Pears and Constipation – Cure or Cause?

Constipation is very common in babies and toddlers. It is actually one of the primary concerns that parents will go to see a general practitioner or pediatrician about. It is most common in babies around the time of starting solids and for toddlers going through toilet training.

For babies, the change in dietary intake can result in changes in bowel motions, which is why I do have a section on this in The Nourished Baby. The process of the gut maturing (which takes two years) can mean that children experience potentially a bit of constipation (and also loose bowel motions) from time to time. As a result they  might need a bit of extra help with this and/or potentially they may be having some foods which are associated with a little bit of a blockage occurring.

In toddlers it is a little bit more complex as dietary changes are a harder (cue toddler-brain) and it can often coincide with toilet training. By toddler-stage children can overrule the urge to go if they are not feeling ready or comfortable for what ever reason, which can also lead to a bit of a blockage happening as well.

Keep in mind that there is also some genetic predisposition and potentially other underlying factors with constipation, so do always consult with your medial practitioner first to rule these out. However please do be careful of using a laxative, especially long terms as this can significantly exacerbate the issue and is associated with dependence on a laxative. 

The Importance of Fibre

There have been a number of new research reports on the management of constipation for children (see below). There is a clear association between a lack of fibre in the diet and constipation in little ones. With constipation the aim is to clear the gut in the least invasive way as possible and also to help prevent constipation occurring again. This is where fibre really comes in – as it helps to add bulk to the stool (insoluble fibre, such as fruit and vegetables skins) AND helps to move it through the lower intestine (soluble fibre).

So Are Pears the Answer?

Many of the parents that I work with are commonly recommended to try pear to help relieve constipation. However, like a lot of areas with starting solids and infant nutrition there is some conflicting advice around this.

It is not completely left of field for pears to be suggested to help with constipation. They are naturally high in sorbital – a natural sugar alcohol which can have a laxative effect. Sorbital is also manufactured as an artificial sweetener which is also where you may have heard this name before. Other foods that also contain sorbital are prunes (also often recommended for constipation), plums, necterines, peaches and apples.

However, the flip side to pears is that as a fruit they contain more fructose (natural sugar) than vegetables and still have less fibre as well. For example the difference in both soluable and insoluable fibre between pear and broccoli is:

Potentially large amounts of pear (especially without the skin) may increase the risk of constipation due to the higher amounts of fructose, as well as replacing the opportunity for other fibrous foods. While pear is what I call ‘middle of the road’ in terms of fructose amounts i.e not high like bananas but also not low like berries (it has 9.5g/100 so 2 teaspoons) it is still high compared to that of most vegetables. If your child is already having high amounts of fruit and then pear is added, this could be potentially be further counter productive – and given the current current state of what is provided by the baby food industry in which a large percentage of baby food contains fruit and very little vegetables (less than 10%) this is a real probability.

In addition, the transit time of a stool through the gut is affected by the bacteria in the gut which large amounts of fructose can alter. I do discuss more about the importance of bacteria in a babies gut in The Nourished Baby.

The verdict?

It is fibre which is the primary concern when it comes to the management of constipation.

Do use pears to help with constipation but if possible also use the skin – remember this can be pureed and blended up. In the recipe below I do this with kiwi-fruit. It is also why prunes can help as they still have the skin on. You still want to add a lot more fibrous foods, including your green leafy vegetables and I would also highly recommend having your child’s overall diet checked as well to help minimse any other foods that could be causing a bit of discomfort, such as baby rice (my blog on this here).

Toddler Friendly Prune Smoothie (aka the constipation smoothie!)

This is my go-to smoothie to help with constipation. It is packed full of ingredients to help the gut to clear itself and very high in fibre – I created this recipe to help our youngest who has had some functional constipation and has worked every time! Just click here for the recipe!

A Special Note – A Team Approach

In reading a number of recent research papers on the management of constipation in infants and children there was a very clear message in which they all stressed the the importance of a multi-team approach for managing constipation, especially for those with toddlers – I work with a number of families struggling with constipation alongside other health care providers and those specialising in toliet training (for example). You can book a 1-1 consultation through my online system here.

