You may know the popular saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But, you may be surprised to know that apples do, in fact, have many health benefits. Those suffering from constipation understand how discomforting and painful it can be. Having apple juice for constipation relief is an effective natural remedy that will help you get rid of that unwanted heaviness.
An independent study conducted in the U.S. has shown that over four million people suffer from constipation. Read on if you are one of them to learn all about this effective natural remedy.
How Is Apple Juice Good for Constipation?
Constipation is a medical condition characterized by difficult and infrequent bowel movements. Fortunately, certain simple and easily available foods are known to have surprising effects of treating and preventing this condition.
Readily available fruits like apples have remarkable properties that can bring relief. But, does apple juice relieve constipation? Here are a few findings laid out for you to check out.
1. Assists with Hydration
Consuming apple juice will help to make up for any insufficient fluid intake. Dehydration is one of the major causes of constipation.
You can substitute water with apple juice during regular meals, and its sweet and delicious taste appeals to kids as well.
2. Improves Bowel Movements
A low-fiber diet is another cause of constipation. Apple juice contains large quantities of pectin, which helps to reduce constipation to a large extent.
Studies conducted in Israel found that an increased intake of fiber, especially pectin and soluble fiber, improved bowel movements and stool consistency, and helped to reduce flatulence and abdominal pain.
3. Laxative Effect
Apple juice has laxative effects thanks to a sugar alcohol it contains called sorbitol. Consuming apple juice effectively reduces abdominal pain and improves bowel movements due to its sorbitol content.
How to Use Apple Juice for Constipation Relief
As mentioned, apple juice is an effective natural remedy to help treat constipation. Here are a few ways to use it.
1. Drink Pure Apple Juice
Blend three apples with the skin (core removed) in a blender to get a smoothie level consistency. Add water according to desired consistency.
Stir and refrigerate the mixture for a couple of hours. Consume one glass daily.
Not only does apple juice help relieve constipation, but it also contains the other nutrients that are essential for your body as well.
2. Combine Apple Juice with Fresh Apples
Get the required fiber by adding fresh cut apples to your apple juice. Start with making the pure apple juice as per the above recipe. Then, slice fresh apples, and add them to the juice while you’re drinking it.
Have this every day for about two weeks and notice the improvement in your bowel movements.
Does Apple Juice Cause Diarrhea?
A study published in 2015 has failed to convincingly prove that apples are helpful to keep the doctor at bay when consumed daily. However, eating a whole apple is definitely healthier than having apple juice. But as you know, too much of anything is bad for your health.
Since apple juice contains a high concentration of sugars, it can be the main cause of diarrhea, particularly in children. Whole apples, on the other hand, can be helpful to prevent diarrhea.
Apple juice consumption for diarrhea is a temporary fix. So, adopting a balanced high-fiber diet along with exercise will go a long way to help control and prevent constipation.
Since it’s much easier to overconsume apple juice, the chances of having diarrhea induced by apple juice is far more common than by eating whole apples. So, if you face this problem while trying to treat constipation, try to reduce your apple intake to see if the diarrhea subsides.
Final Word on Apple Juice
Apple juice is a miracle remedy to help treat constipation and irregular bowel movements. However, having the right amount for constipation relief. Also, combining it with the natural high-fiber content of apples is also essential for treatment.
Apple juice has shown to be effective in helping to control this common condition that plagues many people daily. However, if the symptoms persist even after a couple of weeks of having apple juice, you should check in with your doctor to see what the cause of your constipation is.
Related:
- Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar before Bed: Benefits, How to Drink, and Recipes
- Is Apple Juice Acidic?
- Complete List of Juices for Constipation Relief
- Apple Cider Vinegar & Baking Soda for Losing Weight, Better Digestion & More
- Apple Juice vs. Apple Cider vs. Apple Cider Vinegar: Know the Difference
Sources:
“Constipation in toddlers,” BabyCenter; https://www.babycenter.com/0_constipation-in-toddlers_11419.bc, last accessed August 4, 2017.
“Causes of Baby Constipation and Remedies,” Momtastic; http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/constip.htm, last accessed August 4, 2017.
Niittynen, L., et al., “Galacto-oligosaccharides and bowel function,” Scandinavian Journal of Food and Nutrition, 2007; 51(2): 62-66. DOI: 10.1080/17482970701414596, last accessed August 4, 2017.
