Is syrup of figs good for you?

What is syrup of figs?

Syrup of figs is a medicinal syrup made from the fig fruit. It contains concentrated fig juice mixed with water and sugar or honey. Syrup of figs has been used for centuries as a natural laxative to help relieve constipation. The high fiber content and natural sugars in figs can help stimulate bowel movements and promote regularity.

Some key facts about syrup of figs:

  • Made from an extract of dried figs
  • Contains concentrated fig juice, water, and a sweetener like honey or sugar
  • Traditionally used as a gentle, natural laxative
  • Provides a good source of fiber to support regular bowel movements
  • Has a thick, syrupy consistency and sweet taste

Figs have been used medicinally since ancient times. References to their laxative properties date all the way back to Ancient Egypt. Today, syrup of figs is still commonly used to relieve occasional constipation. It can be found in most pharmacies and health food stores.

How does syrup of figs help with constipation?

Syrup of figs can help get things moving when you’re backed up or having difficulty going to the bathroom. Here’s how it provides constipation relief:

Fiber content – Figs contain soluble fiber that absorbs water and helps bulk up stool. This allows waste to move smoothly through the intestines. The fiber pulls water into the colon to soften and loosen stool.

Natural laxatives – Figs contain compounds called anthraquinones, which stimulate intestinal contractions to propel stool forward. They also help draw water into the intestines from nearby tissue.

Osmotic effects – The natural sugars in fig syrup aren’t fully absorbed and retain water in the colon through osmosis. This increases the water content and volume of stool.

Mild sweet taste – The sweet flavor makes syrup of figs relatively pleasant and easy to take. This increases compliance with taking it as directed.

So in summary, the fiber expands stool volume, the laxatives trigger contractions to move things along, and the osmotic effects help soften stool while retaining fluid in the colon. This multi-pronged approach is what makes syrup of figs helpful for alleviating constipation.

What are the potential benefits of syrup of figs?

Here are some of the main potential benefits of using syrup of figs:

  • Relieves constipation – The main benefit is relief from constipation and promoting regular bowel movements. It can help get things moving if you’re backed up.
  • Natural remedy – Syrup of figs provides a natural alternative to harsh chemical laxatives. It contains concentrated fruit juice and natural plant compounds.
  • Improves regularity – With continued use, it may help establish a pattern of regular bowel movements.
  • Gentle on stomach – Fig syrup tends to be gentle on the stomach, especially compared to stimulant laxatives.
  • Adds fiber to diet – Increasing fiber intake with fig syrup can support overall digestive health.
  • Simple dosing – Syrup of figs is easy to take by the spoonful based on directed dosage.

The bottom line is that syrup of figs offers a safe, natural way to find constipation relief. It may help reestablish regularity in bowel habits with continued use.

What are the side effects of syrup of figs?

Syrup of figs is typically well-tolerated, but some possible side effects may occur:

  • Abdominal discomfort – Some people experience cramping, bloating, nausea or diarrhea.
  • Gas and loose stools – The rapid increase in bowel movements can lead to gas, flatulence or loose stool.
  • Mineral loss – Overuse could potentially result in loss of water and minerals like potassium from the body.
  • Dependency – Relying on it too frequently may cause laxative dependence where your bowel no longer functions normally.
  • Allergic reactions – Those with fig allergies could experience itching, swelling, or anaphylaxis.
  • Dangerous interactions – It can interact with certain medications like diuretics, stimulants, opioids, and heart medications.

These adverse effects are generally rare and mild. Serious complications mostly occur with chronic misuse. To avoid issues, it’s important to use syrup of figs only as directed and not excessively. Speak to your doctor before using syrup of figs if you take any medications or have a medical condition.

Who should avoid using syrup of figs?

Syrup of figs is contraindicated for certain people and situations. You should avoid fig syrup if:

  • You have a fig or sulfites allergy – Allergic reactions are possible in sensitized individuals.
  • You have undiagnosed abdominal pain – Could mask an underlying gastrointestinal disorder.
  • You have intestinal obstruction – Laxatives may worsen an intestinal blockage.
  • You have inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis – Can exacerbate symptoms.
  • You take certain medications – May interact with diuretics, cardiac medications, opioids, and other drugs.
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding – Safety has not been established for pregnant/nursing women.
  • You have mineral deficiencies – Overuse could lead to electrolyte imbalances.
  • You are a child – Not considered safe for those under 6 years old.

It’s also not recommended for long-term use or dependency. Occasional use is appropriate for most healthy adults, but check with your healthcare provider before taking syrup of figs if you have any medical conditions or take medications. They can help determine if it’s safe for your situation.

What is the recommended dosage for syrup of figs?

The standard recommended dosage for syrup of figs is:

  • Adults & children over 12 years: 15-30 mL (1-2 tbsp) taken once daily, preferably at bedtime.
  • Children 6-12 years: 5-10 mL (1-2 tsp) taken once daily, preferably at bedtime.
  • Do not give to children under 6 years old.

Start with the lower dosage and adjust as needed to produce bowel movements. For severe constipation, adults can take up to 60 mL (4 tbsp) at once but this is the upper limit.

Always shake the bottle well before use. Syrup of figs can be taken directly by mouth, mixed with water, or added to foods like oatmeal. Take on an empty stomach or before bed for best results. It should start working in 6-12 hours to produce bowel movements. Do not exceed the recommended dosages or usage durations.

How long does syrup of figs take to work?

Syrup of figs is not a fast-acting laxative. It typically takes 6-12 hours to take effect once ingested. The fig juice needs time to reach the large intestine and draw water into the bowels to stimulate contractions.

