Post: Do Raisins Make You Poop? What Science Says

Photo: Getty Images Raisins are a great way to add natural sweetness to your baked goods, but they may also be helpful when you’re struggling to poop. Raisins are rich in fiber and sorbitol, two ingredients known to help with bowel movements.

Constipation can be a pretty frustrating condition. You might deal with it occasionally, such as when traveling , or be among the 16% of U.S. adults experiencing symptoms of constipation.1

You’ll know you’re constipated when you experience these common symptoms:2 Having fewer than three bowel movements per week

Straining or having difficulty when pooping

Passing lumpy, dry or hard stools

Feeling that not all stool has passed

Experiencing pain when passing stools

These uncomfortable symptoms might make you seek dietary help, such as adding raisins to your daily diet. Here’s why raisins may help relieve constipation and aid your digestive system, plus other foods you can try to get your bowel movements back on schedule. Why Raisins Can Help You Poop

Fiber Raisins can help relieve constipation due to their high fiber content. One cup of raisins has over 7 grams of fiber.3Doctors often recommend eating more fiber when patients report prolonged periods of constipation. The constipated stool is dry and hard to push out of your body. Fiber can fix that problem due to its natural composition.There are two types of fiber— soluble and insoluble . The first dissolves in your digestive fluids, turning into a gel-like substance that draws water from cells along the gastrointestinal tract. The colon uses the excess water to soften your stool and pass it more easily. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to your stool and helps food pass quicker through your gastrointestinal (GI) tract.4 Raisins help make this happen with their fiber content. Eating them will also help you meet the recommended 25 to 34 grams of daily fiber.5 10 Amazing Health Benefits of Fiber Sorbitol Sorbitol is a natural sugar alcohol that acts as a laxative, which is found in raisins, among other foods. When it enters the highly acidic juices in your stomach, the acid levels […]

Do Raisins Make You Poop? What Science Says