Fibre and the "secret ingredient" in pear and prune juice for optimal bowel health

Eating is a very socially enjoyable experience for many of us. As we get older, it’s important to continue to eat foods which maintain good health. With ageing, appetite can change. Due to decreased mobility, it may become increasingly difficult to buy groceries and to prepare meals. Not eating enough of the foods you need every day could mean that you don’t meet your requirement of essential vitamins, minerals, macro nutrients and fibre. Fibre is especially important, as it helps with bowel regularity and stabilising blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Eating enough fibre is also related to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, certain cancers and diabetes¹. Interestingly, countries with traditionally high fibre diets have lower rates of diseases such as bowel cancer, diabetes and coronary heart disease. Most Australians do not eat enough fibre, with the average intake being 20–25g per day. The recommendation for fibre for adults is 30g per day for men and 25g per day for women. It is even more important for older Australians to consume the recommended amount, as the digestive system slows down with age. Increasing how much fibre we consume, as well as drinking more fluids and regular exercise, can help to maintain good bowel health.

Adding More Fibre to Your Diet

Consuming a diet low in fibre can contribute to conditions including constipation. This is even more likely to affect us as we get older due to lifestyle factors including a change in routine, reliance on regular medications and decreased activity². Good sources of fibre include wholegrain cereals, fruits, vegetables and legumes³. Pear Juice and Prune Juice are widely used for the management and treatment of constipation. The key ingredients in Pear and Prune Juice are the natural fruit sugars sorbitol and fructose⁴. These sugars have an osmotic effect, meaning they draw water into the bowel and help soften the stool⁵. SPC ProVital Pear Juice and SPC ProVital Prune Juice both contain these natural fruit sugars, which contribute to laxation. They are also made from 100% Australian fruit, with no added sugars, preservatives or added colours. They are a tasty and convenient way to add variety to the day and, combined with a high fibre diet, will help keep your digestive system healthy.

SPC ProVital Is Now Available Direct to Your Home

SPC is pleased to announce a partnership with Atlas McNeil Healthcare Community. With easy-to-use online ordering and delivery direct to your door, SPC ProVital products are now available to assist with your nutritional needs, safely and conveniently. Click the link to take you directly to the Atlas McNeil Community site: https://www.amhcommunity.com.au/products/nutritional-supplements/spc-provital.

1. National Health and Medical Research Council. Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand. Dietary Fibre. May 2019. Available @ https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/dietary-fibre
2. Constipation Fact Sheet. Better Health Channel. Aug 2014. Available @ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/constipation
3. Fibre in Food Fact Sheet. Better Health Channel. March 2014. Available @ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/fibre-in-food
4. Stumm RE, Spence Thomas M, Coombes J, Greenhill J, Hay J. Managing constipation in elderly orthopaedic patients using either pear juice or a high fibre supplement. Australian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics (2001) 58:3; 181-195.
5. Leading Nutrition. Nutrition Matters: Closer Look at High Fibre Diets. June 2016. Available @ https://www.leadingnutrition.com.au/nutrition-matters-june-2016-closer-look-at-high-fibre-diets/