Is Apple Juice Good for Constipation?

Is apple juice good for constipation? How does it work on a constipated stomach? How to prepare apple juice? What other juices are recommended for constipation? And finally, what are the potential side effects of apple juice? 

I. What are the symptoms of constipation?

The symptoms of constipation are as follows:

  • Fewer than 3 bowel movements per week.
  • Dry, hard and/or lumpy stools.
  • Difficulty or pain in passing stool.
  • Bellyache or cramping.
  • Bloating and nausea.
  • The feeling of not having completely emptied your bowels after a bowel movement.

II. Is apple juice good for constipation?

1. Why apple juice helps with constipation?

a. Contains water

One of the causes of constipation can be a lack of moisture in the stool, which then has trouble moving through the intestines.

Apple juice is 88% water and tastes great. This makes it easy to consume, especially for people who are ill and at increased risk of dehydration.

The water will help hydrate the stool by combining it with dietary fiber. This creates a gel that lubricates the stool and helps it pass more easily through the pipes.

b. Contains Fiber

Soluble fiber mixes with water and becomes a gel. This softens the stool and helps it pass effortlessly.

In addition, it improves intestinal health by increasing intestinal flora through its probiotic effect. Most fruits and vegetables contain soluble fiber.

c. Contains Pectin 

Pectin is a soluble fiber found in the skin of apples (that’s why you should avoid peeling them before squeezing them).

Its action is to inhibit the action of sugar and bad cholesterol in the intestine. It reduces the absorption of sugar and fats in the blood.

d. Contains sorbitol

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol naturally found in fruits and has been used as a laxative and diuretic for many years.

Sorbitol is present in good quantities in apples, apricots, pears, prunes, cherries, etc.

e. Contains vitamin C 

A glass of apple juice is rich in vitamin C: it provides 22g per 150mL, which is more than 1/4 of the average recommended intake for the population.

It also provides vitamin B9 (about 10 µg for 150mL, i.e. 5% of the needs), potassium (170g for 150mL, i.e. nearly 10% of the needs), and polyphenols.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin C has an osmotic effect on the digestive tract, which means that it draws water out of the intestines, which can lead to a return of stool.

2. How much apple juice should I drink for constipation?

Since apple juice contains natural enzymes that help break down food, it can be a miracle drink when your digestive system isn’t working properly.

However, you will start to see the best results if you take 1-2 glasses of apple juice a day for at least a week.

3. How long until apple juice makes you poop?

Apple juice starts to work on constipation 30 minutes to an hour after you drink it.

4. How to make apple juice

Apple juice for constipation is the best home remedy that helps you get rid of this problem quickly.

You can prepare apple juice by using ripe apples, without adding any preservatives or sugar.

Take freshly washed and dried fruits (apples) Cut them into small pieces Crush them properly so that their juice starts flowing out Put these crushed pieces in a juicer

Extract their juice by adding water according to the desired thickness Drink this freshly prepared juice every day for at least a week to get relief from the problem of chronic constipation.

5. Can I give my baby apple juice for constipation

Constipation in infants can be treated with apple juice. Apple juice helps with constipation because of the sugars and liquids that act as a natural laxative.

1 to 2 ounces of apple juice for a baby can usually relieve constipation and make it easier to pass stools.

6. Is apple juice good for constipation in adults

Although apple juice is often used to treat temporary episodes of constipation in babies and children, it can also help relieve mild cases in adults

The drink is a natural source of sorbitol, a non-digestible sugar alcohol that has a laxative effect when consumed in large quantities.

7. Is apple juice good for constipation during pregnancy

Yes, it is recommended to drink apple juice diluted with water if you consume more than two tablespoons.

III. Other Juices for constipation

1. ​Cranberry juice

Cranberries are a superfood that contains many vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, E, and K. Cranberries are also rich in dietary fiber, which is essential for healthy bowel movements.

Cranberry juice also contains magnesium. Magnesium can stimulate intestinal muscles, drawing more water into the intestines and causing mild laxative effects.

Adding juice to your diet will increase your overall fluid intake, relieve dehydration and promote regular bowel movements.

2. Prune Juice

Prune juice is particularly beneficial for treating constipation because of its high dietary fiber content.

The fiber in prunes helps to bulk up the stool. Drinking freshly prepared prune juice to treat constipation can increase the frequency of bowel movements, relieve abdominal pain, facilitate the evacuation of hard, dry stools, and cure rectal pain by softening the stool.

3. Grapefruit juice

Rich in liquid substances and fiber. Grapefruits are known for their laxative quality that helps to stimulate food breakdown and excretion.

4. Aloe vera juice

Aloe vera juice for constipation has a laxative, anti-inflammatory, digestive and antacid effect.

This is mainly due to the properties of aloe vera, which helps to balance the intestinal flora and cleanse the entire digestive tract by freeing it from accumulated fecal matter.

5. Pear Juice

Pear juice contains sorbitol, which is a type of alcohol that is beneficial for treating constipation.

The fibrous content of pear juice for constipation helps to make the firm, lumpy stools bulky and soft, making them easier to expel.

6. Lemon juice

Lemon juice contains vitamin C which is excellent for treating indigestion and nausea.

Drinking 2-3 glasses of lemon juice for constipation helps soften hardened stools which pass comfortably through the colon.

7. Celery juice

Generally known as a superfood, this green juice not only offers significant amounts of insoluble fiber that makes stool but also electrolytes and vitamins that greatly contribute to our digestive health.

In addition to all these great benefits, drinking a cup of pure celery juice, which is 95% water, solves the primary cause of constipation: dehydration.

8. Orange Juice

Orange juice contains vitamin C and is rich in fiber, which helps give bulk and flexibility to hard, lumpy stools.

The vitamin C in oranges helps improve digestion. Drinking orange juice for constipation also helps treat indigestion, nausea, and vomiting.

IV. Other natural ways to relieve constipation

To fight constipation, it is necessary to combine several lifestyle habits:

  • When you are constipated, the first thing to do is to ensure good hydration by favoring waters rich in magnesium.
  • Then, it is necessary to increase dietary fiber, which is a natural laxative that increases intestinal transit, especially with flaxseed.
  • You should therefore eat more plant foods: fruits (preferably kiwis and prunes), vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
  • And don’t hold back when you feel like having a bowel movement (and you have a toilet nearby).

V. Potential side effects of apple juice

Apple juice consumption is generally considered safe. However, excessive consumption can lead to several side effects.

It can cause gastrointestinal problems, weight gain, kidney problems, and tooth decay.

Useful Links:

Constipation: definition and facts

What causes constipation

Treating constipation