to get its full effects.

You can buy it from health food stores or make it yourself by blending three apples with the core removed until you get a smoothie-like consistency. Don’t peel the apples to retain as much of the pectin as possible. Add water if needed, then refrigerate the mixture for a few hours. If you’re prone to constipation, drink it daily.

However, note that apple juice can lead to diarrhea if consumed in excess due to its high concentration of sugars. Apple juice should also only be a temporary fix for constipation. To prevent constipation from recurring, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and eat fiber-rich foods as part of a healthy diet.

Other juices for constipation

If apple juice isn’t your jam, don’t fret. There are other juices that can help relieve constipation as well, such as:

• Prune juice – Prune juice is great for constipation because it helps increase stool weight and makes you pass stool more frequently. Like apple juice, prune juice is also a good source of the natural laxative, sorbitol.
• Pineapple juice – Pineapple contains a unique enzyme called bromelain. On top of easing constipation, bromelain can reduce bloating and relieve abdominal cramps. The juice itself also helps soften stool.
• Lemon juice – Lemon juice’s acidity comes from vitamin C, which, along with other antioxidants, helps flush out toxins from the digestive tract. For added relief, some people drink their lemon juice hot.
• Orange juice – Oranges contain a compound called naringenin, which has been shown to relieve constipation quickly.
• Pear juice – Pear juice has about four times more sorbitol than apple juice, which makes it a great remedy for constipation. Even if you’re not constipated, pear juice will keep you regular.

Though extremely common and usually no cause for concern, constipation can affect your daily activities. Luckily, drinking fresh fruit juices like apple juice can help get things moving again.

Just make sure to watch your intake as even pure fruit juices are high in natural sugars. You also shouldn’t rely on fruit juices if you often get constipated. If you struggle to pass stool regularly or if your constipation is accompanied by symptoms like bleeding and sudden weight loss, consult a healthcare practitioner.

Sources:

FoodsForBetterHealth.com

PubMed.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

TimesOfIndia.IndiaTimes.com