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Prunes, sorbitol, bloating.

Posted , 5 users are following.

martin31040
martin31040

Hi all, I've been doing some reading, when you get constipated they say a good remedy is prunes this is because it contains sorbitol, the problem is sorbitol is not absorb very well and ends up in the large intestine where gut bacteria feast on it causing a huge amount of gas leading bloating and considerable discomfort, so in my case I won't be having any more prunes, I stepped eating them a couple of days ago and now have totally reduced the bloating, so what they might be good for you turns out a real problem, IBS is a right enigma, anyone else had trouble with prunes. ,

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • frazzled
    frazzled martin31040

    Posted

    Hi martin.  You are right on.  Read about sorbitol on Wiki.  I was afraid of the dates I just bought.
    • martin31040
      martin31040 frazzled

      Posted

      Hi, apparently prunes have some of the highest levels of Sorbitol and I was eating quite a few thinking it would help with constipation and at the same time giving myself crazy bloating etc, and another thing I think the sorbitol was giving me hives as well which was pretty itchy, but since I've stopped the prunes bloating almost gone and itching stopped.

    • frazzled
      frazzled martin31040

      Posted

      Glad to know you are feeling a bit better.  I think I read that any sweetener or additive ending in "ol" should be avoiding by people who have IBS.  I just found it in my coffee sweetner.  awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

  • leeniepie
    leeniepie martin31040

    Posted

    I used to eat prunes fine, then one day- bam. Terrible d ever since. I avoid all dried fruit.
    • martin31040
      martin31040 leeniepie

      Posted

      Hi, it's the sorbitol in prunes, and prunes contain a lot, it's a natural alcohol sugar with laxative effect apparently it doesn't absorb well and ends up in the large intestine where bacteria feast on it causing huge amount of gas, in my case I got terrible bloating, so no more prunes for me.

  • sam18386
    sam18386 martin31040

    Posted

    You should see your doctor if you're severely constipated not just take extra fruit alone!

  • sardine
    sardine martin31040

    Posted

    My 7 year old was in and out of the er because of severe constipation. Miralax wasn't working for her or pedialax. Her miracle breakfast is 4 prunes in the morning with a grapefruit and her multivitamin. Now she has zero issues. Prunes are a God send for children.

    • martin31040
      martin31040 sardine

      Posted

      Hi, yes prunes are a time and tested food for constipation, but if you have greater issue's like IBS maybe not so good, it's the Sorbitol a fruit sugar in prunes can cause severe bloating in some people, but a great fruit if they work for you.

    • Rosie85777
      Rosie85777 martin31040

      Posted

      I am finding that Prunes, dried Apricots, Dates and raisins, even when cooked and/or liquidised are causing me trouble. Diverticular disease is my main problem, along with psoriatic arthritis. I take Fybogel twice a day. Recently I have been eating the simplest of foods and liquidising frequently. I am coming to the conclusion that dried fruit is best left alone for me. Food has become a minefield. Am currently also taking Slippery Elm capsules and two weeks ago started a low dose of CBD capsules to try and remedy the depressive mood swings that chronic pain and discomfort can bring.

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