A registered dietitian has warned against an unusual viral trend that claims to relieve constipation overnight by consuming a mix of two unlikely ingredients
A certified dietitian has revealed the one type of fruit juice she’d steer clear of, as an unusual variant of it gains traction on social media. The latest homemade laxative trend is know as ‘buttered prune juice’, but health experts say drinking it could be riskier than users anticipate.
The mix involves heating prune juice, recognised for its natural laxative properties due to sorbitol, and stirring in a dollop of butter to supposedly boost digestion. Numerous social media enthusiasts are singing its praises, touting miraculous overnight outcomes and ‘instant relief’.
Some online users theorise that the fat from the melted butter in the blend might stimulate bile production, potentially facilitating digestion. However, health professionals remain dubious.
Registered dietitian, nutritionist, and Levity Consultant Mei Wan, BSc (Hons) cautions that this beverage could aggravate digestive problems. She also suggests it could foster unhealthy eating patterns and obscure serious health issues.
Mei explains that the belief in warm prune juice and butter acting as a potent laxative stems from ‘personal experiences’ shared on social media. However, the dietitian asserts there’s no robust evidence that their combination enhances effectiveness and warns it’s not a surefire remedy for constipation, reports Bristol Live.
She elaborated: “Many people assume ‘natural’ means safe, but even natural laxatives can be harmful when misused. Regularly relying on these hacks instead of improving your fibre and hydration intake only kicks the problem down the road and may create a dependency that harms gut function over time.”
Highlighting her concerns, she further said: “The trend perpetuates the use of home remedies to manage chronic constipation instead of resolving underlying problems in fibre intake, hydration, or gut motility disorders.” She says frequent use of such remedies could lead to “diarrhoea, gas, or even exacerbate gut imbalances in the long term”.
Mei also pointed out: “Some individuals are now using it as an easy fix to shed pounds, confusing water loss for fat loss. The trend invites the risk of disordered eating behaviour, particularly among teenagers and young adults who are more susceptible to viral health misinformation.”
While prune juice can be helpful for occasional constipation and butter is fine in moderation, relying on their combination as a go-to solution could be problematic. Excessive prune juice consumption isn’t recommended due to its high sugar content and potential diarrhoea risk.
While prune juice might help with constipation relief, too much can cause digestive issues, bloating, and discomfort. Chronic constipation could be a sign of underlying health issues such as stress, thyroid problems, or irritable bowel syndrome. Resorting to home remedies found online to ‘manage’ symptoms is more likely to exacerbate the condition and delay necessary medical treatment.
Are prunes effective for constipation?
Prunes are often touted as a potent solution for constipation. They’re packed with fibre and contain a natural sugar alcohol called sorbitol, both of which aid in promoting bowel movements.
- Fibre adds bulk to your stools, making them easier to pass.
- Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that is not easily digested. When it reaches the colon, it draws water into the stool, softening it and making it easier to pass.
- Research has shown that prunes can be effective in improving stool frequency and consistency in people with constipation.
- Warming the prune juice may be beneficial, as hot liquids are believed to help stimulate bowel movements and soothe a sour stomach.
Bear in mind that prunes can have varying effects on different individuals. While some may reap their benefits, others might suffer from gas or bloating, especially if consumed in large amounts. If you’re grappling with persistent or severe constipation, it’s prudent to consult a doctor to rule out any potential health concerns.