Like hypertension and bladder irritation/incontinence, constipation is expected in the United States and elsewhere in the world. About 16% of all adults (men and women) experience symptoms of constipation in varying intensities in the US. The figure is higher for adults aged 60 and older – an estimated 33% of this population experience this medical condition.
Each person is unique with their experience of constipation, and like hyperacidity, constipation also has its set of triggers that vary per person. When managing constipation, always focus on the dietary aspect for apparent reason. Always be aware of what is going into your meals, so you don’t get any nasty surprises. It’s essential not just to be aware but also to manage how much you are eating and what you are eating in the first place.
There are certain risk factors associated with constipation, too:
- If you are diagnosed with functional digestive issues, such as Crohn’s disease or nonspecific glutens sensitivity.
- If you take supplements, natural or otherwise.
- If you are unable to eat food that is rich in dietary fiber.
- If you are not a Caucasian.
- If you are an older adult.
- If you are a woman and have just given birth or are currently pregnant.
Not much is written about blackcurrant juice, specifically when it comes to constipation. Still, since fruits, in general, are acidic, the acidity of the food may trigger the symptoms in some people.
However, this is more of a general reminder than a warning to eat blackcurrant because blackcurrant offers many health benefits compared to the possible risks after eating it. As for drinking blackcurrant juice, you must monitor how your body reacts to the liquid in the first place. While there is a risk involved because of the juice’s natural acidity, not everyone will experience constipation in the first place.
Do Blackcurrants Cause Constipation?
According to one study from Plant Foods Human Nutrition, blackcurrants have performed well in animal studies involving rats. Animal models suggest that the dietary fiber content of blackcurrants is likely the cause of the increase of beneficial bacteria in the colons of the test rats.
What this means is blackcurrants can help improve the overall balance of a digestive system. In turn, the improved state of the colon may result in fewer run-ins with constipation and other digestive disorders.
The animal models suggest that blackcurrants can make quick and perhaps lasting changes to the biomarkers that refer to colonic health. These results are beneficial to people who want to build a better diet because it can be confusing when deciding what to add to a diet to make it more pro-digestion, more than anything. But from what we already know, it is crucial to maintain the beneficial bacterial populations in intestines for general wellness, not just good digestion.
Furthermore, other animal models show that blackcurrants benefit not just the intestines but also nearby organs like the liver. In another study published in the internal journal Nutrients, researchers discovered that blackcurrant could reduce the expression of hepatitis in rats. This means the fruit has plenty of potential in helping alleviate many serious issues related to the hepatic system and the digestive system, which are of course linked but still have particular needs and mechanisms that make them very independent organ systems.
In a third study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, a different set of researchers revealed that potent blackcurrant extracts appear to have the ability to reduce the impact of high-cholesterol diets in mice. What does this mean if the effects translate to humans on a one-to-one basis?
Suppose the animal models are accurate and the effects are sustained when applied to human models. In that case, this means that blackcurrant extract can potentially alleviate the metabolic syndrome associated with high-cholesterol diets, which can be a boon to people who may already be experiencing symptoms related to various metabolic disorders.
While superfoods like blackcurrant cannot solve everything, it is essential that people who are prone to chronic metabolic issues can adjust their diets to improve their digestive health, not just to control constipation but also to improve their overall health their colons.
Can Fruit Squash Make You Constipated?
Yes, consuming commercial beverages such as fruit squash and soda can trigger constipation in some individuals. According to the National Institute on Aging, sugar is one of the most common causes of constipation in adults, right next to fatty food.
People who live alone tend to feel that cooking is a big chore, so they stop cooking, eventually depending wholly on prepacked food and commercial beverages. While these food items are convenient, they’re not exactly the best for the body because they tend to be high in salt, fat, and sugar. These three ingredients can cause plenty of damage to the body, so it may be time to consider cooking again if you tend to eat like this.
If you already suffer from frequent bouts of constipation, you need to start introducing more fiber into your diet ASAP. Insoluble fiber improves digestion and prevents the complete absorption of bad cholesterol and fat. Soluble fiber is responsible for encouraging the flow of water to the colon, which improves the texture of the stool. The softer and wetter the seat, the shorter the transit time, which may also mean less pain for the patient.
You may be wondering why fruit squash, in particular, is not helpful for constipated people. Here’s why: fruit squashes are loaded with sugar and food dyes – they’re not pure fruit juice. Any number of additives in fruit squash products can cause either diarrhea or constipation, which is why you should steer clear if you are already experiencing symptoms.
What Juices Make You Poop?
If you are having a tough time pooping, you need juices that pack a lot of fiber per serving. Prune juice provides almost three grams of fiber per serving. Mixed fruit and vegetable juices may offer more. Check the nutrient chart on the label to see how much fiber each carton provides and decide based on the figures.