Remember that you do not need to struggle with this on your own and sometimes the smallest little tweaks, especially diet-wise can make a really big difference and getting support will help you to feel less alone as well.

xxx Dr Julie

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References and Further Reading:

The Nourished Baby, 2017 (by me!!)

Ekvall, S (2016). Constipation and Fibre (3rd Ed). Pediatric and Adult Nutrition in Chronic Diseases, Developmental Disabilities, and Hereditary Metabolic Disorders: Prevention, Assessment, and Treatment. Oxford University Press.

Howarth, L & Sullivan, P. (2016). Management of chronic constipation in children. Paediatrics and Child Health, 26, (10), 415-422 doi.org/10.1016/j.paed.2016.06.007

Ferrara, L & Saccomano, S. (2017). Constipation in children: Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
The Nurse Practitioner. 42(7):30–34, DOI: 10.1097/01.NPR.0000520418.32331.6e

List of foods that can cause constipation and how to prevent it

Various factors can contribute to constipation, but low fiber foods, eggs, sweeteners, allergens, and other items may worsen it. Meanwhile, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help relieve or prevent it.

Diet, lifestyle, stress, and underlying health conditions can all contribute to constipation.

In most healthy people, a single serving of a specific food is unlikely to cause constipation. However, people with digestive or other health conditions may find that eating certain foods can trigger or worsen constipation.

This article will look at which foods can cause or worsen constipation and some other potential causes.

In most healthy people, a single, specific food will not directly cause constipation. However, certain diets can contribute to it. People with chronic constipation may also find that specific foods impact their symptoms.

Occasional constipation is common, and most people will experience it at some point in life. However, 2–27% of the population experience chronic constipation, which is persistent.

According to the National Health Service (NHS), people are more likely to experience constipation if they:

• are pregnant
• frequently use laxatives
• eat a diet low in fiber
• do not drink enough fluids
• experience stress, anxiety, or depression
• are usually inactive

There are also many digestive conditions that can cause constipation, such as:

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
• inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• diverticulosis

Also, some medications and supplements — including iron supplements, antacids, and opioids — can cause constipation as a side effect.

The following sections will discuss some foods that may cause or worsen constipation.

Low fiber foods

Eating a diet that does not contain much fiber may contribute to constipation. A person may not be getting enough fiber if they eat a lot of meat, dairy products, and refined carbohydrates but do not eat many vegetables, fruits, or whole grains.

In this case, specific foods are not the cause of the constipation. Instead, it is an imbalance between different food groups. Eating more fiber and fewer low fiber foods may help.

It is worth noting that some people with digestive conditions or IBD find that eating high fiber foods can make their symptoms worse. If increasing fiber does not help, it may be worth talking with a doctor.

High FODMAP foods

People with IBS and some other digestive conditions may find that foods high in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) worsen their symptoms.

This group of carbohydrates can ferment in the digestive system, causing symptoms such as gas, constipation, or diarrhea. Some examples of high FODMAP foods include:

• garlic, onions, and shallots
• legumes, such as beans, chickpeas, and soybeans
• grains, such as wheat, barley, and rye
• sweeteners, such as xylitol, mannitol, and sorbitol
• specific fruits, such as apples, blackberries, and watermelon

People whose bodies have difficulty digesting these foods may feel better by eating a low FODMAP diet, which involves avoiding high FODMAP foods for a set period of time.

Learn more about the low FODMAP diet here.

Bananas

Bananas are part of the banana, rice, apple sauce, toast (BRAT) diet, which doctors previously recommended to treat diarrhea. This was due to these foods’ ability to slow down bowel movements. As a result, these foods may not be a good option for people who have constipation.

Ripe bananas are also high FODMAP, which may mean that people with IBS have to avoid them. Unripe bananas are low FODMAP and may be easier for those with IBS to tolerate.

Allergens

In some people, chronic constipation may signal a food allergy.

