Short Answer: Cherries are good for constipation. Because they have fiber, sorbitol, and antioxidants and they can soften the stool, increase water content, and reduce inflammation.
Constipation is a condition that affects your digestive system.
In constipation, your body absorbs too much water from the stool, making it hard, dry, and difficult to pass.
This can lead to various health problems, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fecal impaction, and diverticular disease.
One of the key factors in managing constipation is diet.
What you consume can affect your bowel movements, which can impact your constipation symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage constipation, you should consume fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes and avoid low-fiber foods like meat, dairy, and processed foods.
Now, cherries are small stone fruits that come in sweet and sour varieties.
People usually eat them fresh, dried, frozen, or as juice.
Cherries are good for constipation because they contain fiber, sorbitol, and antioxidants.
Fiber helps soften the stool and increase its bulk, making it easier to pass.
Sorbitol is a natural sugar alcohol that has a laxative effect, drawing water into the colon and stimulating bowel movements.
Antioxidants help fight oxidative stress and inflammation, which may contribute to constipation.
One cup (154 grams) of sweet, raw, pitted cherries can give you 3 grams of fiber (12% of your daily needs), 14.6 grams of sorbitol (no recommended intake), and 18% of your daily vitamin C needs.
Fiber can improve constipation by increasing stool frequency and consistency.
Sorbitol can relieve constipation by increasing stool water content and motility.
Vitamin C can protect the cells of the digestive tract from oxidative damage and inflammation.
Furthermore, cherries are a fruit and fruits are good for constipation.
Because, fruits are rich in water, which helps hydrate the colon and prevent hard stools.
You can eat one to two cups of cherries per day safely.
More than that can cause bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Also, you shouldn’t eat cherries if you have fructose malabsorption or sorbitol intolerance to prevent digestive distress.
Because, cherries contain fructose and sorbitol, which can cause symptoms like cramping, nausea, and flatulence in some people.
You can buy fresh cherries in your local market or can order them online.
Always choose cherries that are firm, plump, and shiny. Because, these indicate freshness and quality.
You can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a year.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing constipation effectively.
I always recommend my constipation patients to follow a constipation-friendly diet to improve their bowel health and enjoy a longer and healthier life.