The Benefits of Prune Juice Butter for Constipation Relief
Constipation can be an uncomfortable and frustrating issue to deal with. Going days without a bowel movement can leave you feeling bloated, sluggish, and generally unwell. Thankfully, there are natural solutions that can help get things moving again.
One remedy that has been used for generations is prune juice. Prunes, as well as prune juice, contain high amounts of fiber and sorbitol, a natural laxative that helps draw water into the intestines to soften and pass stool.
While drinking plain prune juice can be an effective constipation cure, combining it with butter takes it to the next level. This unlikely pairing makes a world of difference when it comes to relieving even the most stubborn cases of backed-up bowels.
What is Prune Juice Butter?
Prune juice butter is exactly what the name suggests - butter blended together with prune juice until smooth. While it may sound unappealing, many swear by this home remedy when over-the-counter laxatives fail.
The butter helps emulsify the prune juice, making it more bioavailable and better able to lubricate the digestive tract. The natural fats also stimulate bile production, which helps get stool moving smoothly through the colon.
Prune juice on its own can often cause gas, bloating or cramping. But combining it with butter seems to negate these unpleasant side effects. The end result is an extremely effective constipation cure without the usual purgative results of other harsh laxatives.
Proven Benefits of Prune Juice Butter
There’s a good reason why prune juice butter has been used as a home remedy for many years. Here are some of the top ways it can help relieve constipation:
1. Softens Hard Stool
One of the reasons butter is the perfect pairing for prune juice when it comes to constipation relief is that it helps soften hard, difficult-to-pass stool in the colon. The fat helps lubricate the intestinal walls, allowing stool to slide through more smoothly.
2. Stimulates Bile Flow
The fats in the butter activate the gallbladder to secrete more bile. Bile acts as a natural laxative, helping push waste through the intestines, while also softening and loosening stool.
3. Draws Moisture into the Colon
Prune juice contains high amounts of sorbitol, which is a natural laxative compound. Sorbitol helps pull fluid into the colon, resulting in softer, moister stool that is easier to pass.
4. Soothes Irritation
Butter has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritation or inflammation in the gut lining. This allows stool to move through the intestines with less friction and discomfort.
5. Relaxes Muscles
One benefit of butter is that it contains a compound called butyrate, which helps relax the intestinal muscles. This allows stool to move through rhythmic muscular contractions known as peristalsis unobstructed.
How to Make Prune Juice Butter
One of the best things about prune juice butter is that it only requires two ingredients - butter and prune juice. It also couldn’t be easier to whip up in your own kitchen.
If you want to give this time-tested constipation cure a try, here is an easy DIY recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup prune juice
- 1 cup (2 sticks) softened, unsalted butter
Instructions
- Pour the prune juice into a blender.
- Add the softened butter.
- Blend on high speed for 2-3 minutes until fully smooth and emulsified.
If needed, you can add a bit more or less juice to reach the consistency you prefer - just make sure the butter is fully incorporated so it blends together smoothly.
How Much to Take and When for Best Results
The great thing about prune juice butter is that you can customize the dosage based on your own needs. Some general guidelines include:
- Mild Constipation - 1 tablespoon on an empty stomach up to 3 times per day
- Severe Constipation - 2 tablespoons on an empty stomach 2 to 3 times daily
When taking prune juice butter, make sure to drink a full glass of water afterward. Staying hydrated is key when taking any kind of laxative product.
As for when to take it - first thing in the morning and right before bed are often considered the optimal times. This helps you get the digestive benefits while lying down.
Many people also take a mid-day dose if they feel any cramping, bloating or other discomfort from constipation during the day.
Quick-Acting Effects
The nice thing about prune juice butter is that it tends to work quite fast - often producing a bowel movement within 30 minutes to an hour. The effects tend to last roughly 6 hours.
However, every person’s response can differ slightly based on factors like gut health, diet, activity levels and the severity of constipation.
You may need to take it for several days if chronic constipation is an ongoing issue. But it rarely takes long to get your system back on track by using prune juice butter.
Ready-in-Minutes Remedy
One reason prune juice butter makes such an ideal home remedy for occasional or stubborn constipation is that you can whip it up in just a few minutes, without needing to buy expensive over-the-counter products..
Just grab some butter and prune juice from your fridge and pantry, throw it in the blender, and you’ll have a healthy, all-natural laxative ready in 5 minutes flat!
