According to statistics, 82% of people suffer from constipation. Difficulties in defecation are now found not only among older people, but also among young people. Even young children have difficulty with bowel movements. How to determine occurrence? If there is no bowel movement for a day or longer, discomfort appears in the lower abdomen and hemorrhoids begin to develop. The precursors are heartburn, bloating, and increased gas formation. Often symptoms may be accompanied by nausea, dizziness, lack of appetite, and sleep.
If constipation occurs, it is necessary to urgently change your diet by removing fatty, spicy, fried foods, fast food, and adding a large amount of fruits and vegetables. It is preferable to choose foods containing fiber (cabbage, beans, carrots, peas, apples, etc.). The natural substance helps to avoid ailments with the gastrointestinal tract. It is also recommended to consume fermented milk products, nuts, and black bread. Reduce the amount of rice, semolina, black coffee, strong black tea, and chocolate consumed.
If you delay treatment or use the wrong remedy, serious consequences are possible:
- Enteritis;
- Secondary colitis;
- Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract;
- Rectal and colon cancer;
- Haemorrhoids;
- Cholelithiasis;
- Cracks in the rectum.
20% of the population refuse to go to the clinic when constipation occurs, believing that the problem is too personal. They are ashamed to tell the doctor what is happening. In this case, it is necessary to use the means invented by the people. They are non-addictive and completely natural.
Olive oil normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, safely and painlessly helps the process of bowel movements. The natural remedy has no contraindications and is allowed to be used by adults, pregnant and lactating women, and children from birth.
Taking olive oil for constipation began in Macedonia. Olives contain a large amount of vitamin E and antioxidants. The natural remedy exhibits a softening and rejuvenating effect and has a positive effect on the body as a whole.
Effect of olive product:
- Envelops the intestinal walls. This property allows feces to pass further more easily.
- Enhances bile production, improves digestion. The endocrine system activates the production of enzymes, more fluid enters waste products.
- Softens and breaks down feces. Intestinal peristalsis improves function.
Using oil for constipation
The reasons for the occurrence of problems with stool are various circumstances:
- mental disorders, sleep and rest disorders;
- depression;
- lack of physical activity;
- intestinal diseases;
- unbalanced diet.
Many people wonder if olive oil helps with constipation. Experts confirm that it is a useful product for humans and improves the functioning of the digestive system. Regular consumption of olive oil improves the functioning of the stomach and liver. The product restores the functioning of the duodenum and eliminates the development of hemorrhoids.
Experts note that when taking olive oil, already formed feces are destroyed. If you have constipation, you need to give it an enema. To do this, dilute 5 teaspoons of olive oil in a glass of water. Add egg yolk to the resulting mixture. The product can be used not only for intestinal diseases, but also as a preventive measure.
The oil can be consumed every day on an empty stomach or after meals. When taken as a preventive measure, the risk of constipation is significantly reduced.
Composition of olive oil
Due to its positive properties, the product is often used for medicinal purposes. The oil contains a high concentration of nutrients and vitamins.
The product contains many useful acids. For example, oleic has a positive effect on the absorption of digestive enzymes by the human body. Olive oil is classified as a dietary food product.
It includes:
- antioxidants;
- healthy vitamins;
- acids.
In case of intestinal obstruction, olive oil is also used. However, the methods of its use depend on the age of the patient.
How does olive oil work?
For constipation, the product acts as follows:
- Releases large amounts of bile, which helps digest food properly. It retains the moisture of stool, so when moving it through the intestines, a person will not experience any unpleasant sensations.
- Olive oil softens feces so they come out much easier.
- The product can relieve intestines from irritation and bloating.
- The use of olive oil helps maintain the overall health of the digestive tract. But this is the best prevention of constipation.
In order for the product to work effectively and relieve stool problems, it must be used correctly.
Oil enema
An oil enema is an effective and relatively gentle way to speed up bowel movements. The product has a gentle effect on the mucous membrane and does not irritate it, unlike some laxatives. An enema is given if a person has not had a bowel movement for 3 days or more. The method is not suitable for permanent use. This is an emergency measure to which an alternative is preferred if possible.
An oil enema has a mild effect.
To carry out the procedure, you will need a syringe or an Esmarch mug, 0.5 liters of water or milk and 30-40 g of olive oil. The liquid is heated, the ingredients are mixed and poured into a container. After this, the enema medication is injected into the rectum. The act of defecation occurs within 30 minutes after the procedure.
How to take for constipation?
Olive oil must be used correctly. Without this, effective results cannot be achieved.
When taken, the special benefits of olive oil appear. And harm on an empty stomach can occur if you drink it incorrectly.
