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Is Prune Juice Harmful To The Colon?

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Posted on Mon, 11 Aug 2014
Question: Is prune juice harmful to the colon and can it be used daily for chronic constipation? Is it better than using Linzess?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
It's safe...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Yes, prune juice is not harmful and can be used for daily chronic constipation. It is better than Linzess as it is natural. Linzess is a new product to ease abdominal discomfort from constipation.

What comes from nature is better than synthetic ones. The only problem with prune juice is alteration in blood potassium levels. You can regularly check them.

Otherwise, it is safe.

Dr.Klerida
Let me know if anything unclear.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (3 hours later)
Yes, some people use it all the time and some are leary of it. Some doctors have no problem with it. My pcp has always been against the "chemicals" in prune juice but it seems to help me a lot. When I use prune juice I go every day and never have any abdominal discomfort. I even asked the doctor on call covering for my GI doctor and he said he never had heard it was unsafe either. So I'm confused. If Lizness doesn't work in a few days I will have to fall back on what I have been taking.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (26 hours later)
Brief Answer:
A natural solution...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Please do not get confused. Just think it over and use your common sense.

Prune is a natural product deriving from nature. Prune juice is obtained after squeezing prunes or boil it or preserved it. Regular consumption of prunes in small or moderate amount does not cause any harm.

The only problems to avoid include :
- changes in potassium levels (should measure potassium in blood regularly as mentioned earlier)
- dependency issues (your bowels will make a habit to work better in presence of prunes juice).

I also advise not to rely only on the work of prunes in improving your constipation problems. Instead, :
- eating more fiber rich foods
- consume more water
- make a habit to long walkings
and other diet and lifestyle changes will help improve your symptoms.

All the best!
Dr.Klerida
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2266 Questions

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Is Prune Juice Harmful To The Colon?

Brief Answer: It's safe... Detailed Answer: Hi, Yes, prune juice is not harmful and can be used for daily chronic constipation. It is better than Linzess as it is natural. Linzess is a new product to ease abdominal discomfort from constipation. What comes from nature is better than synthetic ones. The only problem with prune juice is alteration in blood potassium levels. You can regularly check them. Otherwise, it is safe. Dr.Klerida Let me know if anything unclear.