Apples have a great effect on regulating the digestive system and are suitable for patients with constipation and diarrhea. So, how should patients with constipation and diarrhea eat apples to better exert their effect on regulating the digestive system?
The reason apples have the dual effect of stopping diarrhea and relieving constipation is that they contain special substances such as tannic acid, pectin, and dietary fiber. Raw, unheated pectin can soften stool and work with dietary fiber to promote bowel movements. However, when cooked, pectin transforms, not only absorbing bacteria and toxins but also having an astringent and anti-diarrheal effect. Therefore, it is recommended that patients with constipation eat more fresh apples (1-2 apples on an empty stomach in the morning and evening), while patients with diarrhea might consider eating cooked apples.
The tannic acid in apples also has an astringent effect; it can reduce water in the stool, thus stopping diarrhea. When a child has diarrhea, parents can first wash the apple with boiling water, boil it in water for 5-8 minutes, peel it, and scrape it into a puree with a spoon. Administer 4 times a day, 50 grams each time; for infants under one year old, give 30 grams each time, 3-4 times a day. Alternatively, take one fresh apple, wash it, add 3 bowls of water, and simmer it down to 2 bowls. The thicker the juice, the better. Take one dose daily as a substitute for fruit juice.
Tannic acid is more abundant in the apple peel, while the flesh, especially near the peel, is relatively rich in pectin. Therefore, when eating cooked apples, adults should eat them with the peel on for a better anti-diarrheal effect.