There are several safe methods of consumption:
- Reception in its purest form. The oil is taken as a laxative, 1 tbsp. spoon 2 times a day: in the morning on an empty stomach and before bed. If for some reason the patient does not drink the oil in the morning, then this can be done before the next meal.
- In the morning, take 1 spoon of oil and then eat a fruit that contains fiber. It could be an orange or an apple. In the evening, you should take vegetables containing fiber. Oil can be added to food during the day, but it is not recommended to heat it.
- In the morning you can add 1 tbsp. spoon of oil in coffee or orange juice. This product has a lubricating effect on the stomach and intestines. This will quickly relieve constipation.
- To improve the taste in 1 tbsp. a spoonful of olive oil, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. After which the mixture must be drunk. The procedure must be carried out in the morning and evening. This way the oil will lubricate the intestines.
- With milk. This recipe is suitable for people who are not lactose intolerant. Take 1 tbsp per glass of milk. spoon of olive oil. The product acts gently and ensures easy passage of feces. Drink the mixture daily until the stool returns to normal.
- With kefir. The product is particularly effective. It helps to activate the production of bile, accelerates digestion and loosens the intestines. Add 1 tbsp to a glass of kefir. a spoonful of olive oil. The drink is drunk before bedtime.
- With honey and lemon. 2 tbsp. Mix spoons of olive oil with 1 teaspoon of honey. The product should be taken on an empty stomach. After 10-15 minutes, eat a slice of lemon. An hour later they have a healthy breakfast. It can be porridge: buckwheat, oatmeal or pearl barley. If a quick effect is needed, then lemon can be replaced with beet juice. This product is contraindicated for pregnant women due to the honey content. After all, it is considered one of the strongest allergens.
Treatment of constipation with olive oil can be carried out not only for adults, but also for children. The main thing is to choose the most suitable scheme.
Best Ways to Use Olive Oil for Constipation
Constipation is a very common gastrointestinal problem that everyone experiences at some point in life. In this condition, the sufferer either has very difficult bowel movements or defecates less than usual. If a person has bowel movements less than three times a week, then he suffers from constipation. In this condition, bowel movement becomes extremely difficult and painful.
How olive oil helps treat constipation
- Before we try olive oil for constipation, we must be clear on how olive oil can effectively treat constipation. Let's find out!
- Helps release more bile, our natural laxative: Consuming olive oil helps the gallbladder release more bile, which helps digest fat in food properly
- Reduces dilatation in the intestines: Consumption of olive oil prevents swelling, irritation and bloating of the intestines.
- Softens stool: Using olive oil coats and absorbs fecal matter, which softens the stool and makes it easier to pass.
- Stimulates the digestive system: Using olive oil stimulates the digestive system, which in turn digests food properly.
- Supports Overall Digestive Health: Olive oil is a rich source of vitamins E and K, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which all help maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Best Methods to Use Olive Oil for Constipation
Olive oil
What you need:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 1 to 2 tablespoons
Preparation:
Consume 1 to 2 tsp. olive oil in the morning on an empty stomach.
Do not drink water within 1 hour of taking olive oil.
Stick with the medication until you completely eliminate this constipation problem.
You can also give your child 1 teaspoon of olive oil in the morning before any meal to relieve the problem of constipation.
Olive oil and lemon juice
The high acid content of lemon juice stimulates the digestive system
What you need:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon
- Lemon juice - 1 tsp.
Preparation:
Take 1 tbsp. olive oil in a cup and add 1 tsp. lemon juice to it.
Mix both the ingredients well and then drink it.
It is preferable to take this remedy every night before going to bed as olive oil will prevent the colon from drying out, which will ultimately promote smooth bowel movement.
Regular use of this method will help to successfully treat constipation.
Olive oil and bananas
Banana is a rich source of dietary fiber and potassium, which are good for the digestive system. Consuming banana helps the digestive system to function smoothly.
What you need:
- Fresh banana-1
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon
Preparation:
Take a fresh banana and peel it.
Cut it into thin slices and add olive oil to it.
Mix.
Consume this olive oil and banana 3 times a day until you get complete relief from constipation.
Olive oil and warm milk
What you need:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon
- Warm milk - 1 glass
Preparation:
Take 1 glass of warm milk and add 1 tbsp. olive oil to it.
Mix olive oil in milk and drink.
It is preferable to drink this drink on an empty stomach in the morning to get maximum benefits.
Olive oil with fruit
You can consume olive oil with certain fruits, which help treat constipation successfully.
What you need:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon
- Medium sized pear - 1
- Raspberries - 1 cup
- Small apple - 1
- Medium size peach - 1
Preparation:
Take all the fruits and peel them.
Cut the apple and pear without peeling the skin.
Cut the peach into small pieces.
Place all the fruits in a medium bowl and add olive oil to make a fruit salad.