A 2011 study into constipation in children found that when the participants eliminated food allergens from their diet, their constipation improved. This was true for 28 out of 32 children. However, this was a small study with a low number of participants.

If a person’s body does not respond to taking laxatives or making other dietary changes, the person may wish to ask a doctor for allergy testing.

Eggs

Some people believe that eggs can cause constipation. However, there is not much scientific evidence that supports this. They are a low fiber food, though, so eating a lot of them may contribute to constipation.

Egg allergies are also among the most common food allergies, which could explain why some people’s bodies have difficulty digesting them.

For many people, eating more high fiber foods can help ease constipation. These foods include:

• most vegetables, including carrots, peas, broccoli, and okra
• fruits, including apples, pears, berries, avocados, and oranges
• whole grains, such as whole oats, buckwheat, and millet
• brown bread, pasta, and rice

The Institute of Medicine recommend consuming 19–38 grams of fiber per day, depending on age, sex, and stage of life. For example, pregnant people and older adults may need more fiber than others to prevent constipation.

When increasing fiber intake, it is also important to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration. Also, it is best to increase fiber intake slowly to prevent a constipating effect.

Some specific foods that may help with constipation include:

• Kiwi fruit: According to a 2014 article that looked at foods that help with constipation, green kiwi fruit increased the frequency and softness of bowel movements.
• Prunes: The 2014 study also notes that prunes can have a laxative effect. However, they are high FODMAP, which may make them unsuitable for people with IBS.
• Fruit juices: Unsweetened fruit juice may be especially helpful for young children, whose digestive systems are not yet matured. Apple, pear, or prune juices can be a source of fiber and help increase fluid intake.

If eating more fiber does not help or makes constipation worse, speak with a doctor.

Other aspects of a person’s lifestyle — such as their exercise routine, bathroom habits, and mental health — can also influence digestion.

To prevent or relieve constipation, they may wish to try:

• exercising regularly
• using the bathroom as soon as the need strikes
• minimizing the use of laxatives and enemas
• seeking help with managing chronic health conditions, such as diabetes
• seeking support for mental health conditions, such as anxiety
• learning stress management techniques, such as breathing exercises
• speaking with a doctor about any medications that could be causing constipation

Constipation is common, and most people experience it occasionally — particularly if their usual routine or diet has recently changed.

However, chronic constipation means that the digestive system is not functioning as it should. People with frequent or reoccurring constipation may have a health condition.

People should speak with a doctor if they experience any of the following symptoms:

• severe constipation that does not respond to over-the-counter laxatives or dietary changes
• constipation that keeps coming back
• abdominal pain
• blood in the stool
• constipation alongside additional symptoms, such as vomiting

What causes constipation can vary from person to person. For some, eating a diet low in fiber can cause or worsen constipation. In this case, eating more fruits and vegetables and staying hydrated may help.

For others, food allergies and intolerances can cause or worsen constipation. Finding the cause of constipation can help these people determine which foods they should avoid.

in an adult, in a child, is it possible with diarrhea

Most people disagree, the pear weakens or strengthens the stool. The action of the fetus affects the composition of the daily diet of the elderly, children, and people with health problems. There is no single answer to this question. The fruit has a different effect on the digestive processes. This is due to the rich composition of the pear. The effect manifests itself depending on the variety and degree of ripeness of the fruit, the characteristics of the digestion of a particular person, as well as on the type of heat treatment or lack thereof. Practice shows that the result can be both fixing and laxative.

Contents

1. Benefits of pears for the gastrointestinal tract
2. Influence of pears on the intestines
3. Adult
4. Child
5. How pears affect stool 9001 0
6. Which varieties of pear strengthen stool and why
7. Which varieties of pear weaken stool and why
8. Is it possible to eat a pear for diarrhea
9. How to eat pears correctly so that there are no problems with the intestines
10. Conclusion

Why is a pear useful for the gastrointestinal tract

It is an indisputable fact that the pear is loved for its pleasant aroma and very good taste. But besides this, the fruits bring great benefits to the human body, saturating it with important elements. The composition of the fruit contains not only vitamins and amino acids, but also a huge amount of minerals, fiber. If you regularly use pulp or juice, then digestion processes are getting better, the stool becomes stable due to normal intestinal motility. The fiber contained in the pear has a milder effect than the “apple”. But the properties of the pear are different – it weakens or strengthens, depending on the method of use.

