What practical measure must accompany introducing prunes to prevent potential digestive discomfort like bloating or gas?

Significantly increasing water intake alongside consuming two or three prunes per day.

While prunes are highly effective due to their concentrated fiber and sorbitol, introducing these compounds too rapidly or without sufficient liquid can overwhelm the gut's processing capacity, leading to undesirable side effects such as bloating and gas as gut bacteria attempt to break them down. To optimize the digestive benefit and mitigate discomfort, it is crucial to ensure the fiber has the necessary medium to function correctly. The practical recommendation is to start slowly, perhaps with just two or three prunes daily alongside meals, while concurrently making a substantial effort to increase overall water consumption. This hydration provides the necessary liquid volume to help the fiber move smoothly through the system rather than creating a blockage or excess fermentation.