Question: Does prune juice really help eliminate constipation? If so, about how much a day would it take to help this problem?

Dr. Hibberd's answer:

Prunes act as a natural laxative and drinking prune juice does help relieve constipation.

Fiber intake with fluids is really the hidden secret to bowel health normalcy. For each cup of prune juice (about 5.2 grams of fiber), you will need to consume five prunes.

Start with one cup in the morning and another at night. Just drinking prune juice alone may not always manage constipation, as you will usually need about 2 quarts of water or other fluid it maintain bowel regularity.

Prunes and prune juice are actually low in fiber. Another option: Sprinkle bran on your soup or cereal to boost your fiber intake. You can also take psyllium fiber supplements or Metamucil — with 2-3 glasses of water — twice daily.