Effect of pears on the intestines

The rich nutritional composition of the fruit contains many components that affect the functioning of the intestines. Motility depends not only on the fruit variety, but also on the ripeness of the fruit. If we analyze opinions about the effect of fruit on the intestines, it turns out that there is no single solution. Pear has a laxative or fixative effect depending on the method of use. Fiber actively acts on the intestinal walls, irritating the mucous membrane. This leads to the release of an increased amount of digestive juice, softening of food and regulation of the stool.

Important! Qualitative work of the intestine directly depends on the balance of the diet.

The menu must contain products that strengthen and weaken.

Therefore, you need to monitor the form in which the fruit is consumed. Many people who care about their health want to know if a fresh pear strengthens or weakens. A large amount of fiber has a laxative effect.

Adult

Fruit pulp perfectly copes with adult intestinal upset. It is in contact with gastric juice, this duo improves digestion well. In addition, the concentration of useful substances in pear juice relieves inflammatory manifestations and does not allow them to develop again. Pathogenic microflora in such a composition does not survive due to the content of pectin and tannins.

The second important quality is antibacterial, which provides arbutin. Therefore, the fruit is called a natural antibiotic.

Despite the listed advantages, an adult from a pear may have diarrhea or constipation. It depends on:

• individual characteristics of the organism;
• age;
• varieties;
• the amount of fruit eaten;
• method of use;
• cooking options.

Therefore, the effect on the chair can be completely opposite. In certain situations, the pear acts as a laxative or causes constipation.

Important! With diagnosed increased acidity of gastric juice, fresh fruits should not be consumed. This can cause an exacerbation of the disease and indigestion.

Child

Babies are a bit more complicated. For children under 1 year old, the fruits are introduced into complementary foods, but carefully. It is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the child. Any amount of fiber in fruits has an astringent effect, but at the same time enhances the secretion of gastric juice. The digestion process is accelerated, and the result must be recorded. If the baby is not fed properly, he develops constipation or diarrhea. Children are more difficult to treat, so preventing a problem is much wiser.

The first time a baby can be given a thermally processed fetus. An oven-baked pear, jelly or compote is suitable. It is very useful to add boiled fruits to oatmeal. Processed fruits contain much less fiber and are easier to digest.

The reaction to the portion eaten is observed for 2 days and it is noted whether the pear strengthens or weakens the child’s stool. If no negative or allergic manifestations are noticed, then the rate is gradually increased. Maximum – 2 fruits per day. As soon as bloating or a violation of the stool is noticed, the fruit is excluded from the children’s menu for 2 weeks.

It is considered not only a food product, but also a remedy. The pear copes well with dyspepsia in children, which is often used in the preparation of the daily diet of patients.

How pears affect stool

Intestinal function directly depends on a balanced diet. Therefore, the effect of fruits on the stool can be completely opposite. They are able to produce the effect of a laxative or fixing agent equally well. Therefore, when including a pear in the daily diet, you should control the amount of products with a fixing and laxative effect:

1. It is important to maintain a balance, otherwise the fruits will cause the action in which direction the excess will be allowed.
2. In the elderly, intestinal motility is reduced. This leads to constipation. Fruits should be included in the menu only in the form in which the pear is a laxative.
3. If a person suffers from diarrhea, then do not use the fruit for a fixing effect. The first step should be to visit a doctor. Only when it turns out that the cause is not infectious in nature, the fruits can be consumed.

There are two main rules. First, in order for the fruit to have a laxative effect, it is consumed raw. At the same time, the most ripe and juicy specimens are chosen. In order to fix the chair, drinks are prepared – compotes, jelly. In this form, the pear strengthens.

Second, the effect depends on the pear variety.

