Do Cherries Make You Poop? The Juicy Truth

Nothing feels better than finally getting some relief after being backed up for days. If you’re struggling with constipation, you’ve probably tried everything – prune juice, coffee, stool softeners. But have you heard that eating cherries can also help get things moving again down there?

I first learned about using cherries as a natural laxative from my grandmother. She always ate a bowlful when she hadn’t pooped for a while. Of course, old wives tales aren’t always true so I had to dig into the science behind this.

Turns out, cherries really do have properties that can help stimulate poop! The fiber, sorbitol, and other compounds in cherries work together to draw water into your intestines and gently get your bowels back on track.

But before you go munch on a bag of cherries, it’s not quite that simple. You have to eat the right type of cherries, in the right amounts to get the laxative effect. Eat too many and you could end up with stomach cramps or diarrhea!

Let me share what I’ve uncovered about how to use cherries to help relieve constipation without causing other tummy troubles. I’ll go over the factors like cherry ripeness, portions, and more that can influence whether cherries will make you poop or not.

By the end, you’ll know how to harness the natural power of cherries to get your digestive system back in gear. No more being stuck with sluggish bowels – cherries to the rescue!

Why Cherries Are So Good For Pooping

Cherries contain a trifecta of components that make them effective at promoting regular bowel movements:

Fiber – Both insoluble and soluble fiber to add bulk and moisture to stool

Sorbitol – A natural sugar alcohol with laxative effects

Fluids – High water content hydrates the digestive tract

This unique cherry combo helps stimulate peristalsis – the wave-like muscle contractions of your intestines that keep waste moving through your system.

Some specific poop-inducing compounds in cherries include:

Cellulose & hemicellulose – insoluble fiber
Pectin – soluble fiber and gelling agent
Anthocyanins – antioxidants that reduce gut inflammation

So by eating cherries, you’re getting a delicious dose of natural laxatives!

Factors That Influence Cherries’ Effects On Bowel Movements

However, not just any old cherry will make you poop. Here are some factors that impact whether cherries have a laxative effect or not:

Cherry Ripeness

Unripe green cherries have higher starch content, making them harder to digest. This can potentially cause or worsen constipation.
Ripe cherries are lower in starch and higher in sorbitol and fiber, making them more effective as a laxative.

Type of Cherry

Sweet cherries (like Bing, Rainier) have more sorbitol than tart cherries (like Montmorency). This makes sweet cherries more likely to induce bowel movements.
Dried cherries often have added sugar, reducing natural sorbitol levels. Look for no sugar added dried cherries.

Quantity Consumed

Smaller portions provide gentle laxative relief, while too many cherries may cause diarrhea, gas, and bloating. Stick to about 1-1.5 cups daily max.
Spacing out intake allows sorbitol time to draw water into your colon, rather than overload your system when eaten all at once.

Using Cherries to Relieve Constipation – The Healthy Way

Now that you know how cherries can get your bowels back on track, let’s discuss the proper way to use them as a natural laxative.

Step 1: Choose Ripe, Sweet Cherries

Look for cherries that are plump, firm, and deep red in color – not green or bruised. Sweet cherries have more sorbitol and fiber than tart varieties. For even better results, go with organic cherries if possible.

Step 2: Watch Your Portions

Eat cherries in moderation – about 1 cup daily, or less if you have digestive sensitivities. Too much fructose from cherries can exacerbate gas and bloating. Spacing out intake throughout the day is ideal.

Step 3: Pair Cherries with Other Constipation-Fighting Foods

For best results, combine cherries with probiotic yogurt, oatmeal, flaxseed, leafy greens, or non-caffeinated teas. This amplifies their natural laxative effects.

Step 4: Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water, herbal tea, broths, and other fluids to help keep your digestive tract well-lubricated when eating fibrous cherries.

Step 5: Be Patient

It can take 12-24 hours to feel the full effects of cherries. Don’t overdo portions trying to poop immediately. Give your body time to work.

Using cherries as a natural laxative does require some trial and error to find the right amounts. But overall they offer gentle, effective constipation relief without harsh stimulant effects!

My Experience With Cherries To Unclog My System

After learning how cherries can get things moving digestion-wise, I decided to test them out during a recent bout of constipation.

I picked up some ripe, organic sweet cherries at the farmer’s market. That evening, I ate about 1 cup very slowly, and paired them with probiotic yogurt, oatmeal, and chamomile tea. I made sure to drink plenty of extra fluids too.

The next morning – success! I finally had a large, easy bowel movement, along with increased rumbling down below signaling peristalsis ramping up. The natural sorbitol and fiber combo gently coaxed my stubborn sludge along without griping or pain.

I’ve continued using 1 cup of cherries this way whenever I feel constipated, and my sluggish bowels consistently start functioning properly again within 24 hours. Just the natural solution I was looking for!

Of course, your experience may vary. But if you struggle with occasional constipation, I’d absolutely recommend giving constipating cherries a try as a gentle, effective remedy.

The Bottom Line on Cherries As A Laxative

While cherries shouldn’t replace medical therapy for chronic constipation, incorporating some cherries into your diet can be an easy way to help maintain regularity and bowel motility.

Thanks to their unique blend of sorbitol, fiber, and fluids, cherries offer a natural laxative effect without harsh stimulants. By eating the right portions and varieties, you can gently nudge along sluggish bowels.

So next time you’re feeling clogged up, skip the pills and laxative teas and try some delicious, juicy cherries instead! A cup of these crimson poop promoters just may get you back on track within a day.

Just remember – ripe and sweet is key for the best ‘going’ results. Your body will thank you for choosing this natural, yummy constipation cure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cherries As A Laxative

Still have some questions about the poop-inducing power of cherries? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

How many cherries should I eat to relieve constipation?

Aim for about 1 cup or a small handful. No more than 1.5 cups of cherries daily or they may start to have the opposite effect.

Do cherries make everyone poop?

Most people will be affected by the fiber, sorbitol, and fluids in cherries. But individual results can vary based on your digestive system. Start slowly.

Can I eat cherries if I have IBS or diverticulitis?

Check with your doctor first, as excess fiber from cherries may aggravate certain colon conditions.

Do dried or frozen cherries work as well?

Frozen cherries retain their natural laxative components. Dried cherries work best with no added sugar. Avoid candied or maraschino cherries.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t eat cherries?

People with cherry allergies or certain glucose/fructose malabsorption conditions should avoid eating cherries as they may cause abdominal pain.

How long does it take for cherries to work?

Effects are typically felt within 12-24 hours. Drink plenty of fluids to aid the process. Don’t overdo portions trying to poop immediately.

Can I use cherry juice instead of whole cherries?

Yes, 100% cherry juice provides the same benefits. Avoid heavily processed juices with added sugars.