Constipation is a common condition that affects several people across the globe. It ranges from mild to severe. However, whatever the case it is not healthy for you to live with constipation. There are several methods that you could try in the spectrum of conventional medicine. However, these take more extended periods to heal your constipation and also carry unwanted side effects that could affect your body in the long run.
Constipation is a digestive disorder; it is defined as bouts of bowel irregularity. It is obvious to assume that dietary modification would be the first change to make. This is where apple juice for constipation steps. Apple juice for constipation has been used as an effective remedy since ages.
Why Does It Work?
Apple Juice consists of sorbitol, indigestible sugar alcohol. This component makes this juice an effective laxative that acts on the large intestine and helps in passing the stools more accessible from the body.
Sorbitol acts on the fecal matter that is stored in the large intestine and helps in absorption of water from the fecal matter causing it to bulk up and tighten and hence promoting the more natural movement of the stools from the body.
An additional substance present in this juice is called pectin, this protein helps in bulking up the stool and making firmer and thereby helping your body pass it out quickly. It is also to be noted that one of the critical symptoms of constipation is dehydration and apple juice contains a lot of water and helps in replenishing the lost water.
One of the significant causes of constipation(1) is a lack of fiber in the diet. According to the U.S Department of Agriculture, one medium apple contains 4.4 grams of fiber. Imagine the amount of fiber you would be supplementing your body with a glass of juice?
This juice not only works on alleviating the symptoms; however, it also works on the root cause of the condition and helps in the elimination and alleviation of constipation in the body.
[Also Read: Treat Constipation Naturally]
How to Use Apple Juice for Constipation
This seems to be a no-brainer on how to include apple juice into your diet. However, there are several pre-requisites that you would need to consider before using apple juice for constipation.
It is a well-known fact that bottled apple juice comes with a lot of calories that could not only worsen your condition; however, it could also add on to increase your weight.
Also bottled apple juice comes with high amounts of fructose than compared to other fruits and drinking copious amounts of this juice can cause digestive discomfort in people who have a sensitive gut.
One of the significant way to reduce this risk to juice your apples. This is considered as one of the best ways to get your load of fiber for the day. Consider using fresh, organic, and locally sourced apples for making this juice as it could prove to be beneficial.
[Also Read: Incredible Fruits for Constipation]
Another twist on preparing apple juice is below:
This recipe adds a punch to your apple juice and makes it a refreshing drink that you could sip on throughout the day.
Ingredients
- 2-3 apples, (ensure that you remove the seeds)
- ½ teaspoon fennel powder
- 1 cup of water
Procedure:
- Ensure that you chop the apples into pieces, smaller the better and make sure that the skin is on and the seeds are removed.
- Toss these chopped pieces into a blender and let it rip! Make sure to check once done to your consistency.
- Now add in the water and whirl it in again and make sure that you balance the apples and the water to acquire the reached consistency.
- Now pour the juice into a glass and make sure you store the rest in a bottle in the fridge, it is recommended that you have this in 2-3 days.
Once in the glass, add in the fennel powder and give it a spin and sip on this juice!
Side Effects of Using Apple Juice
Firstly it has to be established that before using apple juice for constipation(2), consult with your doctor and understand how this would fit into your diet regimen. As most people suffering from constipation are on a restricted diet, the juice may not be a good option for you.
It is also advised that patients who are suffering from diabetes should refrain from using apple juice as it contains high levels of sugar that could cause a spike in your blood sugar level.
In general, it is recommended that you limit your juice intake to around 1-2 glasses in a day. An excess of this juice could cause malabsorption in the digestive system as it naturally is high in fructose.
Drinking apple juice can help alleviate the symptoms of constipation. This juice contains high amounts of dietary fiber, sorbitol, and nutrients. Shifting from caffeinated drinks to this healthy alternative could be a kind of change that your body has been waiting for and could help you reduce constipation.
However, it has to be noted that only apple juice wouldn’t do the trick. Apple juice, alongside dietary changes, exercise, and using other alternative treatments, would go a long way in treating your constipation effectively.
FAQs
1. Does apple juice relieve constipation in babies?
Yes, the sugar in apple juice isn’t digested. It draws fluid into the intestines and helps relieve constipation in babies.
2. What are the quick ways to relieve constipation?
The drinks that could help you relieve constipation include fiber supplements, lubricant laxative, stool softener, high-fiber food etc.
3. What drinks are the best ways to relieve constipation?
Some of the best ways include drinking coffee, taking senna- a herbal laxative, and eating probiotics.
4. Does apple juice have fiber?
Yes, According to the Agriculture department, one apple contains 4.4 grams of fiber.