Alternative Flavor Combos
While the traditional recipe calls for plain butter and prune juice, there are opportunity to get creative with different flavor combinations if you find the taste unpalatable.
Some alternative options include:
Honey Butter & Prune Juice
For a sweeter take, try blending the butter first with a few tablespoons of raw honey before adding the prune juice. The honey nicely offsets the tartness.
Vanilla or Cinnamon Butter
Blending the butter with a teaspoon of vanilla or cinnamon extract adds a subtle sweetness and aromatics to tempering the strong flavor of the prunes.
Almond Butter
Substituting regular butter with unsalted almond butter provides nuttiness which complements the prune juice well for a more pleasant drinking experience.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
When used properly, prune juice butter is typically very safe and causes minimal side effects compared to harsh stimulant laxatives. But there are still some things to keep in mind:
Dependency
With any kind of laxative product, you want to avoid becoming dependent on it to have a bowel movement. Use prune juice butter for occasional constipation relief, but not as an everyday cure.
Cramping
Prune juice on its own can sometimes cause cramping. Adding the butter seems to negate this for most people. But slight cramping is still possible as the digestive system is stimulated.
Loose Stools
Prune juice has a strong purgative effect, so butter helps moderate that response. But stool may still be quite loose, especially with higher doses. This is positive if severely backed up, but not ideal for everyday use.
Allergies
While rare, some people may have food sensitivities to prunes, sorbitol or dairy. Discontinue use if any sign of allergic reaction.
As with all natural remedies, check with your doctor before using, particularly if pregnant, nursing, taking medications or if underlying health conditions are present.
Weaning Yourself Off Laxatives
Once your constipation is relieved after several days to a week of using prune juice butter, it’s best practice to slowly wean yourself off needing any laxative aids.
Be sure to:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Eat more high-fiber foods
- Exercise regularly
- Practice mindful toilet habits
Establishing healthy daily lifestyle habits naturally encourages regularity without needing to use prunes, butter or other remedies as bowel-moving crutches.
Know Your Colon
Getting in better touch with your body’s natural rhythms and signals can also help you avoid bouts of constipation. Pay attention to when you typically have the urge to pass stool so you can respond accordingly.
Ignoring Mother Nature’s calls or delaying going #2 when you feel the urge is one of the easiest ways to bring on short-term issues with irregularity or constipation.
When to See a Doctor
For occasional constipation or irregularity, prune juice butter can be an extremely effective short-term solution. However, if you find yourself needing it more than 2-3 times per month it’s best to get evaluated by your physician.
Chronic constipation may be a sign of an underlying condition, like hypothyroidism, intestinal blockages, diabetes, or irritable bowel disorders requiring proper diagnosis and specific treatment plans.
See your doctor right away if constipation persists longer than 3 weeks or if you experience bleeding, vomiting, weight loss or severe cramping and pain along with changes in bowel movements .
A Natural, Time-Tested Constipation Cure
If you ever feel “backed up” and need relief fast, whip up a batch of prune juice butter. This all-natural remedy leverages the synergy between prunes and butter to quickly get your system back on track.
With its stellar safety profile, affordability, availability of ingredients and proven potency, prune juice butter beats out harsh stimulant laxatives and pricey probiotics. Join the generations of satisfied users who’ve found welcome relief with this simple yet powerful home cure.
FAQs
Can I take prune juice butter every day?
It's best not to take prune juice butter, or any laxative aid, daily long-term. Use it only for occasional constipation relief instead of becoming reliant on it for regular bowel movements. Daily use can cause electrolyte imbalances or lazy bowel syndrome over time.
Is prune juice butter safe during pregnancy?
Natural laxatives are typically considered safe for constipation during pregnancy. However, it's best to consult your doctor before taking prune juice butter or any remedy while pregnant just to be absolutely sure there are no potential risks.
Can prune juice butter help my toddler's constipation?
Prune juice on its own can safely help relieve constipation in toddlers in small doses. However, it's best to check with your pediatrician before giving any child under age 6 prune juice butter to ensure proper dosage and monitor for any potential allergies.
Where can I buy prune juice butter already prepared?
Because it's such a simple homemade remedy, prune juice butter isn't typically sold pre-made. But you can easily blend it yourself at home using just two affordable ingredients - butter and prune juice - which you likely already have on hand!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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