Amount Of Prune Juice To Give For Constipation

Prune juice works as a laxative because of its high content of sorbitol, a form of nondigestible sugar that occurs naturally. While prune juice is considered a natural laxative, your body cannot digest sorbitol. High levels of sorbitol can cause gas, intestinal discomfort and loose stools. Taking the right amount of prune juice is important, especially for children and people with medical conditions, to make sure the person has relief from constipation without suffering side effects from the cure.

Constipation

Constipation, which happens to almost everyone at some point, means you have less than four bowel movements a week. A person who is constipated might have stools that are hard, dry and painful to pass. Although some medications and medical conditions can cause constipation, most cases are not serious and clear up quickly. You can prevent constipation by exercising regularly, drinking lots of water and eating a healthy diet that includes grains, fiber, fruits and vegetables. When constipation happens, prune juice can provide natural relief for those who prefer not to use over-the-counter laxatives. Contact your doctor if you have chronic constipation.

Children and Adults

Dilute prune juice with other liquids, such as other juices, for infants and toddlers. An infant can have 1 to 2 tbsp. of diluted prune juice. A toddler can have 8 oz. of diluted prune juice. Talk to your pediatrician about giving more than one dose of prune juice a day. Adults should consider the effects of too much sorbitol when deciding how much prune juice to drink for constipation.

Prune Juice Mixtures

A simple way to take prune juice for constipation relief without taking more than is necessary is to use one of the recipes that include prune juice. Prune juice cocktail is made with ½ cup unsweetened applesauce, 4 tbsp. wheat bran and 6 oz. prune juice. Start with a tablespoon of the cocktail daily and increase the dosage if more is needed. The prune juice cocktail is also called power pudding.

Special Considerations

If you are pregnant, prune juice can add fiber to your diet and prevent or relieve constipation. Talk to your obstetrician about how much prune juice you should drink to treat constipation. People with medical conditions often experience constipation regularly and should talk to their physicians about how much prune juice is appropriate. Diabetics may need to consider the amount of sugar in prune juice when determining how much to drink.

Tips and Warnings

An alternative to prune juice is to eat a serving of 4 to 6 stewed prunes two to four times during the week to provide your body with extra fiber and the benefits of a natural laxative. Your child might enjoy frozen popsicles made of prune juice. Talk to your doctor if you have chronic constipation.