Eat this fruit salad with olive oil every day to successfully relieve constipation.
Note. To make olive oil remedies for constipation, make sure you buy virgin, organic, and cold-pressed olive oil as this olive oil contains most of the vitamins and antioxidants.
For constipation in children
The product is approved for use not only for adult patients. According to reviews, olive oil is also given to children for constipation, and it has a high effect. This condition is very common in children. In such a situation, feces accumulate. As a result, the colon swells, which causes pain to the child.
Parents will be able to save him from this unpleasant condition in a simple way. To do this, they can give the baby olive oil mixed with the following ingredients:
- Add 2-3 drops of the product to orange juice or fruit puree. Give this mixture to your child on an empty stomach. The oil will have a stimulating effect on the secretion of bile, which is a natural laxative.
- If it is necessary to cope with constipation in a baby older than 1 month, add 1 drop of oil to the baby formula.
- Parents can give their child a tummy massage using olive oil. When it is absorbed into the skin, the baby's condition will improve.
- For children over 1 year old, the safe dosage of oil is 1/4 teaspoon per day. The product is given with food.
With the systematic use of this technique, the process of defecation in the child is improved.
If the baby is older than 6 months, then his food is allowed to be seasoned with olive oil. In this case, it is necessary to use the minimum dosage so as not to cause diarrhea.
Olive oil is sold in stores, which is intended specifically for children's bodies. It is better perceived by children and does not have a pronounced smell or taste.
Specific nutrition for constipation
Constipation is conventionally divided into several types.
The main ones are atonic and spastic. The latter arise as a result of insufficient motor activity of the intestines. Most often, weak peristalsis is caused by insufficient sources of dietary fiber in the diet. To alleviate the condition, patients are prescribed a diet with a high amount of fiber. Atonic constipation is associated with deterioration of intestinal tone. The latter can be caused, for example, by damage to adjacent muscles or nerve endings. With atonic constipation, fiber will provoke irritation of the mucous membranes and spasm, so nutrition for this form of pathology should be different.
All foods high in dietary fiber are excluded from the menu. Preference is given to dishes that are gentle on the stomach.
For pregnant
The product can also be used for problems with stool in pregnant women. After all, it has a natural and safe composition.
Olive oil for constipation in pregnant women is used as follows. It can be added to cereals, soups, vegetable and fruit salads.
A woman can take 1 tbsp. spoon of olive oil on an empty stomach and before bed. Thanks to the natural composition, they do not have to worry about allergies.
In addition to its laxative effect, the oil provides:
- strengthening the immune system;
- supplying the body with vitamins and monounsaturated fatty acids;
- prevention of the development of heart and vascular diseases;
- acceleration of metabolic processes;
- improving the condition of the digestive system.
Regular inclusion of olive oil in a pregnant woman's diet can prevent constipation. This is beneficial for both the woman’s body and the fetus.
Contraindications
When taken, olive oil is especially beneficial on an empty stomach. And harm can occur in the following cases:
- Due to the choleretic effect of the oil, it is not recommended to take it for cholecystitis. This may harm patients suffering from this disease.
- Due to the fact that olive oil is high in calories, overweight people should consume it in limited quantities.
- The product should not be subjected to heat treatment so that it does not lose its beneficial properties.
- When purchasing olive oil, you need to pay attention to acidity levels. If they are high, the product may not provide noticeable benefits.
- There is no point in getting carried away with the remedy after all the problems associated with bowel movements have been eliminated.
- You should not exceed the permissible limit, so as not to provoke diarrhea.
It is also not recommended to take olive oil if you are constipated or have an existing individual intolerance.
How to choose olive oil to treat constipation
The most useful oil is unrefined.
It does not undergo thorough heat treatment, so it retains more useful substances. The bottle should be made of dark glass. This prevents harmful exposure to sunlight. The packaging must be marked virgin (natural). The inscription pomace means that the product is second-rate: it is obtained from cake. The refined mark indicates additional purification. This oil contains fewer nutrients. You should not buy a product labeled mix. This mark indicates that several types of oil were mixed. Additionally, you can navigate by expiration date. It should not exceed 5 months. It is better to choose a product that is pressed and bottled in one place. This will prevent premature deterioration of the oil, since storage rules are often violated during transportation, which shortens the shelf life.
Olive oil must be unrefined.
Patient opinions
Reviews from people who have used olive oil to treat constipation are only positive. After all, the product has a completely natural and safe composition.
One group of people speak positively about this product. Just one spoon of olive oil for constipation in the morning and evening helped them get rid of unpleasant symptoms within 14 days. Patients took it without any additives.
The second group of people, having tried several different methods, but without achieving a positive effect, began to take olive oil, according to the scheme. Within 2 weeks they completely got rid of problems with stool.
