3 Juices Good For Constipation Relief - Healthline

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HealthlineSubscribeWhich Juices Can Help Relieve Constipation?

Medically reviewed by Jerlyn Jones, MS MPA RDN LD CLT — Written by Ashley Marcin — Updated on April 26, 2024

Symptoms
Juices
Effectiveness
Side effects
Complications
Risk factors
Prevention
Outlook

Certain juices, including prune juice, may help relieve symptoms of constipation. The laxative effect can vary by the amount of fiber and other nutrients they contain.

Glass of apple juice on a wooden table — Alla Koltunova/Getty Images

Many people experience constipation from time to time, and it can be uncomfortable.

In general, occasional constipation occurs when waste moves through your digestive system too slowly. It can build up and become hard and dry, making stool difficult to pass.

When you need relief, there are some home remedies that can get things moving again, like sipping certain juices.

What are the symptoms of constipation?

Constipation is usually defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. Even if you’re going to the bathroom somewhat regularly, trouble passing your stools may be another sign of this condition.

The symptoms of constipation include:

infrequent bowel movements
hard or lumpy stools
straining to have bowel movements
feeling blocked up or like you can’t fully empty your bowels
needing help to empty your rectum, such as with your hands or fingers

Juices and dosage

If you decide to try drinking juice to relieve constipation, keep in mind that a small amount of juice may be all you need.

In general, aim to drink eight or more cups of liquid each day to help stay regular.

Prune juice

The most popular juice to relieve constipation is prune juice. Each 8-ounce (256 gram) glass contains about 2.6 grams of fiber. That’s about 9 percent of your daily requirement.

While the fiber may bulk up your stools, the sorbitol in the prune juice helps soften them, making them easier to pass. Prune juice is also a good source of vitamin C and iron.

Eating dried plums or prunes is another way to ward off constipation. In fact, one 2022 study suggests that prunes should be considered a first-line therapy when dealing with chronic constipation.

Apple juice

Apple juice may provide you with a very gentle laxative effect. It’s often recommended for children who have constipation because it has a relatively high ratio of fructose to glucose and sorbitol content.

But for this reason, it may also cause intestinal discomfort in large doses.

You might think that eating applesauce would help constipation, but that’s not the case. Applesauce contains a higher level of pectin than apple juice.

Pectin is a substance that will add bulk to your stool. It becomes firmer and more difficult to pass, making it a better choice after episodes of diarrhea.

Pear juice

Another great option is pear juice, which contains more sorbitol than apple juice. This juice is also often recommended for children who have bouts of constipation.

Pear juice isn’t as rich in vitamins as prune juice, but many kids prefer its flavor.

Other beverages

Other beverages that may help include coffee, teas, and warm or hot fluids in general.

It’s best to stay away from carbonated drinks until your constipation clears up.

How can juice help and who can sip it?

In a 2015 review, researchers found that certain juices can help increase the water content and frequency of bowel movements. These juices contain sorbitol, which is a nonabsorbable carbohydrate.

Juice can be a convenient remedy to try at home. Most pasteurized juices have the potential to help relieve constipation. But juices that contain naturally-occurring sorbitol, including prune, apple, and pear juices, may be more effective.

Juice is a good option for people of most ages but not necessarily for infants. Constipation in infants typically starts to happen after the introduction of solids.

Contact your baby’s pediatrician for instructions on what you can give to your baby if they’re constipated.

Potential side effects

Speak with your doctor if you’re constipated but have concerns about drinking juice. If you have a condition that requires you to follow a restricted diet, juice may not be a good option for you.

For example, if you have diabetes, your doctor or dietitian might advise you to avoid beverages that contain sugar, including juice.

In general, it’s a good idea to limit your juice intake. An excess of the sugars contained in juices, like fructose, can cause abdominal troubles due to malabsorption.

In a 2011 study, children under age 10 were found to be particularly vulnerable to gastrointestinal distress. It often presents as diarrhea and stomach pains.

What are the complications associated with constipation?

Occasional bouts of constipation usually aren’t a cause for concern. But when constipation occurs frequently or lasts for several weeks or longer, other complications can arise.

The complications of constipation can include:

hemorrhoids
anal fissures
fecal impaction
rectal prolapse

What are the risk factors for constipation?

Some people are at higher risk of constipation, including:

older adults
women
people who are dehydrated
people with poor diets
people who don’t get enough exercise
people who are taking certain medications, such as sedatives and narcotics

Tips for preventing constipation

Along with consuming more fluids and fruit juices, you can make other lifestyle changes that may help your constipation.

Try getting more exercise, like walking, most days of the week.
Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure you get enough fiber.
Don’t hold in bowel movements. If you feel the urge to go, head to the bathroom as soon as you can.
Sprinkle a few tablespoons of unprocessed wheat bran on your cereal, smoothies, and other foods.
Take psyllium husk with 6-8 ounces of water an hour before medications or 2-4 hours after medications.

If lifestyle choices don’t help, contact your doctor. You may have an underlying issue that’s causing your constipation. Your doctor may also talk to you about treatment options to help you become regular again.

Outlook

Monitor your bowel movements to see if the juice is helping. Even if you don’t notice a difference, it’s best not to increase your intake. Drinking more juice could lead to diarrhea and other types of abdominal discomfort.

If you notice a sudden change in your bowel movements, it’s a good idea to see your doctor for a checkup, especially if the change is ongoing or causing you discomfort.

Tell your doctor if your constipation symptoms persist for three months or more. You may have chronic constipation. It’s a good idea to let your doctor know if you have notable and persistent changes in your bowel habits.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Daily value on the nutrition and supplement facts labels.https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-facts-label/daily-value-nutrition-and-supplement-facts-labels
How can I tell if my baby is constipated? (2022).https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/Pages/Infant-Constipation.aspx
Jones HF, et al. (2011). Effect of age on fructose malabsorption in children presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21502829
Koyama T, et al. (2022). Prune juice containing sorbitol, pectin, and polyphenol ameliorates subjective complaints and hard feces while normalizing stool in chronic constipation: A randomized placebo-controlled trial.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9531972/
Prune juice, canned. (2019).https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167753/nutrients
Reiland H, et al. (2015). Systematic review of pears and health.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4657810/
Xinias I, et al. (2015). Constipation in childhood. An update on evaluation and management.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4574579/

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Medically reviewed by Jerlyn Jones, MS MPA RDN LD CLT — Written by Ashley Marcin — Updated on April 26, 2024

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