Dr. Elizabeth Squirell · Gastroenterologist · Kingston Health Sciences Centre
Prunes for constipation
What the research really shows about prunes for constipation, how many to eat, side effects, and who should be careful.
Key points
- Prunes can help soften stools and help you go more often. Small studies support this, but they are not proven to work better than psyllium.
- Start with 3 to 5 prunes a day. If needed, slowly work up to about 5 prunes twice a day, the amount used in studies.
- Drink a glass of water or other fluid with them.
- Gas is common. Bloating, cramps or loose stools mean you should cut back.
- IBS: prunes are high in sorbitol, a FODMAP, and may make bloating worse.
- Kidney disease or a low-potassium diet: ask first. Ten prunes have about 700 mg of potassium.
- Crohn's with a narrowing (stricture): avoid dried fruit unless your IBD team says it is okay.
- Diabetes: count prunes as carbohydrate. Ten prunes have about 36 g of sugar.
Go to emergency or call 911 if you have
- Severe belly pain, or cramping that keeps coming back in waves
- A swollen, tight belly with vomiting
- You cannot pass stool or gas
- Heavy bleeding from your bottom, or you feel faint or dizzy