Relieve Constipation with Dried Plums, Earth’s Natural Laxative
60 million Americans suffer from constipation, January is dried plum month
Written by Brandi McMurry
Photo by Roberto Sorin on Unsplash
60 MILLION Americans suffer from constipation. Many silently. One of my top priorities as a colon hydrotherapist is to normalize digestive health conversations. So I’m just going to let the secret out of the bag and let you all know that, everybody poops! Some more easily than others, and that’s where I come in with some pro-tips! ;P
January is dried plum, (previously known as a prune) month. Dried plums are one of the best foods that can aid with constipation. Rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, dried plums can make elimination easier.
Being constipated can be a miserable experience. Dried plums are nature's natural laxative thanks to their high sorbitol content. Sorbitol is a type of carbohydrate that is metabolized slowly and is a superfood for the intestines.
From Healthline.com — https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/prune-juice-for-constipation#Recommended-serving-sizes
“(Sorbitol is) also not fully digested in your small intestine. What remains of the compound from there moves into the large intestine where it’s instead fermented, or broken down by bacteria, resulting in fewer calories being absorbed.”
Instead of taking an over-the-counter laxative, I encourage you to try prunes first.
May I suggest some ways to eat and prepare your natural remedy:
As a stand-alone snack.
Add to your morning oatmeal for a warm fiber and anti-oxidant-rich breakfast. Pro-tip, you can eat oatmeal any time of day, I love it as an afternoon pick-me-up!
Throw some in a smoothie! If you just absolutely do not like dried plums throw some in a blender! Pro-tip, if you can't eat them, drink them. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Okay done being cheesy. But seriously, make yourself a delicious fruit smoothie with almond milk, strawberries, nut butter, and dried plums — it’s basically liquid PB and J. Can’t go wrong there!
Make your own trail mix. Mix some up with nuts, raisins, maybe some dark chocolate for a sweet and savory snack.
Make your own dried plum jam! Did I mention PB and J is one of my faves?
Photo by Monika Grabowska on Unsplash
Dried Plums are a Superfood
Dried plums can help manage sugar levels. Blood sugar does not spike after eating them, and studies show they can help manage blood sugar levels effectively.
Studies show dried plums can help prevent colon cancer.
From Healthline.com
“A study conducted by Texas A&M University and the University of North Carolina determined that eating dried plums can positively affect and increase microbiota (or beneficial bacteria) throughout the colon. This, in turn, can reduce the risk of colon cancer.”
Dried plums are rich in antioxidants that can be reflected in your skin. Dried plums can help keep your skin young.
Dried plums can also help with overactive bladder. You can read about more ways to help with overactive bladder naturally with peristeaming here.
Historically Speaking
People have been eating prunes since first documented in 479 BC originating in China. Today, California produces 99 percent of the dried plum industry. In 2001, The United States government authorized the name change from prunes to dried plums. California governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger declared January as Digestive Health Dried Plum Month in 2007. Dried plum month for digestive health is now recognized all over the world.
Photo by Joshua Coleman on Unsplash
