How to Use Olive Oil to Relieve Your Constipation

Constipation affects everyone, from babies to seniors, sometime during their lifetime. You are considered constipated if you are having a hard time passing or are experiencing hard, dry and small bowel movements and are having them less than three times per week. While this condition is not serious, it is causes a lot of discomfort and pain.

A change in diet is the most common cause of constipation. Other common causes include excessive calcium or iron, not enough fluid intake, medication side effects and not enough exercise. Woman often experience this problem during pregnancy because of the changes their bodies go through. Often natural treatments are sought, including the natural alternative of olive oil for constipation.

How Does Olive Oil Help Constipation?

Olive oil has several properties that can be effective in preventing and relieving constipation. It has the ability to:

  • Relaxe intestines – Consuming olive oil can prevent the bloating, swelling and irritation of your intestines. This allows your bowel movements to occur regularly and more smoothly.
  • Work as natural laxative – Your gallbladder is coaxed into releasing bile when you consume olive oil. This allows for better digestion of fat. Bile also softens your bowel movements by providing moisture. In addition, olive oil affects your gut mucosa, which promotes stool elimination.
  • Promote proper digestion – When consuming olive oil, you stimulate your digestive system. This allows your body to properly digest your food. When things are running smoothly, you have a greater chance of having regular and smooth stool movements.
  • Soften bowel movements – Your fecal matter retains moisture because it gets drenched in the olive oil. This keeps it soft so that it is easily passed through your system.
  • Keep your digestive track healthy – Olive oil is rich in nutrients like omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin E and K and antioxidants. The combination of these assists in maintaining a healthy digestive track. This greatly reduces your chances of getting constipated.

Best Ways to Use Olive Oil for Constipation

1. Olive Oil

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

In the morning, upon waking, consume 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Take care to not drink anything for at least one hour afterwards. Continue this every day until your constipation has been relieved. This same remedy can be used with children by reducing olive oil to 1 teaspoon taken in the morning right before food.

2. Olive Oil and Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is known to naturally stimulate digestion because of it’s high acidity. Combined with olive oil, it can be an effective method to soften stool and promote bowel movements.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of lemon juice

Directions:

Mix the olive oil and lemon juice together in a cup. Drink the mixture before going to bed. This will allow time for the lemon juice to promote digestion while the olive oil coats the colon. Repeat nightly until your constipation is relieved.

3. Olive Oil and Orange Juice

Orange juice and olive oil for constipation is a very effective combination. Consuming the mixture generates a coating on the colon that stimulates bowel movements. Oranges are also a fiber-rich fruit.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup of orange juice

Directions:

Add the olive oil to the glass of orange juice and combine well. Drink upon waking in the morning before eating food. Repeat daily until your constipation problem is resolved. You can use this remedy for children by simply reducing the olive oil to ½ tablespoon.

4. Olive Oil and Yogurt

Good bacteria is found throughout your body, especially in your digestive system. When bad bacteria take over, it can cause indigestion and constipation. Yogurt has the ingredients needed to restore balance.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup of yogurt

Directions:

Combine the olive oil and yogurt in a bowl. Eat the mixture 3 times a day - first in the morning before food, secondly with your lunch and thirdly a short time before bed. Continue eating this combination until your bowel movements return to normal.

5. Olive Oil and Bananas

Because bananas are rich in potassium and fiber, they are good for your digestion. Combining it with olive oil helps by allowing food to travel smoothly in the digestive system while also combating bloating and constipation.

Ingredients:

  • 1 fresh banana
  • 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

Cut a peeled banana into thin slices. Add the olive oil and toss together. Eat the mixture 3 times a day – with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Continue until your constipation is relieved.

6. Olive Oil and Coffee

Coffee is a diuretic, stimulating your colon to promote bowel movements. Combined with olive oil, it keeps your fecal matter moist and triggers bowel movement.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup of hot coffee

Directions:

Add the olive oil to the hot coffee. Mix well and drink the combination once in the morning and again at night. Repeat daily until you no longer need it for constipation.

7. Olive Oil Massage

Another way to use olive oil for constipation is to massage it on your lower abdomen. By gently rubbing the area, you promote bowel movement, while alleviating discomfort and pain.

Ingredients:

  • ½ teaspoon of olive oil

Directions:

Apply the olive oil on your lower abdomen near your navel. For 5 minutes, gently massage it into your skin with small circular motions. Repeat twice a day until constipation problem is resolved. Do not massage the area shortly after eating. You can use the same remedy on children by massaging a few drops of olive oil onto their stomach.

More Tips for Dealing with Constipation

Prevention is the best cure for constipation. It is a problem no one wants and if it occurs it can cause much discomfort and pain. You can incorporate certain habits into your daily routine to keep it from happening or help prevent reoccurrence.

  • Exercise every day, including simple activities like walking.
  • Whenever possible, avoid consuming processed foods, foods high in fat and large amounts of refined sugar.
  • Try to have your bowel movement at the same time every day. This will train your body.
  • Stay hydrated. It is recommended you drink 8 glasses of water or other fluids a day.
  • Avoid stress, a contributing factor to constipation.
  • Eat fiber rich foods daily.
  • Eat fruits rich in fiber and vitamin C, such as oranges, apples, grapes and papayas, to help with digestion.
  • If you are constipated, avoid alcohol or the problem will worsen.
  • Other ways to use olive oil for constipation include cooking your food in it, creating marinades with it as an ingredient and lightly sprinkling it on your salads.

If none of these remedies work, seek medical attention as you may have an underlying condition that needs treatment in order to eliminate your constipation.

 
 
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