Prunes are natural laxative which can be used by both adults and children to treat constipation. Constipation is a condition which affects everyone at some point in their lives and in this condition the patient has three or less than three bowel movements in a week. In constipation, symptoms like cramps in stomach, gas formation, bloated stomach, nausea, headache and loss of appetite may be experienced by person. For preventing and curing constipation problem, natural home remedies are commonly used by people. Physicians also suggest home remedies as a first-line treatment. This home remedy includes a high fiber therapy which involves utilization of fiber rich supplements and foods in large amount. But, Prunes have something else besides fiber that can aid constipation.
Actually, prune is a dried plum that has been a part of human diets for thousands of years. Plums were dehydrated to make it dry.
Prunes: A Natural Laxative in constipation
Natural laxative is better than chemical laxative for treating constipation. Chemical laxatives can cause many side effects such as diarrhea and dehydration. If prunes eaten in limited quantity, do not cause any such problem. Prunes contain dihydrophenylsatin, a natural laxative agent. Dried prunes for constipation are as effective as prune juice. If your digestive system is too weak to process prunes, then try juice of prune instead of prune. Also, prune juice contains high concentrations of simple sugars, which are known as sorbitol and fructose. These simple sugars don’t act directly in constipation as natural laxatives, but increases its action by increasing fluid content in intestine. Thus, softening of stools occurs and increases the bowel movement.
Prunes contains larger amount of potassium and vitamin A. Though, it is a source of minerals like potassium, it activates the enzymes of the digestive system. These enzymes work rapidly and dissolve the feces in the large intestine. Peristalsis, movement of content out of the digestive tract by a radially symmetrical contraction of muscles, is taken place by enzymes and thus moves the stools out of the rectum. Also, potassium helps in pulling water out of the body and into the colon. Potassium deficiency can cause tension which further leads to constipation. By supplying large amount of potassium, it helps in constipation.
Side Effects of prunes:
- Calcium absorption is retarded by oxalates which present in Prunes.
- Avoid prunes if you have a kidney problem or a gallbladder problem because excess of oxalates in the body fluids can solidify them.
- Stomach cramping and gas are the problem related with prunes. So, do not eat prunes in excess.
Other uses:
Prune is also used in cooking for both sweet and savory dishes. It is used in other holiday dishes, such as stuffing, cake, and to make sugar plums. Prunes also have high antioxidant content which scavenges the free radical in the body. Prunes contain dietary fiber (about 6%, or 0.06 g per gram of prune) which helps to remove constipation. Besides curing constipation, they also provide a number of vitamins to the body thus help in lowering cholesterol.
Prune juice in constipation:
Prune juice is made by softening prunes through steaming and then putting them through a pulper to create a watery puree. It is one of the best -known constipation home remedies. Prune juice increase the fluid content of intestine and thus help to soft stool and allow for healthy bowels. Though, natural sugars are present in it, it can not increase blood sugar. A chemical present in prune juice lowers LDL cholesterol in the body. It also helps in preventing estrogen dependent breast cancer in women. Prune juice can also be diluted with warm water for better effect. Also, you can mix it with apple juice if you do not like the taste of prune juice.
It is recommended that you make certain lifestyle changes besides eating prunes for constipation.
Besides eating prunes for constipation, you can also;
- Increase your physical activities
- Change your food habits. A proper diet for constipation should include lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Increase your fluid intake by drinking at least 8 – 10 glasses of water and lots of fruit juices.
