Important: This article is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer for more details.
Feeling bloated and constipated in the morning is not uncommon, especially when you have consumed something heavy in the last supper. The condition can make you feel uncomfortable throughout the day. It is when certain remedies help effectively combat the situation and give you instant relief.
Usually, it is advised to try home remedies before taking medications when you have constipation to ease the discomfort. One herbal and home remedy that treats constipation fast and easily is prune juice. As good as it treats the problem with bowel movement, it is essential to know the best time to drink prune juice for constipation for maximum benefits.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of prune juice in treating constipation and when and how it should be consumed to get the most out of it.
If you are not having regular bowel movements or having them less than thrice per week, the condition is considered to be constipation (1). It is a very common digestive issue that can affect people of any age group.
Usually, constipation is caused by poor lifestyle choices and dehydration. Luckily, it can be easily treated by making simple changes in our lifestyle and inculcating healthy eating habits.
Here, it is important to mention that if constipation is not getting better with time, even after all the medications and home remedies, it could be caused due to some serious underlying problem.
Causes of Constipation
There are many different reasons for having constipation, the main reason being an unhealthy lifestyle. Some of the other causes are:
- Not drinking enough water and fluids
- Lack of fiber in the diet
- Not working out or no physical activity
- If you are traveling
- Taking particular medication
- Irritable bowel syndrome (2)
- Pregnancy
Prune Juice for Constipation
Prunes, the dried plums are considered to be one of the highly effective natural remedies for relieving constipation, thanks to their laxative properties (3). This particular property in prunes comes from sorbitol which is present in excess in prunes (4). At the same time, it has high fibrous content which again aids in irregular bowel movements.
People have been consuming prunes for a long time not only for its health benefits but to relieve constipation too. The best part is you can either drink prune juice or eat them as such to acquire the benefits.
Best Time to Drink Prune Juice
The best time to drink prune juice for constipation is in the morning. However, it largely depends upon your personal choices and how severe the constipation is.
Morning
If you are feeling constipated, kickstart your morning with a cup of prune juice to give a nice laxative to the stomach. Many people experienced an instant relief when they took prune juice on an empty stomach. Drinking one or half cup of prune juice in the morning will help restore the bowel movement.
Between the Meals
If you have not passed the stool over 2 to 3 days, then consuming one cup prune juice between meals would help with digestion You can also take it in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon to keep the body hydrated and maintain regularity in bowel.
Before Bed
Another best time to drink juice is before bed. Those with severe constipation should try drinking prune juice before sleeping so that it works all through the night and aids in easy bowel movement the next morning.
Making prune juice a part of a meal is recommended for people who face the problem of constipation excessively. While adults can consume 1 cup prune juice, the recommended dose for children is half or 1/4 cup.
Conclusion
Prunes are one of the tried and tested remedies for constipation. While they help relieve the digestive issues, it is important to know the best time to drink prune juice for constipation to make the most out of it.
For maximum benefits, taking prune juice in the early morning helps. At the same time, it is equally beneficial when you drink it before going to bed. In this way, you allow the juice to stay in your system for longer and let the laxatives do their work.
Make sure you do not overdose with prune juice believing it will give faster results. Anything in excess is not helpful, even if it’s good for health. So, be mindful while consuming prune juice and keep your digestive system healthy.
Image Source : canva
Related Articles
- How to Use Baking Soda for Constipation Relief?
- How Does Banana Help in Constipation?
- How to Use Coconut Oil for Constipation?
- Yoga for Constipation: 6 Best Yoga Asanas to Relieve Constipation
- Apple Cider vinegar for constipation: Does it work?