Anyone who’s had constipation in the past knows how distressing this condition can be.
It can bring great pain and discomfort, and even affect your daily routine.
There’s a feeling of heaviness inside that can definitely stress you and make you feel anxious. Did you know, using apple juice for constipation problem is a great alternative remedy?
According to a survey, more than 4 million Americans suffer from chronic constipation [1].
Don’t be one of them.
Prevent and relieve constipation with the help of natural remedies such as apple juice.
In this article, you’ll get to know more about the following:
- What you need to know about constipation, what’s causing this problem, and what can happen if it’s not treated
- The healing properties of apples and apple juice
- Why use apple juice for relieving constipation?
- Simple and easy to put together 7 home remedies that can curb constipation
RELATED: 10 Home Remedies for Constipation & How to Use Them
A Complete Guide to Constipation
Constipation refers to a symptom or condition that’s characterized by infrequent or difficult bowel movements [2].
The frequency of stool passage varies from one person to another.
Some people can pass stool as often as three times a day whereas for others, it can be a once- or twice-a-week occurrence [3].
However, not having a bowel movement longer than three days may make the stool harder and more difficult to pass [4].
Apart from having fewer bowel movements, here are the other indicators that you are constipated:
- Straining during bowel movement
- Hard, lumpy stools
- Abdominal pain
- Swollen abdomen
- Vomiting
Before you can relieve this problem, it would be good to know what’s causing it so you can prevent this condition from happening again in the future.
Although experts cannot point out what the exact cause of constipation is, they agree that the following factors may contribute to the problem:
- Insufficient intake of water and dietary fiber
- Sudden changes in routine, eating habits, and lifestyle
- Certain medications
- Anxiety, stress or depression
- Not passing stools when you have the urge to do so
It may also be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as:
- Anal fissure
- Colon or rectal cancer
- Multiple sclerosis
- Weak pelvic muscles
- Diabetes
- Overactive parathyroid gland
If you suspect that you have another condition that might be causing your constipation, it’s very important to seek medical attention.
It’s a must to get proper diagnosis for your condition so that it can be treated immediately before it worsens or cause any more harm to your health.
Is Constipation Dangerous?
Constipation is not to be taken lightly.
If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as:
- Hemorrhoids or swollen veins in the anus
- Anal fissure or broken skin in the anus
- Fecal impaction or hardened stools that obstruct the intestines
- Rectal prolapse or protruding intestine into the anus
So these things do not happen, it’s important to treat this condition immediately.
Apple juice is believed to be one of the best remedies to use if you’re constipated.
It’s nutritious, easy to drink, and delicious—there’s no reason not to try this fantastic natural solution for constipation.
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What are the Properties of Apple Juice?
Most people know this:
Apples are some of the world’s healthiest fruits.
The adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” would not have become so widely used if this were not true.
Apples, which come from a tree that has been grown in many countries in Asia and Europe throughout history, have over 7,500 varieties [5].
Each apple is packed with vitamin C, B vitamins, vitamin K, potassium, copper, magnesium, dietary fiber, and antioxidants [5].
With its wide variety of phytochemicals, flavonols, catechins and quercetin, it has been found effective in reducing the risk of serious ailments such as cancer, asthma, diabetes and heart disease [6].
The juice extracted from this fruit is just as beneficial.
Apple juice is made by macerating and pressing the pulp of apple [7].
It’s one of the most widely consumed fruit juices in the world, produced in large amounts in the United States, China, Germany and Poland [7].
Like fresh apples, apple juice is also rich in vitamin C, and antioxidants such as flavonols, procyanidins and chlorogenic acid [7].
Why Apple Juice is Good for Constipation?
Here are the different ways apple juice can help in the treatment of constipation:
1. Increasing Oral Fluids
One of the most common causes of constipation is insufficient intake of fluid.
The problem can be reversed with increased consumption of fluid.
For those who are not fond of water’s bland taste, they can turn to apple juice instead.
Apple juice is naturally sweet and delicious that even kids love them.
In a 1998 study featured in the Gastroenterology Nursing Journal, it was reported that increasing oral fluids was highly effective in alleviating chronic constipation in children or baby constipation [8].
It was found that taking in more fluids resulted in softer stools and increased frequency of stool passage [8].
2. Increase in Dietary Fiber
Low fiber intake has been linked to constipation.
Various studies show that increase in dietary fiber can significantly improve constipation [9, 10, 11, 12].
In one clinical trial conducted by scientists from Israel, it was stated that patients with constipation who used pectin among other fibers had more frequent bowel movements, less flatulence and abdominal pain, and improved stool consistency [12].