Which pear varieties fix the stool and why

The fruiting time of the variety has an important influence on the effect. Late pear varieties, especially ripening in October, have a fixing effect. Such species contain in their composition the substance arbutin, which can stop diarrhea.

If diarrhea lasts more than a day, then you should use late-cooked pears. In this state, they contain less fiber and strengthen the stool. Nursing mothers notice that late pear dishes strengthen the baby’s stool.

Which pear varieties weaken the stool and why

Early varieties are used as a laxative. They have a lower percentage of tannins, which have an astringent effect and a lot of fiber. It attracts liquid that softens food. Cleansing occurs gently, without irritating the intestinal mucosa.

These varieties include the Chinese pear. It is necessary to use only fresh fruits, choosing the most juicy ones. After processing, fiber does not have a similar effect.

Is it possible to have a pear for diarrhea

Digestive disorders are often associated with malnutrition and imbalance. The remedy for diarrhea is a decoction of tart varieties. It contains an impressive amount of arbutin and tannins, which have astringent and antibacterial properties. To prepare a decoction, 5-6 pears (fresh or dry) are enough. It is drunk in small portions throughout the day. A processed pear can also be given to a child with diarrhea in the form of jelly or compote. This will help restore fluid balance and improve the digestion process.

Oven-baked fruits have similar properties. They are consumed whole (pieces) or rubbed through a colander to a puree state. The peel should be peeled before baking to reduce the supply of fiber.

How to eat pears correctly so that there are no problems with the intestines

It is recommended to consume fruit in small doses, no more than 2 fruits per day. Then all the useful qualities of the pear are manifested to the maximum. The fruits are credited with a balancing property due to the combination of tough skin, tender pulp and good digestibility.

Conclusion

The pear weakens or strengthens the stool depending on how the fruit is consumed. Before cooking, it is imperative to determine the cause of the violation, visit a doctor.

Pear strengthens or weakens the stool of an adult and a child

In our latitudes, the pear is considered the most popular fruit after apples. It is tasty, healthy, has a rich chemical composition that has a positive effect on the functioning of the body.

Many fruit lovers disagree – pear fruits strengthen or weaken, can they be used for bowel problems and when should they be discarded?

Content

• Benefits for the gastrointestinal tract
• Laxative effect
• Firming effect
• Intestinal effect
  • Adult
  • Child
• Instructions for use
• Who should not eat pears -intestinal tract

  Pear fruits contain a whole range of nutritional components. This fruit is rich in antioxidants, tannins. The composition contains various vitamins and minerals, dietary fiber, arbutin and phytoncides. Dietary fiber improves the natural process of bowel movement, and tannins, tannins, on the contrary, have a strengthening effect.

  The chemical composition of the pear is rich in antioxidants. The pulp contains a large amount of fructose, pectin, and in the peel – dietary fiber. Such components not only stimulate peristalsis, but also remove toxins from the body, help improve liver function. For problems with the gallbladder or gallstone disease, for preventive and therapeutic purposes, it is recommended to use a decoction of dried pears.

  Regular use allows:

  • to activate metabolic processes;
  • increase the production of “good” cholesterol;
  • mild diuretic;
  • improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
  • normalizes blood pressure;
  • reduces the risk of oncology.

  All properties are due to the composition of the fruit. It is very healthy, should be present in the diet of adults and children.

  Laxative effect

  Many believe that the pear is laxative and it is true. Early varieties have a laxative property. They contain a lot of dietary fiber, which makes it easier to empty the intestines. To get a laxative effect, you should follow some rules:

  • To heat treat: boil, bake.
  • Eat juicy and sweet fruits: Duchess, Williams.
  • There are fruits, having previously peeled them.

  To achieve a laxative effect, it is enough to eat 1 ripe fruit per day. Can be combined with other products, such as herbs, pine nuts.

  It is not recommended to eat fruits with dairy or sour milk products, this leads to diarrhea, colic and other unpleasant symptoms.

  Firming action

  The pear strengthens thanks to the astringent action that comes from the tannin content of the pear. Tannic acid is found in many plant foods. Astringent varieties contain the most astringent components. You can recognize them by the hardness and astringency of the fruit.

