There has been a lot of buzz regarding the topic, ‘does cranberry juice make you poop?’, or the truth behind it. Let’s know the whole truth here.
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a North American evergreen plant thriving in bogs. It yields salicylic acid-rich dark crimson fruits.
Cranberries contain chemicals that prevent germs from adhering to urinary tract cells. But, they do not seem to drop germs that have already attached themselves to these cells. Therefore, cranberry aids in preventing but not treating urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Cranberry should not be confused with cramp bark, or lingonberry. They’re sometimes referred to as Vaccinium macrocarpon.
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Does Cranberry Juice Make You Poop?
Cranberries are a little woodland berry with a powerful and exquisite taste. Moreover, it has various health benefits.
They’re also rich in fiber, so they’ll help you avoid constipation if you eat them. They also contain characteristics that promote peripheral circulation and capillary strength.
Your body needs water to make passing stools easier. As a result, consuming more cranberry juice may assist with dehydration and constipation. Besides, there is no evidence that cranberry juice is better than plain water.
Research published in 2019 aimed to separate the effects of cranberries on the intestines. The component that gives the juice its strong taste was identified as salicylic acid.
Scientists observed that the natural salicylate in cranberry juice might reduce the quantity of Enterobacteriaceae. It includes E. coli, present in more significant amounts in people. It is present with digestive problems, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
They also discovered that salicylate increased the number of Bacteroidaceae. Furthermore, the researchers discovered that cranberry juice aided in killing germs. Still, they did not specify how much cranberry juice a person would need to consume.
Their characteristics are good for our bodies, whether raw, in juice, or capsules. It is particularly healthy, since they have a strong antioxidant capacity. This implies they inhibit the activity of free radicals, responsible for aging.
They contain a lot of vitamin C in them. This means it boosts our immune system and makes iron absorption easier. Therefore, it is why it’s recommended for those with iron deficiency anemia.
Since there are various reasons for constipation, cranberry juice may not be the best option for everyone.
Cranberry juice includes components such as proanthocyanidins, isoprenoids, and xyloglucans. This information is based on 2016 paper from the Cranberry Health and Wellness Study Conference.
Each of these substances has the potential to defend against harmful gut bacteria, such as E. coli.
Fluid Factor of Cranberry Juice
Constipation is more common in certain persons as a result of dehydration. To make stools easier to pass, your body needs water. As a result, consuming more cranberry juice may assist with dehydration and constipation.
Furthermore, cranberry juice contains calories. It results in weight gain over time. This implies it may not be your first option for constipation relief daily. This answers the question does cranberry juice make you poop or not.
Benefits of Cranberry Juice
Snacking on cranberries or drinking cranberry juice is the simplest method to get the most out of them. But, there is a word of caution. Cranberry juice may be high in sugar, rendering it unfit for human consumption.
Apart from the question, ‘does cranberry juice make you poop’, it also has innumerable health advantages.
If you buy sweetened cranberry juice, be sure it’s low-sugar cranberry juice. Despite this, cranberry juice is quite nutritious. The following are health advantages of cranberry juice.
1. Enhances cardiovascular health
Carberry juice is high in flavonoids, which may help prevent heart diseases such as atherosclerosis. Cranberries may also help your body produce more healthy cholesterol.
2. Assists in weight loss
Fresh cranberry juice might help you lose weight. Consume a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. This will help you get your day off to a good start.
3. Cranberries have anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation is a normal part of life. After all, it’s how your body responds to injury, such as a sprained ankle. Chronic inflammation is something to be concerned about since it raises blood pressure and makes your heart work harder.
4. Antioxidants are abundant in cranberry juice
Although certain meals contain more than others, most fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants. Berries, particularly cranberries, are among the most antioxidant-rich foods.
5. Cranberries help to keep your liver healthy
It’s debatable if certain meals cleanse your body since your liver handles removing contaminants from your blood. Still, maintaining your liver healthy is an excellent method to help it clear your system. It is because of its dietary fiber, antioxidants, and antibacterial qualities.
Does Cranberry Supporting the Digestive System?
Cranberries phytochemicals seem to have a significant role in digestive health.
Research published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found evidence supporting cranberry juice’s digestive health advantages.
According to the article, it inhibits the generation of other bacteria in the stomach, H. pylori which improves digestive health. The experts also said that further study on cranberry juice is required.
Although medical research has yet to establish that cranberry juice is a miracle cure for digestive issues, three studies released since 2005 suggest it may help with ulcers.
Cranberry juice has been shown in trials to inhibit the bacteria Helicobacter pylori from adhering to the stomach and intestinal walls. Infection with H. pylori is a frequent cause of stomach and small intestine ulcers.
According to emerging data, cranberries’ phytochemicals seem to have a significant role in digestive health. Research published in the Journal of the Science of Food found evidence supporting cranberry juice’s digestive health advantages.
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Warnings And Special Precautions
Along with having advantages, they also contain some drawbacks. We’ll go through each of them one by one:
Stones in the kidneys
Cranberry juice and extracts contain a significant amount of oxalate. It is a compound present in cranberries. Cranberry may raise the risk of kidney stones because it contains oxalate, prevalent in kidney stones.
If you have a history of kidney stones, avoid using cranberry extract products or drinking a lot of cranberry juice to be on the safe side.
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Breastfeeding and pregnancy
Cranberry is a frequent ingredient in many dishes. There isn’t enough reliable data to say if cranberry is safe to consume in more significant doses when pregnant or breastfeeding. Still, it is said to have some adverse effects in pregnancy.
Aspirin allergy
Salicylic acid is found in enough cranberries. Salicylic acid is a substance that is comparable to aspirin. If you are allergic to aspirin, avoid consuming excessive amounts of cranberry juice.
Diabetes
Extra sugar is added to certain cranberry juice products. Stick to cranberry products sweetened with artificial sweeteners if you have diabetes.
Consequences of Overeating
Cranberry is often eaten in meals when consumed. Most people should be okay with cranberry juice and extracts. Some individuals may get moderate stomach distress and diarrhea. It happens due to drinking too much cranberry juice.
Consider unpleasant side effects such as medication interactions before consuming more cranberry juice. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Cranberry products may increase the risk of bleeding.
Cranberries, like aspirin, contain salicylic acid, which thins the blood. According to a 2012 study, cranberry may interact with the cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin.
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Is Cranberry Juice A Diarrhea Causer?
Cranberry juice, according to WebMD, may induce diarrhea if drunk in large quantities. Kidney stones may also be caused by drinking more than 1 liter of alcohol every day.
Since most individuals don’t drink cranberry juice, this shouldn’t be an issue. If you want to use the juice to help ease constipation, your best chance is to include ones that have been shown to treat constipation in tiny doses.
The Bottom Line
Even if you like cranberry juice, you may want to find other uses for it than making you defecate. Moreover, other juices, such as prune juice (rich in fiber) and apple juice are better for constipation relief than cranberry juice. Besides, with this guide, ‘does cranberry juice make you poop’, you can know about cranberry juice in great detail.
