Pear juice is good to treat constipation in adults and babies. We are all prone to constipation from time to time. Having fewer than 3 bowel movements during a week is an indication of constipation.
One of the most common causes of constipation is not drinking enough fluids. So, adding a glass or two of pear juice not only adds to your fluid intake but also sorbitol in it acts as a laxative to relieve constipation.
So, why go for chemical based medicines when natural juices can treat constipation.
Table of Contents
- How do Pears Treat Constipation?
- How to Use Pear Juice for Constipation?
- How to Give Pear Juice to Babies?
- Other Tips and Precautions
How do Pears Treat Constipation?
As dehydration is one of the main causes of constipation, drinking more water normally should help relieve constipation. But other fluids such as prune juice can do an even better job of faster bowel movement as it contains sorbitol.
Sorbitol is a compound that is used in many prescribed laxatives and other solutions to treat constipation.
Sorbitol naturally occurs in pear juice and many other fruit juices. It is a sugar alcohol that doesn't get absorbed by your body. So it draws water into the intestine softening the stools to move forward in the intestine easily.
Another sugar component that draws water into the intestine is fructose. Pear and many other fruits contain more fructose than glucose. Your body does not absorb well fructose as it absorbs glucose.
Drinking pear juice certainly helps to relieve constipation but too much of it can cause diarrhea. So be very careful when pear juice is given to babies.
How to Use Pear Juice for Constipation?
Canned pear juice is not as good as the fresh one as it contains preservatives and lots of added sugar. Make fresh pear juice at home to get the best results to relieve your constipation.
1. Pear Juice
- Select 2 firm pears with bright skin free of bruises and other imperfections.
- Wash them thoroughly
- Cut them into small pieces and remove seeds
- Toss them into an electric juice extractor not in a blender juicer
- Drink it and enjoy
- Do it 2-3 times a day
2. Eat Pear
- Take a fresh firm pear with blemish free skin
- Cut into small slices
- Remove seeds
- Eat and enjoy
- Eat 2 times a day with 6 hours of gap
In addition to the sorbitol and fructose, the pear fruit also offers fiber that helps relieve constipation. So you have a triple effect when you eat pear.
3. Pear Juice with Prune Juice
You can use pear juice along with prune juice for constipation relief. Both juices also taste better together than anyone alone and produce better results.
- Soak 4-5 prunes in 100 ml water for 15-30 minutes
- Remove seeds
- Put the prunes with water in blender mixer
- Strain the juice
- Make pear juice as explained above
- Mix both and drink to enjoy
How to Give Pear Juice to Babies?
Babies and toddlers suffer constipation more than adults and it is one of the main concerns of parents all the time.
When babies begin to take solid foods the instances of constipation are maximum. Once they get used to the solid foods then instances of constipation reduce significantly.
Pear juice helps as babies generally like its taste. Give it in small quantities first. You can give 4-8 tablespoons ( 2-4 ounce)of pear juice during a day.
- Give 1 tablespoon at a time
- Don't exceed 4-8 tablespoons for the day every day.
- Add pear fruit gradually to her solid diet
Other Tips and Precautions
Pear juice not only helps you to relieve constipation but it also offers many other health benefits including improving immunity and heart conditions.
At the same time may cause some side effects in certain people.
If you take the following precautions then you can get the best out of pear juice.
- Stop using it if it causes rashes or other allergic reactions. Although it is rare, it can happen.
- Consult a healthcare professional if you feel abdominal pain, stomach cramps or vomiting. The possibilities are less but just in case.
- Avoid excessive consumption as it can add some extra pounds to your body.
Pear is generally safe for everyone including pregnant and breastfeeding mothers (although there is no research in favour or otherwise). Use it when you give constipation. It is more likely to solve your problem than giving you trouble.
Always consult a doctor if home remedies don't work in your case.