  Pear strengthens if you choose late varieties. They have a thick skin, a slight bitterness and a tart taste. These types of pears are able to eliminate diarrhea, improve the functionality of the digestive system. In this case, not only a fresh pear is useful, but also dried or baked.

  Effect on the intestines

  Depending on the degree of ripeness, the pear has a laxative or strengthening effect. The fruit contains components that allow you to normalize the intestinal microflora, reduces the risk of development and reproduction of pathogenic bacteria. Moderate consumption of pears helps with dyspepsia, dysbacteriosis and other gastrointestinal disorders.

  Fresh or baked fruits contain a sufficient amount of useful components to normalize the stool and the body as a whole. Excludes stagnation of fecal masses, the risk of formation of fecal stones in diverticula, which are often the cause of inflammatory reactions.

  Early, juicy and ripe fruits contain a lot of fiber, which irritates the mucous membrane, which causes a laxative effect.
  Unripe fruits of late varieties will firm up as they have a good amount of tannin.

  Pear contains arbutin, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This substance is found in the formulations of drugs intended for the treatment of the digestive and urinary systems.

  Other components: organic acids, vitamins, minerals, also take part in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, protect against pathogenic microorganisms, increase local immunity.

  Adult

  Does the pear strengthen or weaken the stool in an adult? It depends on the degree of ripeness of the fruit. It is also important to take into account the general state of health, the presence or absence of chronic diseases in history.

  If there are chronic intestinal pathologies, fresh fruit is not recommended. This leads to exacerbations, digestive disorders. It is better to give preference to baked fruits.

  It is during baking in pears that the content of pectins increases, which have an anti-inflammatory, enveloping effect.

  Child

  Pear tree fruits bring many benefits to children, but they should be given with caution. For the first time, a pear can be introduced into complementary foods after 1 year, in the form of baked fruit puree. With good tolerance, jelly, compotes are prepared. Processed fruits have less tannins, so they are easily digested by the intestines.

  After the child has consumed pears, monitor his condition. If there is no bloating, diarrhea, constipation or allergies, the amount of fruit can be increased to 1 piece every 2 to 3 days. With severe problems with the intestines, the pear is excluded from the diet.

  Rules of use

  To get the maximum positive properties from a pear, it is important to follow some rules:

  • Buy a quality product without damage, damage, the fruit itself should not be overripe or immature.
  • Before use, rinse well under running water.
  • When buying in a supermarket, it is recommended to cut off the peel, eat only the pulp.
  • Heat treatment reduces properties, so if there are no problems with the intestines, it is better to use fresh fruits. In case of violation of the chair, it is better to heat treat.
  • Do not eat on an empty stomach.
  • It is not recommended to drink water after drinking or eat meat.

  Pears are best consumed in season. If they are sticky to the touch when you buy them, they have most likely been treated with biphenyl, which prevents rotting but is also hazardous to health. Before eating such fruits, they must be treated with boiling water, cut off the peel.

  If a person has a gastrointestinal disease, suffers from irregular stools, it is better to eat a pear 1-2 hours after eating. Portions should be small. You can make mashed potatoes, bake in the oven or cook jelly. The processed fruit by the method of baking, cooking is better digested by the intestines, does not cause stool upset. However, in such a product, the amount of nutrients is reduced.

  Who should not eat pears

  Despite all the benefits, not everyone can use them, because the fruits are difficult to digest products. If often introduced into the diet, the gastric mucosa is irritated, which negatively affects intestinal motility.
  Exclude from the diet if:

  • pathology of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute period;
  • acid disorder;
  • children under 1 year old;
  • pear allergy;
  • intolerance: bloating, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence.

  Pear is a sweet and healthy fruit, but should be used with caution, especially if a person has bowel problems. It is recommended to eat 2-3 fruits per day, subject to good tolerance. In addition to laxative and strengthening properties, this fruit has the ability to increase immunity, improve the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, reduce weight, and improve the rheological properties of blood.