You’ll usually feel the urge to have a bowel movement within 12 hours of taking syrup of figs. It also takes some time for the fiber content to fully absorb water and bulk up the stool. The laxative effects tend to come on gradually over several hours.

With regular use over 2-3 days, syrup of figs will start to promote more regular bowel habits. The initial dose helps get things moving, while subsequent doses keep things regular. But it does require some patience at first and is not an overnight fix.

If you do not have a bowel movement within 12 hours of your initial dose, you can take another dose of syrup of figs. Repeat the dosage every 12 hours until it produces results. But do not exceed maximum recommended amounts. See your doctor if it is ineffective after several doses.

How long does syrup of figs last?

A single dose of syrup of figs can continue working for up to 1-3 days in the body before its effects wear off completely. However, it may produce bowel movements for the first 12-24 hours.

The laxative effects tend to be strongest in the first day. You’ll likely have more frequent stools in the hours immediately after taking it as the fig extract triggers contractions to move waste along. The results are not immediate, but you’ll feel the urge to go within 6-12 hours.

After the initial cleansing of the bowels, syrup of figs can help maintain regularity for a few days. The fiber creates bulkier stools and draws water into the colon to keep waste soft. This allows continued ease of passage even a couple days after taking fig syrup.

However, these effects are temporary. Continued, long-term use is not recommended as it could lead to dependence. Syrup of figs works best for occasional use when needing relief from constipation.

What foods and drinks should you avoid when taking syrup of figs?

Certain foods and drinks can reduce the effectiveness of syrup of figs when taken for constipation relief:

  • Dairy products – Milk, cheese, yogurt can make stools firmer.
  • Red meat – Can cause constipation and harder stools.
  • Processed foods – Tend to be low in fiber, slowing transit time.
  • Bananas – Binding effect due to starch can lead to constipation.
  • Alcohol – Dehydrating effect exacerbates constipation.
  • Caffeinated drinks – Stimulant properties of coffee, tea, soda can cause dehydration.
  • Salty foods – Can promote water retention and harder stools.

It’s best to stick to a diet high in fiber, fruits, vegetables and whole grains when taking syrup of figs. Drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids. Limit foods that can have constipating effects to allow the fig syrup to work optimally.

Are there any drug interactions with syrup of figs?

Syrup of figs can potentially interact with certain medications. Some major drug interactions include:

  • Diuretics – Syrup of figs may decrease potassium levels if taken with diuretics like furosemide (Lasix).
  • Anti-arrhythmics – Loss of potassium can increase risk of arrhythmias in those taking anti-arrhythmic drugs.
  • Anti-hypertensives – The drop in potassium can antagonize medications for high blood pressure like ACE inhibitors.
  • Opioids – Syrup of figs may impact absorption and efficacy of opioids.
  • Steroids – Concurrent use can increase potassium depletion induced by steroids.
  • Lithium – Syrup of figs may decrease lithium levels by increasing excretion.

Always consult your physician or pharmacist before using syrup of figs if you take any prescription or over-the-counter medications. They can verify whether fig syrup may interact with anything you are taking currently.

Is syrup of figs safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

The safety of syrup of figs during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well established. There is limited research investigating its effects on pregnant or nursing women.

Some potential concerns with using syrup of figs during pregnancy include:

  • Uterine contractions – Anthraquinone laxatives may stimulate uterine contractions.
  • Congenital disabilities – One animal study found an association with birth defects when given at extremely high doses.
  • Nutrient deficiency – Laxative abuse could deprive the fetus of essential nutrients.
  • Preterm labor – Severe diarrhea from laxatives may increase risk of preterm birth.

For breastfeeding mothers, the main issue is that overuse of laxatives like syrup of figs can potentially pass through breastmilk and affect the infant. Stimulant laxatives are typically not recommended while nursing.

Occasional, short-term use may be safe but more research is still needed. Always consult your obstetrician before taking any laxatives like syrup of figs during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How does syrup of figs compare to other laxatives?

Syrup of figs is considered a stimulant laxative. Here is how it generally compares to some other common laxative types:

Laxative Type Examples Onset of Action Side Effects
Stimulant Senna, bisacodyl, castor oil 6-10 hours Abdominal cramps, electrolyte imbalance
Stool Softener Docusate 1-3 days Rare; diarrhea
Osmotic Magnesium citrate, milk of magnesia, epsom salts 1-3 days Bloating, nausea, electrolyte disorders
Bulk-forming Psyllium, methylcellulose 12-72 hours Bloating, flatulence, diarrhea

As a stimulant laxative, syrup of figs works relatively fast but has a higher chance of side effects like abdominal discomfort, cramping, or diarrhea compared to stool softeners or osmotic laxatives. It also tends to be more harsh than bulk-forming fiber supplements. However, it is gentler on the stomach than castor oil.

Conclusion

Syrup of figs can be an effective remedy for occasional constipation, providing a natural way to stimulate bowel movements. It contains concentrated fig juice plus natural laxatives that help draw water into the colon to hydrate and soften stool while promoting contractions. Benefits include relief of constipation without harsh chemicals, improved regularity, and added dietary fiber.

Syrup of figs does have some potential side effects, like cramping and loose stools, and should be avoided by those with certain medical conditions. It also takes 6-12 hours to work and requires some patience. While long-term use is not recommended, occasional use of syrup of figs can safely provide constipation relief in most healthy adults when used as directed. Those who are pregnant, elderly, have chronic constipation, or take medications should consult a doctor before use.

Overall, syrup of figs remains a time-tested, natural remedy for stimulating bowel movements. When used properly and in moderation, it can effectively help get things moving again when occasional bouts of constipation arise.

Leave a Comment