Eating prunes daily can help maintain regular bowel movements. The number of prunes needed varies by individual, but general guidelines recommend eating 2-12 prunes per day. Let’s explore how many prunes you should eat to stay regular.
What Are Prunes?
Prunes are dried plums. They contain high amounts of fiber, especially soluble fiber. Soluble fiber absorbs water and forms a gel-like consistency, which softens and adds bulk to stools. This helps food pass more easily through the digestive tract.
In addition to fiber, prunes contain sorbitol. This is a natural sugar alcohol with laxative effects when consumed in large amounts. Sorbitol pulls water into the intestines, which stimulates bowel movements.
How Many Prunes Should You Eat Per Day?
Most experts recommend eating 2-12 prunes per day to maintain regularity. Here are some general guidelines based on your goals:
- For mild laxative effect: 2-3 prunes daily
- For constipation relief: 3-12 prunes daily
- For optimal regularity: 5-10 prunes daily
Start with a smaller amount like 2-3 per day. Slowly increase to find the optimal amount that provides regular bowel movements without unwanted effects like diarrhea, gas or bloating.
Benefits of Eating Prunes Daily
Here are some of the benefits of eating prunes every day:
- Improve regularity – Prunes are an effective, gentle laxative to prevent constipation.
- Support gut health – The fiber in prunes feeds healthy gut bacteria and promotes regular bowel movements.
- Reduce cholesterol – Soluble fiber in prunes binds to cholesterol in the gut to lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol.
- Control blood sugar – Despite their sweet taste, prunes have a low glycemic index that prevents spikes in blood sugar.
- Aid weight loss – Prunes are low in fat and calories. The fiber promotes fullness to reduce appetite and overeating.
- Provide antioxidants – Prunes contain vitamin A, vitamin K and polyphenols that combat oxidative cell damage.
When to Eat Prunes for Regularity
For best results, try eating prunes at the same time each day. Most people have a natural bowel movement shortly after waking up. So eating prunes in the morning can promote regularity.
Other tips for when to eat prunes include:
- Eat 2-3 prunes at breakfast
- Drink a glass of warm water or tea with prunes before bed
- Add prunes to yogurt, oatmeal or salads earlier in the day
You may need to experiment to find the right time of day that works for your body. But aim for consistency each day.
Types of Prunes to Eat
There are several types of prunes to choose from:
- Pitted prunes – Whole prunes with the pits removed for easier eating.
- Prune juice – Made by boiling prunes in water and straining out the solids.
- Stewed prunes – Prunes simmered into a compote-like dish.
- Dried plums – Another name for prunes, but may be marketed as slightly different.
For regularity, stick to common pitted prunes or prune juice. Prune juice offers similar benefits but may act more rapidly as a laxative due to higher sorbitol content. Stewed prunes and dried plums are interchangeable with regular prunes.
Prune Serving Size
Below are some common serving sizes for prunes:
- 1/4 cup of pitted prunes (about 4 medium prunes)
- 1/2 cup of prune juice (4 oz)
- 1/3 cup of stewed prunes
This equals around 60-120 calories and 1.5-3 grams of dietary fiber per serving. Adjust your serving size based on the number of prunes recommended for your needs.
Ways to Eat More Prunes
If eating plain prunes, aim to drink plenty of fluids. Here are some ways to incorporate more prunes into your diet:
- Add to yogurt, oatmeal, cereal or salads
- Blend into smoothies
- Simmer into oatmeal or chia pudding
- Make prunes part of trail mix or granola
- Substitute prune puree for oil in baking
- Cook prunes with rice, couscous or quinoa
Prune Juice Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for a 1/2 cup serving of prune juice (4 oz):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 2 mg |
| Potassium | 750 mg |
| Total Carbs | 45 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 38 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
Prune juice is high in carbs and natural sugar. But it’s low in fat, sodium and protein. The fiber and sorbitol provide the laxative effects.
Pitted Prune Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutrition profile for 1/4 cup (about 4 medium prunes) of pitted prunes:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 97 |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 0 mg |
| Potassium | 194 mg |
| Total Carbs | 25 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 19 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
Pitted prunes are high in natural sugars. The fiber and sorbitol provide the bowel-stimulating effects.
Risks and Precautions
Eating prunes in moderation is generally safe. But be aware of a few potential side effects:
- Diarrhea – Exceeding 12 prunes per day may cause loose stools or diarrhea.
- Bloating and gas – Some people experience GI discomfort from excess fiber intake.
- Medication interactions – The laxative effect may interfere with some medications. Consult your doctor.
- High potassium foods – Those with kidney disease may need to limit high potassium foods like prunes.
- Allergies – Prunes contain sulfites, which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Start with a low dose of prunes like 2-3 per day. Drink plenty of water to minimize adverse effects. Stop eating them if you experience severe diarrhea, dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.
The Bottom Line
To summarize, eating 2-12 prunes per day can help maintain regular bowel movements. Benefits include relief from constipation, lower cholesterol and blood sugar control.
For best results, eat prunes at the same time daily – such as morning, before bed or with meals. Pitted prunes, prune juice and stewed prunes are common options. Drink fluids and gradually increase your serving size to find the optimal amount for regularity.
Incorporate prunes into foods like yogurt, oatmeal and smoothies to boost fiber and nutrient intake. Or simply enjoy them as an on-the-go snack. With minimal risks and multiple health advantages, prunes are a smart addition to your diet.