As you know, pectin is one of the dietary fibers that can be found in apples.
3. Boost in Nutritional Supply
Since apples are high in nutrients, it can supply the body with its much needed vitamins and minerals.
Constipation can be a gruelling condition that can take a toll on your health.
Keeping the body properly nourished can help so much in dealing with this type of condition.
4. Mild Laxative Effects
Apple juice also contains sorbitol, a sugar alcohol which according to Live Strong, has mild laxative effects.
This means that this beverage can help increase the frequency of bowel movements.
At the same time, it can alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain and straining.
All these properties show us how apple juice can benefit those who suffer from this painful condition.
How to Use Apple Juice to Treat Constipation
Below, you’ll find a quick rundown of constipation remedies that make use of apple juice.
Most of these are combined with other natural ingredients that are also known to have laxative effects.
Prune juice and pear juice, for example, have also been used for a long time to stimulate bowel movement in constipated people.
#1. Drink Pure Apple Juice
Whether you’re constipated or not, drinking apple juice daily is a good habit as it is loaded with essential nutrients that your body needs.
What You’ll Need:
- 3 apples, sliced (skin included)
- 1 glass of water
Recommended Directions:
- Put apples in a blender.
- Blend until consistency is similar to a smoothie.
- Add water.
- Chill in the refrigerator.
- Drink apple juice everyday for one to two weeks.
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#2. Combine Apple Juice and Prune Juice
Prune juice has always been relied on when it comes to constipation problems. Combine it with apple juice for a more powerful effect.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup of apple juice
- 1 cup of prune juice
Recommended Directions:
- Combine the two juices in a glass.
- Mix well.
- Drink a glass of this juice combination three to four times a day.
- Follow this remedy daily until you feel better.
#3. Mix Apple Juice and Pear Juice
Another way to boost bowel movement is with the help of pear juice, which is loaded with dietary fiber.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup of apple juice
- 1 cup of pear juice
Recommended Directions:
- Put the two fruit juices in a glass.
- Mix well.
- Drink two times a day.
- First, drink it on an empty stomach in the morning.
- And second, drink it before going to bed at night.
- Do this procedure everyday until your condition gets better.
RELATED: 12 Cranberry Juice Benefits (Backed by Scientific Evidence)
#4. Pair Apple Juice with Fresh Apples
To make sure you get enough dietary fiber, pair your apple juice with fresh apple slices.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup of apple slices
- 1 cup of fresh apple juice
Recommended Directions:
- Add apple slices to your apple juice.
- Consume the mixture everyday for one to two weeks.
#5. Add Honey to Your Apple Juice
Honey doesn’t only make your apple juice tastier, it also helps in boosting bowel movements.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 glass of pure apple juice
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Recommended Directions:
- Add honey to a glass of pure apple juice.
- Mix well.
- Drink this mixture daily for one to two weeks, or until constipation is gone.
#6. Eat Oatmeal and Drink Apple Juice
What You’ll Need:
- 1 bowl of rolled oats
- Slices of bananas and strawberries
- 1 glass of pure apple juice
Recommended Directions:
- Cook rolled oats according to package directions.
- Top cooked oatmeal with slices of fruits.
- Eat this bowl of oatmeal and fruits.
- Drink apple juice afterwards.
- Do this in the morning everyday until your condition gets better.
#7. Mix Apple Juice with Fennel Powder
Fennel seeds are aromatic spices that have a sweet flavor. The seeds are rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants such as anethole. These active components of fennel seeds are effective for curing digestive disorders, diabetes, asthma, etc.
Fennel seeds are also rich in dietary fiber. Hence the seeds help in retaining water content in the stool to regulate a good bowel movement. You can add fennel seeds powder with apple juice to get rid of constipation problem.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 apple
- ½ a teaspoon of fennel powder
- ½ cup of cold water
Recommended Directions:
- Remove the seeds of the apple, chop it up and blend on the juicer.
- Add some water and fennel powder to the juice and give another round of blend.
- Pour in a glass and consume the drink.
- Repeat the treatment thrice daily to relieve constipation fast.
RELATED: 14 Benefits of Fennel Tea You Don’t Want to Miss Out on
Bottom Line
Constipation is painful, annoying, and nerve-wracking.
It can shoot up your stress levels, and make you feel worried all the time.
Make sure that you don’t suffer from this condition any longer by including apple juice in your daily diet.
Combine it with other beneficial juices like prune juice and pear juice to get quicker results.
We hope you have learnt some great tricks of using apple juice for constipation relief. Share your knowledge with others and remember to write your feedback on the comment section. Stay safe!
READ MORE: 14 Proven Home Remedies for Stomach Flu
