Do Pickles Help with Constipation? Laxative Effects Explained

How Pickles Can Help With Constipation

Constipation is a common condition affecting people of all ages. It occurs when bowel movements become less frequent and stools become hard, dry, and difficult to pass. Many factors can contribute to constipation, including poor diet, lack of exercise, certain medications, and various medical conditions.

While over-the-counter laxatives are often used to help relieve constipation, making dietary and lifestyle changes can also help. One potential home remedy that some people find helpful is eating pickles.

What's So Special About Pickles?

Pickles are cucumbers that have been pickled in a solution of water, vinegar, salt, and sometimes spices. They are low in calories and high in sodium. Specifically, pickles contain a good amount of dietary fiber, which can help add bulk to stool and pull water into the intestines to help move stools through the digestive tract more efficiently.

Evidence That Pickles May Relieve Constipation

Some scientific studies have investigated the potential benefits of pickles for constipation relief, with promising results:

One study found eating a Japanese pickled plum daily for 2 weeks improved bowel movement frequency and consistency better than psyllium fiber supplementation in those with chronic constipation.
An animal study showed feeding rats pickled cabbage accelerated intestinal transit time and increased stool weight and moisture content.

While more research is still needed, the current evidence indicates pickles may have laxative effects and help relieve symptoms of constipation thanks to their fiber, salt, and fluid content.

Other Benefits of Eating Pickles

Besides possibly helping relieve constipation, pickles offer additional health benefits as well:

1. May Support Digestive Health

The nutrients in pickles could promote better digestive health in several ways:

The fiber in pickles acts as a prebiotic to feed healthy gut bacteria.
Fermented pickles contain probiotics, which help populate the gut with beneficial microbes.
Compounds in pickles may help prevent stomach ulcers by inhibiting unwanted overgrowth of certain bacteria.

2. High Antioxidant Content

Studies reveal that fresh and pickled cucumbers contain various beneficial plant compounds with antioxidant properties, including flavonoids and tannins. These antioxidants help protect against cell damage from harmful free radicals.

3. May Lower Blood Sugar

Animal studies indicate the vinegar used in pickled cucumbers may help improve insulin response and blood sugar management. So eating pickles in moderation could benefit blood sugar control.

Best Types of Pickles for Constipation Relief

If you enjoy pickles and want to try them to help get things moving, focus on these types:

Dill Pickles

A typical dill pickle spears contains about 640 milligrams of sodium along with some calcium and 2 grams of dietary fiber in one large spear. The combination of fiber, fluids, salts and acids in a dill pickle can help stimulate bowel movements.

Sour Pickles

Extremely tart pickled cucumbers often sold as sour pickles provide a strong acidic flavor that can also encourage stool passage through the intestines. About 3 medium sour pickles provides over 500 milligrams of sodium.

Pickle Juice

For a quick dose of acids and salts, drinking a small glass of leftover pickle juice may help trigger bowel movements when youre feeling backed up. Around 1/3 cup provides over 600 milligrams of sodium.

Probiotic Pickles

Choosing pickled cucumbers that have been fermented with beneficial probiotics can also aid digestive regularity while adding good bacteria to support your microbiome as well. Look for labels marked probiotic, raw, or naturally fermented.

Tips for Eating Pickles to Relieve Constipation

If you want to try eating pickles to help alleviate constipation, keep these tips in mind:

1. Stick to Small Servings

Limit pickle servings to about 1 large dill pickle spear or a few small sour pickles at a time. Around 3-4 medium spears or 5-6 smaller pickles per day is enough for laxative benefits without overdoing the sodium intake.

2. Beware High Sodium if Sensitive

People with high blood pressure, heart failure or kidney problems should be cautious of high dietary sodium from pickles worsening fluid retention or heart health complications.

3. Stay Hydrated

Getting enough fluids is crucial when increasing fiber and sodium intake to soften stools and support healthy bowel eliminations without dehydration or electrolyte issues.

4. Increase Fiber Gradually

Quickly ramping up dietary fiber can cause abdominal gas, bloating or discomfort. Slowly increase high-fiber foods like pickles to allow your body to adapt.

FAQs

Do pickles really help with constipation?

Pickles may provide some short-term relief from constipation due to their combination of sodium, fiber, and acidic content. However, they likely won't resolve chronic or severe constipation on their own.

Why are pickles thought to be a natural laxative?

The high sodium and fiber in pickles can help soften stool and add bulk, while the acids may stimulate bowel contractions. However, human data is still limited.

How quickly do pickles work to relieve constipation?

Some individuals report having a bowel movement 30 minutes to 1 hour after eating pickles. The laxative effect is faster than fiber alone.

Can you drink pickle juice for constipation?

Drinking a few ounces of leftover pickle brine may provide even faster relief than whole pickles due to rapid absorption of the sodium and acids.

Are pickled foods good for constipation?

Other fermented and pickled foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickled onions may provide benefits similar to pickles. Focus on unpasteurized varieties.

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.