Prunes Laxative
Using Prunes as a Laxative
People have been using prunes as a laxative for many, many years. Constipation is a digestive problem that plagues many of us either on a regular or occasional basis. In fact, it is estimated that Americans alone spend over $700 million dollars on laxatives each year in an attempt to find relief from the symptoms of constipation. Some of us may not even be aware that we suffer from constipation. True constipation is characterized by having three or fewer bowel movements in a week. Unfortunately, this sounds like the norm for some of us, whether we have painful or uncomfortable symptoms or not. The reality is, though, that we should technically have at least one bowel movement each day!
Studies have shown that store-bought laxatives can be dangerous for the colon if they are used too often. This is because the colon becomes dependent upon the medication and becomes unable to function properly on its own. Prunes, as a laxative are ideal because they are completely natural and can easily be added into one's diet. But what makes prunes so valuable to the digestive tract?
Prunes are mostly made up of high concentrations of sorbitol. Sorbitol is known as a "simple sugar" and is often used as a sugar substitute. Many products contain sorbitol as an alternative sweetener in diet foods because it is much healthier than regular cane sugar. Sorbitol also happens to contain wonderful non-stimulant colon cleansing properties. It works by drawing water into the large intestines. This excess liquid in the bowels not only softens ones stool, but it also helps to push the stool downwards, creating a bowel movement.
Prunes are not only a natural colon-friendly food, but there have been no proven adverse effects connected with using prunes as a laxative. Both prunes and prune juice are healthy and hearty enough to be taken on a regular basis without creating health issues. This means that one doesn't have to worry about suffering nasty side effects or making the colon dependent on products in order to function naturally and effectively.
While prunes and prune juice are wonderfully effective towards treating constipation, one should also consider the root cause of the problem and attempt to correct that as well. The American lifestyle unfortunately consists of eating foods that are low in fiber. Fiber is a nutrient that is essential to the functioning of a healthy colon. The average American only takes in about 14 grams of fiber per day, yet nutritionists recommend a minimum of at least 30 grams per day, or 50 grams as an ideal amount.
Eating foods that are high in fiber, such as prunes, whole grain cereals and bread, as well as leafy green vegetables will show a huge boost in ones daily fiber intake. This will definitely be reflected in the ease and frequency of bowel movements as well. Another way to take in fiber and to stay regular is to eat more raw fruit and to exercise often. Studies have shown that small daily amounts of physical exercise helps to stimulate the colon into productivity. So for someone who leads a fairly sedentary lifestyle and who doesn't eat as well as they should, changes in these few areas of life could make a world of a difference in their overall health and energy.
If you are in need of fast-acting relief for constipation and wish to try using prunes as a treatment method, be careful to gauge the amount that you use. Eating a large amount of prunes in one sitting--especially when one is severely "backed up"--can have explosive results. It can also lead to painful bloating if one has been constipated for a great deal of time. The idea isn't to give yourself diarrhea but merely to soften the stool and expel the buildup. Try starting off with a small handful of prunes or by mixing half a cup of prune juice with half a cup of apple or grape juice. This amount should be sufficient enough to stimulate a smooth bowel movement without causing a messy or painful result.