So you decided to snack on some cherries instead of chips and candy—congratulations. You’re one step closer to a healthier you. But after a few minutes, your gut starts to rumble, and the poop train is charging full steam ahead.
It’s not your imagination: cherries are notorious for triggering bowel movements, especially if you eat a bunch at once. You can thank fiber and sorbitol for that (we’ll explain later).
Don’t let this stinky side effect scare you away from this fruit, though. Cherries have tons of health benefits. They’re loaded with antioxidants, potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. Some research even suggests they play a role in preventing heart disease.
Read on to learn why eating cherries make you poop—and how to enjoy them without crapping your pants.
Do Cherries Make You Poop?
Yes—cherries can make you poop, especially when you eat them in high amounts. If you have gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome, eating cherries can spark an even more intense urge to poop.
The dietary fiber in cherries, combined with their natural sugar content, stimulates your digestive system, creating a laxative effect. This is the same reason other fiber-rich fruits like prunes and plums urge you to poop.
Cherries have long been used as a natural remedy for constipation. Whether you snack on them whole or blend them into a smoothie, prepare for a toilet trip shortly after.
3 Reasons Cherries Make You Poop
If you’re wondering how cherries cause vicious bowel movements, it boils down to three things:
- Sugar alcohols (mainly sorbitol)
- Salicylates, which upsets some people’s stomachs
- High fiber content
Let’s take a closer look at these factors.
Cherries Contain Sorbitol
Cherries have a high concentration of sorbitol: a sugar alcohol that’s known to cause bloating, cramping, flatulence, and diarrhea. Most people think of sorbitol as only an artificial sweetener for gum and candy. But it’s found naturally in many fruits.
The sorbitol in cherries isn’t “bad,” but you might be more sensitive to it than others.
Cherries Contain Salicylates
Cherries are a natural source of salicylates, which are natural chemicals that protect plants from diseases. If you have a salicylate sensitivity (which is common), the consumption of cherries might give you gas or diarrhea.
Cherries are Packed with Fiber
Cherries are a good source of fiber, which is fuel for poop. According to the USDA, a cup of fresh cherries (without the cherry pits) has 4 grams of fiber—about 15% of the daily fiber requirement for adults.
Specifically, cherries contain two types of fiber:
- Soluble fiber: This soaks up water in your digestive tract, which makes your turds big and bulky
- Insoluble fiber: This makes your poop softer and speeds up the passage of food through your gut
What About Cherry Juice?
So far, we’ve discussed the impact whole cherries have on your pooping patterns. But will cherry juice produce the same effect?
Our consensus: probably.
Scientists haven’t monitored people’s bathroom habits after drinking cherry juice. But considering it still contains sugar alcohols, you should probably locate the nearest restroom before you indulge.
The only thing to keep in mind is that fruit juice often lacks some of the fiber that whole fruit delivers. That’s because the skin (which contains literal fibers) is lost during the juicing process.
Before indulging in your favorite fruit juice, you should also read the nutrition label. It might be packed with vitamins, but it might be packed with a shit ton of added sugar, too—not ideal if your goal is weight loss.
How to Enjoy Cherries without Pooping Your Pants
Cherries might trigger a number two earlier than expected, but that doesn’t mean you have to steer clear of this super-fruit. As with any food that affects your gut, your best bet is to enjoy cherries in moderation.
Will a cup of cherries send you scrambling to the bathroom instantly? It’s doubtful. Will devouring a whole bowl of cherries on an empty stomach give you the runs? There’s a strong possibility.
Buy DUDE Wipes Before You Bash Those Cherries
You’ve been warned: cherries are a natural laxative, and we backed it up with science. You deserve a pat on the back for adding fruit to your diet. We only ask that you prepare your butt for the aftermath.
Don’t count on dry toilet paper to conquer the mess from an explosive deuce. The last thing you want is a booty hole as red as those cherries you ate. Do your ass a favor and send in DUDE Wipes for cleanup duty.
