Can Prune Juice Give You Cramps?

Prune juice is a good source of fiber, but may cause unwanted abdominal cramping in some people. Prune juice is high in potassium, B vitamins and fiber, which can help maintain good health. Cramping from drinking prune juice may be caused by intestinal gas, side effects of fiber or digestive conditions. Prune juice is commonly used to treat constipation but check with your doctor before using it to treat any condition.

Stomach cramping is a common symptom of trapped gas in your intestines. Certain proteins, sugars and carbohydrates cause fermentation to occur in your colon, which causes the creation of excess gas. Moderate amounts of gas are expelled about 14 times daily by passing gas through your rectum, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. If gas becomes trapped in your intestines, you can become bloated and expereince intermediate pains throughout your abdomen. If the cramping persists or gets worse and you're unable to fulfill your daily routine, call your doctor.

One cup of prune juice contains about 11 percent of your recommended daily fiber intake. The sudden increase of fiber in your digestive system can cause various gastrointestinal symptoms. Familydoctor.org states that common side effects of adding fiber to your diet suddenly are intestinal gas, bloating and abdominal cramping. It's recommended that you slowly increase the amount of fiber that you eat daily and that you ingest between 20 and 35 g of fiber daily. Most cramping will subside in a few hours, typically after you have a bowel movement.

If you have preexisting digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, certain foods may trigger common digestive symptoms, such as cramping. Each of theses conditions are different and will require medical supervision to effectively treat symptoms. Not everyone with these digestive conditions will experience cramping from drinking prune juice. If you have a digestive condition and you develop severe cramping from consuming prune juice, stop drinking the beverage and call your doctor.

Most cramping from drinking prune juice is most likely the result of normal digestive difficulties. Certain symptoms are reason for concern and should be reported to your health care provider immediately. Concerning symptoms include blood in your stool, blood in vomit, facial swelling, shortness of breathe, facial swelling, chest pain, shoulder pain and lightheadedness.