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Well, it took a while to track down this info - I just kept finding references to a "chemical" in prunes that has a laxative effect. But - what chemical?!

PRUNES
Prunes are the dried fruit of a specific type of plum. Prunes are rich in potassium making them of assistance to those with high blood pressure. Furthermore prunes contain useful amounts of niacin, vitamin A and vitamin B6. They contain a chemical known as Hydroxyphenylisatin, which stimulates the smooth muscle of the large intestine (large bowel) therefore making this dried fruit and excellent gentle laxative.

So, there we are! Plums will have this chemical as well, so be cautious there. The only other fruit/veggie that I know of that has an actual chemical laxative in it is rhubarb, so watch out for that too.

I've been afraid to try the prune puree in chocolate recipes, though it sounds delicious. I'm pretty sensitive to prunes, too. Oddly, rhubarb I have no problem with - I stew it and eat with toast all the time. For the recipes, applesauce works great for me so I'm just sticking to that until I get a bit braver.

- Heather

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Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!

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