Commissions may be earned on purchases made through links. Learn More.
Home Gastro Does Cranberry Juice Help With Constipation? Our Experts Answer

Does Cranberry Juice Help With Constipation? Our Experts Answer

Does Cranberry Juice Help With Constipation? Our Experts Answer
Shutterstock.com

The sweet and tart blend of this juice makes it a refreshing accompaniment to any time of the day.

Besides its flavor, cranberry juice has been used as a home remedy for many years to treat diseases of the genitourinary tract.

At Health Insider, we want to show you how to use it to help relieve constipation to stop turning every bathroom visit into a nightmare.

Does Cranberry Juice Make You Poop?

Yes, if this is your first time drinking cranberry juice, your bowels may be moving more than usual due to the sourness of the juice, which can stimulate them. However, this is not the main reason why cranberry juice helps you poop.

One of the potential reasons why cranberry juice fights constipation is its magnesium content, which is known to have a mild laxative effect.

To make the juice, the fruit is blended and strained, removing all the fiber it may contain. To obtain a really laxative drink, you can combine cranberry juice with other fruits such as kiwi or pineapple.

In this way, you will get the benefits of cranberry combined with foods rich in fiber that promote intestinal health.

Benefits of Cranberries

Cranberry is a fruit that has multiple medicinal properties due to its high vitamin C content.

woman is drinking cranberry juice
Shutterstock.com

Advertisement

Cranberry juice contains compounds with antioxidant effects; it is used to prevent common colds, flu, and other health problems caused by viruses and bacteria.

Among the most outstanding benefits that this fruit has are:

#1 Improved heart health

Their anthocyanin content protects the cardiovascular system by helping reduce LDL cholesterol levels and prevent atherosclerosis. Cranberries are potent anti-inflammatories that lower the risk of heart disease.

#2 Better digestive health

Any juice contains this property because they bring water to the digestive system. What is relevant for cranberry juice is its content of magnesium, vitamin B12, and its favorable action on the gut microbiota. It helps to have regular bowel movements. If you don’t like the taste of cranberries, try apple juice, pear juice, or prune juice.

#3 Strengthens the immune system

Cranberry contains antioxidants that prevent oxidative stress of the cells. This allows having a strong immune system ready to fight disease-causing microorganisms.

#4 Prevents infections

Many studies have confirmed its action against E. coli, one of the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. This makes it one of the most widely used remedies to relieve bladder discomfort. The action of the vitamin C contained in cranberry juice acidifies the urine, thus allowing greater protection against infections.

#5 Aids weight loss

Slow intestinal transit inhibits the proper elimination of toxins from the body. This affects fat burning. Thanks to its action against constipation, cranberry juice promotes detoxification of the body and facilitates weight loss.

Can Cranberry Juice Cause Diarrhea?

A glass of cranberry juice can help you go to the bathroom, but drinking too much may not be a good idea.

Too much cranberry juice may cause symptoms such as upset stomach and diarrhea. Also, although it is a great remedy for the urinary tract, it can affect the kidneys if taken in large amounts due to its oxalate content, which are chemicals that cause kidney stones.

If, despite all your efforts to fight constipation, you do not see results and you are having more discomfort instead of getting better, see a doctor who can detect the cause of your gastrointestinal disorder.

stomachache
Shutterstock.com

A Word From our RD

Despite its action against constipation, cranberry juice alone should not be the main remedy to relieve digestive system discomfort.

The correct way to drink it is to blend the fresh fruit and avoid adding sugar. Because of its tartness, it is advisable to dilute it with enough water to make it more palatable.

High-fiber smoothies containing spinach, kale, pineapple, oats, and prunes are a great ally for your intestines and heart. You can mix them with water or use cranberry juice as a base to boost their properties.

The prebiotic action of the dietary fiber makes your gut microbiota thrive. Good microbiota help relieve constipation, prevent bloating and diarrhea.

In addition to cranberry juice, increasing your intake of other fruit juices along with regular physical activity will keep your bowels moving.

Fight Constipation With Cranberry Juice

Most fruit juices are a healthy tool to relieve constipation due to their dietary fiber content.

Cranberry extracts alone do not provide a large amount of fiber but contain magnesium and vitamin B12, both of which are beneficial to the digestive system.

Drinking more cranberry juice as part of your diet can promote intestinal transit and prevent urinary tract infections. However, too much cranberry juice can cause kidney problems.

If you are looking for a remedy to relieve constipation, try eating dried plums, fresh fruits and start drinking plenty of water. You can also drink warm water in the morning and add lemon juice to help treat indigestion.

You can drink cranberry juice as part of balanced nutrition to enjoy its benefits on the immune system because it is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Instead of drinking it by itself, mix cranberry juice with other fruits such as pineapple, which contains an enzyme called bromelain that aids digestion.

Written by
Edibel Quintero, MD

Edibel Quintero is a medical doctor who graduated in 2013 from the University of Zulia and has been working in her profession since then. She specializes in obesity and nutrition, physical rehabilitation, sports massage and post-operative rehabilitation. Edibel's goal is to help people live healthier lives by educating them about food, exercise, mental wellness and other lifestyle choices that can improve their quality of life.

Does Cranberry Juice Help With Constipation? Our Experts Answer

Comments (0)

Leave a comment

checked

Thank you for your comment

We will review it as soon as possible

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

arrow-facing-top

More Articles About GASTRO

Newsletter

Newsletter

Subscribe to our health and wellness newsletter where we share healthy living tips, news, and wellness ideas.

checkmark

Thank you, you have successfully subscribed to our newsletter