Fact Check: Can papaya, oats and banana drink eliminate constipation in just 3 days?
An Instagram post claims that papaya, oats and banana drink can eliminate constipation in just 3 days. The claim by the user is Misleading.
Claim
An Instagram post claims that papaya, oats and banana drink can eliminate constipation in just 3 days. In the reel the user plan.cures says to take a papaya peel and cut it into pieces and then mix it with banana and oats and you can create a natural drink capable of cleansing, your intestines and eliminating constipation in just three days. The user talks about the recipe of the drink and says, "Let's take a cup of oats soaked in water for 10 minutes. Oats are rich in soluble fiber which will increase the size of your stool making it easier to pass. Now cut half a papaya into pieces, the enzyme and fiber combination in papaya gives it a mild natural laxative effect Promoting regular bowel movements without being harsh on the digestive system. Now will also add a banana. Not only will it improve the flavor of our drink but also contain fructooligosaccharides, a type of fiber that feeds, the good bacteria in your gut. Keeping these bacteria, healthy helps improve digestion, and keeps your bowel movements regular. After 10 minutes, strain the oats place all the ingredients in a blender along with a litre or 33 oz of skim milk blend for a few minutes and our drink will be ready." The user further talks about the consumption of the drink and adds, "Drink one, glass, a day before breakfast." As per the user doing this for three consecutive days and your intestines will be cleansed and healthy.
The claim can be accessed here.
Fact Check
The user claims that papaya, oats and banana drink can eliminate constipation in just 3 days is Misleading.The drink may help alleviate mild constipation due to its fiber and nutrient content, but it is not a guaranteed cure for constipation that too in just three days
What is Constipation?
As per Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Constipation is a condition in which a person has uncomfortable or infrequent bowel movements. Generally, a person is considered to be constipated when bowel movements result in passage of small amounts of hard, dry stool, usually fewer than three times a week.”
Constipation can be caused by medications, lack of exercise, insufficient liquids or fiber, IBS, ignoring bowel urges, lifestyle changes (like travel, pregnancy, and aging), intestinal function issues, and laxative abuse.
Dr. Amit Yelsangikar, Consultant - Medical Gastroenterology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore explained, " Constipation is a common gastrointestinal condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty in passing stools. It is typically defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, and it may be accompanied by symptoms such as straining during defecation, hard or lumpy stools, and a sensation of incomplete evacuation. Various factors can contribute to constipation, including dietary habits, lack of physical activity, dehydration, and certain medical conditions or medications. Understanding the underlying causes and symptoms of constipation is essential for effective management and treatment of this condition."
What are the types of Constipation?
Constipation can be categorized as acute or chronic. Acute constipation is usually short-term and may result from dietary changes, dehydration, or temporary illness. It often resolves with lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter remedies. Chronic constipation, however, persists for more than three months and is a more serious condition. It cannot be effectively treated with natural remedies alone and requires medical attention to identify and manage underlying causes for long-term relief.
Can Constipation Be Cured?
Constipation can often be effectively managed and, in many cases, cured by addressing its underlying causes through lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and, if necessary, medical interventions. Increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity can help regulate bowel movements and alleviate symptoms. Establishing a routine for bowel movements, known as bowel training, can also improve regularity. Over-the-counter treatments, such as fiber supplements, stool softeners, or laxatives, may provide temporary relief, while prescription medications like lubiprostone, linaclotide, or prucalopride are options for chronic cases. For muscle-related issues, biofeedback therapy may retrain bowel movement control. In severe cases, surgery might be required. With the right combination of these approaches, constipation can often be resolved or significantly improved.
Dr. Anupama N K, Consultant - Medical Gastroenterology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore said, "Constipation, characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty in passing stools, can often be alleviated through various interventions. These may include dietary modifications, such as increasing fiber intake, ensuring adequate hydration, and incorporating regular physical activity into one’s routine. Additionally, over-the-counter laxatives and other medications may provide relief for some patients. In more persistent cases, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional who can offer tailored treatment options and investigate any underlying causes that may be contributing to the issue. Ultimately, while constipation can often be managed and improved, the approach to treatment may vary based on individual circumstances and health conditions."
What are the nutritional benefits of papaya, oats and bananas?
Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a tropical fruit is a popular fruit in India, known for its abundance of bioactive compounds such as carpaines, benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), benzyl glucosinolates, latex, papain, zeaxanthin, and choline. Its seeds, leaves, and fruit offer numerous health benefits, including antioxidant properties, digestive support, and potential nutraceutical applications. Papayas are an excellent source of vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, along with folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, copper, calcium, and potassium. They are also rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C. Papaya contains the enzyme papain, which aids in improving intestinal motility and reducing transit time. It is also beneficial in treating traumas, allergies, and sports injuries, with its healing effects largely due to papain’s enzymatic action.
Oats are a highly nutritious cereal crop, celebrated for their rich composition of bioactive compounds that promote health. A primary benefit comes from beta-glucan, a soluble fiber known for its cholesterol-lowering and antidiabetic properties, making oats a valuable dietary choice for heart and metabolic health. Additionally, oats are packed with phenolic acids, tocols, sterols, and exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Regular oat consumption supports gut health by improving microbiota and strengthens the immune system through immunomodulatory effects.
Banana (Musa paradisiaca Linn) is low calorie (1 banana- approx. 116 kcal), low fat and rich in vitamins and minerals. It also has certain antifungal, antibiotic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Bananas are also a good source of potassium as well an excellent source of vitamins A, B-6, C, and D.
Can papaya, oats and banana drink eliminate constipation in just 3 days?
While papaya, oats, and bananas may help relieve constipation due to their high fiber and water content, claiming a drink made of these ingredients will eliminate constipation in just 3 days is not supported by any scientific evidence or medical consensus. While these ingredients may provide relief from constipation, they are unlikely to eliminate chronic constipation in 3 days. Hence, the claim is Misleading.
Papaya, known for its rich nutrient profile and digestive benefits, has been increasingly studied for its potential role in alleviating gastrointestinal issues, especially constipation. Nilawati Soputri et. al. concluded in their study that papaya has the potential to act as a natural remedy or an alternative treatment for effectively managing constipation.
Similarly, a study conducted by Sheed Iseal et. al. found that papaya, rich in enzymes like papain, aids in protein digestion, thereby improving overall digestive health and reducing symptoms like bloating and constipation. Additionally, its high fiber content promotes regular bowel movements, supporting optimal gastrointestinal function.
Oats, a nutrient-dense whole grain, are well-known for their high fiber content and numerous health benefits, particularly in supporting digestive health. In a systematic review, Thies et. al. found that oats or oat bran can significantly increase stool weight and reduce constipation in humans because of the high fiber levels in oats.
Bananas have gained attention for their role in supporting intestinal health and addressing digestive issues like constipation. The study published in the Journal of Medicinal Foods concluded that Baana Resistant Starch effectively enhances intestinal motility by accelerating small intestine movement and reducing defecation onset time, without affecting body weight or food intake. This suggests its potential utility in managing constipation.
While scientific evidence supports that papaya, oats, and bananas may aid in managing constipation, there is no medical consensus or scientific evidence to back the claim that a combination of these ingredients for a drink can eliminate constipation in 3 days. Also, these ingredients could be beneficial in managing constipation, but chronic constipation requires more comprehensive treatment.
Responding to the claim Dr. Amit Yelsangikar, Consultant - Medical Gastroenterology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore said, "This blend of ingredients is noted for its high fiber content, which can aid in promoting regular bowel movements. Papaya contains enzymes that may facilitate digestion, while oats are renowned for their soluble fiber that helps to soften stools. Additionally, bananas contribute both fiber and potassium, which are essential for maintaining healthy digestive function. Therefore, incorporating this specific drink into one’s diet could prove to be an effective natural remedy for individuals struggling with constipation over a short timeframe."
Dr. Anupama N K, Consultant - Medical Gastroenterology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore further said, "This mixture of ingredients is recognized for its abundant fiber content, which can assist in encouraging regular bowel movements. Papaya is rich in enzymes that may support digestion, while oats are well-known for their soluble fiber, which helps in softening stools. Moreover, bananas provide a combination of fiber both of which play a crucial role in maintaining healthy digestive function. Consequently, adding this particular drink to one’s diet could serve as a natural and effective remedy for individuals experiencing constipation."
Medical Dialogues Final Take
The ingredients papaya oats, and banana may aid digestion and alleviate mild constipation due to their fiber and nutrient content. It is also important to note that these ingredients may relieve constipation temporarily but are not effective in addressing chronic constipation permanently. Further, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that the combination of these ingredients for a drink will eliminate constipation in just 3 days.
Hence, the claim by the user is Misleading.
