How fast does olive oil work for constipation

Nutrition Cooking and Baking Oil. Melynda Sorrels. Melynda Sorrels spent 10 years in the military working in different capacities of the medical field, including dental assisting, health services administration, decontamination and urgent medical care. Olive oil is a safe and natural cure for constipation. Video of the Day. Step 1. Olive oil also contains vitamin E, an important nutrient that helps prevent the production of free radicals and plays a role in supporting the immune system, among other functions.

Although different kinds of olive oil are available in stores, extra virgin olive oil may have the most health benefits. This can refine and filter out some of the natural olive compounds.

Using oils for constipation relief is not a new trend. Castor oil affects the muscles in the intestines, causing them to contract and move. This often stimulates the bowel to pass stools. Sometimes people use castor oil to induce labor in an overdue pregnancy, as it can cause the uterus to contract.

Anyone who is pregnant should not use castor oil for constipation without first asking their doctor if it is safe to use. Mineral oil and flaxseed oil help soften the stool in a similar manner to olive oil.

Lifestyle choices that can help prevent constipation or improve symptoms of mild constipation include :. Many treatment options are available, and work in different ways to relieve constipation:. Fiber supplements add bulk to stool and make it easier to pass. Examples include Citrucel, FiberCon, and Metamucil. Stool softeners help get fluid into the stool and are often recommended after surgery or childbirth.

Examples include docusate sodium Colace. Osmotic laxatives help the intestine hold more fluid, rather than absorb it. This helps soften stools. Examples include Milk of Magnesia, Miralax , and Sorbitol. Lubricants help make the stool more slippery so it can easily pass out of the colon. Olive oil is a lubricant when people use it as a laxative. Other lubricants include mineral oil, Fleet, and Zymenol. Stimulant laxatives cause contractions and movement in the bowel.

Examples include Correctol, Dulcolax, and Senocot. People should use laxatives in moderation unless a doctor says otherwise.

With frequent use, the bowel can become dependent on them for stimulating its muscles. People who feel they cannot have a bowel movement without taking a laxative should talk to a doctor. The doctor can offer advice on how to stop using laxatives and find other ways to relieve constipation.

Treating occasional constipation with olive oil or another product may help avoid discomfort and has health benefits. Other things that may help relieve constipation. Drink more water: Dehydration can lead to constipation. Eat plenty of fiber: Fiber is a potent prebiotic, so aim to eat plenty of leafy greens, colorful vegetables, and whole grains, as well as flaxseeds, chia seeds, brewer's yeast, and psyllium husk.

If fiber isn't part of your regular diet, start slowly, as the introduction of gut-healthy microbes can sometimes upset the stomach.

Here: 15 foods that will help you poop and 25 fiber-rich foods to add to your diet. Consume more probiotics: Eating probiotic-rich foods or taking a daily probiotic supplement can help support a healthy and balanced gut microbiome. Move your body: Not getting enough physical activity is one cause of constipation. Exercising daily will get your GI system and bowels moving. Belly massage: Press your hands into your belly, starting from the small intestine moving up your abdomen, then down your abdomen following the large intestine in a circular motion.

This osteopathic manipulative technique is amazing and will get your bowels moving: Read a more detailed step-by-step guide here. OTC options: There are also some over-the-counter OTC laxatives or supplements, like magnesium citrate, that may help with digestion, but talk to your doctor to find out if they're right for you. Bindiya Gandhi, M. She completed her More On This Topic Recipes. Eliza Sullivan. Abby Moore. Integrative Health. Emma Loewe. Personal Growth. Sarah Regan. Kelly Gonsalves. Mental Health.

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