Olive oil is known for its MANY health benefits, especially when it comes to fighting inflammation. But can it help you poop more?
Olive oil can increase bowel movements because the oil lubricates the small intestine allowing poop to flow through the digestive tract a lot more efficiently. Olive oil also contains omega-3, a fatty acid known to improve the overall health of the digestive system which may reduce constipation.
You’re probably wondering what’s the best way to use olive oil for constipation relief? I’ll cover that next.
How To Use Olive Oil For Constipation Relief?
There is a lot of olive oil in the grocery store. Extra virgin olive oil would be best. It does not go through any heating and chemical processing so that it will be more effective for constipation relief.
You can mix a glass of orange juice or a cup of warm milk with a spoon of olive oil. If you have constipation frequently, you should drizzle it in a salad, cooked vegetables, or eggs in your diet. According to Dr. Wilson posted on MedicalNewsToday, people should take one tablespoon of olive oil in the morning with an empty stomach.
By using this method, the digestive system gets the necessary lubrication so that the stool’s movement is quick and comfortable.
It may relieve constipation for many healthy adults. In another study in the Journal of Renal Nutrition, researchers concluded that people undergoing hemodialysis for kidney disease improve most constipation symptoms when using olive oil doses in daily life. However, babies and children should not take olive oil to treat constipation.
As the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends, infants and children should take a small amount of apple, pear, or Karo syrup instead. Toddlers and older children can use prunes, apricots, and whole-grain cereals to get relief.
6 Ways Olive Oil Helps With Constipation
Olive oil improves the overall health of the digestive system with rich essential fatty acids like omega-3.
The texture of olive oil is smooth, so it helps to lubricate the small intestine. Things can pass and flow quickly across the colon on a well digestive system. Constipation can be averted in the first place with daily olive oil consumption.
When the feces slips into the colon safely, the expulsion process can be accelerated with olive oil. This is because the oil is high in healthy fat and monounsaturated fats.
Olive oil greatly facilitates the gall bladder’s operation as the secretion of bile is facilitated in breaking down and digesting sugar, bile acids.
Olive oil helps to cover the intestinal tract and preserves the colon’s mucus coating, which may be reduced when hard stools flow by. With olive oil assistance, the stools are softened so that their movement is quick and less painful.
Most significantly, olive oil is a natural product that has very few side effects, like laxatives, etc.
Side Effects Of Drinking Too Much Olive Oil
Most people do not have any problems with small doses of olive oil intake. You should not take more than one full tablespoon of olive because it can lead to diarrhea and cramps due to natural laxative properties.
5 Oils That Work Great For Constipation Relief
Ginger oil
Ginger, which can also help relieve constipation, is widely used to improve digestion and alleviate nausea. It has digestive stimulatory effects that can improve gastric motility, avoid, and cure constipation. (NCBI, 2011)
Lemon oil
The essential oil of lemon is extremely concentrated and contains a variety of potent antioxidants that can boost digestion and minimize inflammation at the same time. Both variables will enable the smooth running of the digestive process and reduce constipation.
One research from PubMed.gov also showed that it increased digestion by using oils such as lemon oil in aromatherapy massages.
Peppermint oil
The essential oil of Peppermint contains antispasmodic compounds that can calm the muscles in the digestive tract, leaving the intestines looser. This can assist in relieving constipation.
One 2008 research was able to confirm this, showing that peppermint oil helps effectively reduce constipation in certain patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (BMJ, 337, 2008)
Rosemary oil
The essential oil of rosemary has a spasmolytic effect, which means it relaxes the muscles and suppresses muscle spasms. This will jump-start the digestive system, like peppermint oil, and make things move as needed. (Sayorwan. W, 2013)
Fennel oil
Fennel seed is a potent digestive stimulant; when absorbed, it can act as a laxative, easily curing constipation effectively. ( BioMed Research International, 2014)
