Olive oil appears to have great potential for treating constipation, which is a common issue among people of all ages. A person is said to be constipated if he has less than three bowel motions per week or if the stools are dry and hard. Using olive oil for treating constipation has been one of the most effective natural treatment methods for this prevalent digestive issue. It has been utilized by humans for thousands of years because of its nutritional benefits, and other advantages. Studies have also shown the benefits of olive oil for constipation and it may help reduce several gastrointestinal issues because of its laxative characteristics. Its appropriate use can help you to get rid of constipation without causing severe side effects.
Key Points
- Constipation prevents you from completely emptying your bowels. Your stools can be hard and lumpy, abnormally big or small in it.
- According to researches, the lipids in olive oil can lubricate the bowels and make it simpler for fecal matter to pass through the digestive tract.
- Due to the high amount of fat in olive oil, experts advise consuming no more than 18g (1 tablespoon) at a time.
- Olive oil is safe to eat unless you have a very uncommon allergy to them. But you might also experience some side effects.
- You can massage also your abdomen with olive oil to help with constipation.
- To help manage the symptoms of constipation, make a few simple lifestyle changes.
- Consult your doctor if the constipation persists.
This article will examine the benefits of olive oil for constipation, how it works, and any potential negative effects.
How to Know if you Have Constipation?
Every age group is susceptible to the common disease known as constipation. It can indicate that you are not eliminating feces frequently or that you can’t entirely empty your bowels. Your stools may also be hard and lumpy, excessively huge, or unusually little if you have constipation.
Following are the symptoms of constipation
- Less than three bowel movements per week
- Hard and dry stools
- Pain when passing stools
- The feeling that not all of your feces have been passed
Constipation does not pose any serious threats to health if it occurs for a shorter period of time. However, if it persists for more than three months, it becomes chronic constipation and can be more serious.
What are the Possible Causes of Constipation?
Constipation can have a variety of causes. The list of a few of the causes is as follows.
- Lack of fluid intake
- A diet low in fiber
- Inactive/sedentary lifestyle
- Ignoring the desire to urinate
- A change in routine
- Adverse effects of certain drugs
- Stress
- Sadness
Be aware that this is not a complete list. It is advised that you consult a gastro specialist or a registered dietitian to treat the underlying cause of chronic constipation.
What are the Benefits of Using Olive Oil for Constipation?
Constipation can be safely treated using olive oil’s modest laxative properties according to various research.
- One study on hemodialysis patients found that when administered olive oil to alleviate constipation, they demonstrated a significant improvement in their condition after 4 weeks.
- Another study discovered that people who had chronic constipation for more than three months showed an improvement in passing their stools after the consumption of olive oil and sweet almond oil.
What dose of Olive Oil is needed for Treating Constipation?
There is no established suggested dose for constipation because olive oil is not a medicine.
- With the fact that olive oil has no FODMAPs, (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols which the small intestine absorbs poorly), experts advise staying under a serving size of 18g (1 tablespoon), owing to the high amount of fat it contains.
How does Olive Oil help with Constipation?
- According to some studies, the lipids in olive oil can lubricate the bowels and make it easier for feces to move through the digestive tract.
- Additionally, it makes the stool easier to pass by allowing it to retain more water.
- Olive oil may also encourage our liver to release bile. This bile helps to break down dietary fats in order to increase their absorption in the body.
- About 5% of the bile makes its way to the large intestine after being recycled in the liver.
- By assisting our stomach to contract and boost water secretion, several bile acids have been shown to have natural laxative effects.
So, as a result, olive oil may aid in relieving constipation.
Is Olive Oil Safe to Use?
Unless you have an extremely unusual allergy to olives, olive oil is safe to consume.
But you may have some side effects like;
- Wheezing
- Headaches
- Frequent coughing
- Nasal swelling
Other precautions to take are given below.
- You may develop diarrhea if you consume significantly large amounts of olive oil, such as more than a few tablespoons at once.
- Olive oil can lower blood sugar levels, according to one study. If you have pre-diabetes or diabetes, see a diabetologist before using olive oil for constipation.
- Despite the fact that it includes heart-healthy lipids, you should be aware that olive oil contains 120 calories and 14 grams of fat per tablespoon, and too many calories might cause weight gain.
Book a meeting with a registered dietitian if you want to make sure your diet is balanced and nutritious.
Interested in knowing about Abdominal Massage with Olive Oil to treat Constipation?
Olive oil can also be used to massage your abdomen and help ease constipation.
- In a study, older volunteers had their abdomens massaged for 15 minutes per day for five days with either water or extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO).
- When compared to individuals who received water massages, they discovered that EVOO dramatically lessened constipation symptoms.
- Applying olive oil to your abdomen and gently rubbing it with small circular motions in a clockwise motion will also help you to treat constipation, according to research.
How to Manage Constipation with Simple Lifestyle Changes?
Simple lifestyle adjustments can also assist in managing constipation symptoms. This involves
- Drinking more water
- Eating more fiber
- Exercising
- Consuming probiotics
- Medications such as Metamucil and magnesium-containing pills
Please consult your doctor before taking any medications. Book a meeting with a general physician right now.
Summary
The modest laxative effects of olive oil can be used to relieve constipation. Nevertheless, there has not been much research on this. But whatever work has been done; shows that olive oil can effectively work to treat constipation when consumed in moderation. Doctors advise keeping serving sizes to 18mL (1 tablespoon). Moreover, it is uncommon to see side effects like diarrhea unless you consume a lot of olive oil.
However, if constipation continues, you should consult your doctor. So, book a meeting with a gastroenterologist and consult right now.
FAQs
1- Is olive oil a laxative?
Generally speaking, olive oil has a slight laxative effect. The oil is safe for most people to ingest as well. Including this healthy oil in your diet can give you lots of health benefits.
2- What happens when you drink olive oil on an empty stomach?
It reduces acidity in the stomach. Extra virgin olive oil acts as a barrier on the stomach walls to protect them from the harmful effects of gastric acids that cause heartburn and reflux. Therefore, many people who have these issues can gain many benefits from consuming them on an empty stomach.
3- What is the best time to drink olive oil?
It is advised that you consume a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil as soon as you wake up on an empty stomach, or at least half an hour before having breakfast in order to take maximum advantage of all of its health benefits.