if olive oil doesn't help, consider taking over-the-counter laxatives. many of these products work in a matter of hours, so you should not use them if you do not have easy access to the bathroom.
Olive oil is often touted for its potential health benefits, which include lowering cholesterol and helping to balance blood sugar levels. this oil can also help treat constipation.
constipation is the slow movement of feces through the intestines. you may only have a few bowel movements per week. the accepted standard is to bowel once a day, but your personal habits may vary. when constipation occurs, the stool becomes hard and dry. this can make it harder for the stool to pass. abdominal pain is a common symptom of constipation.
the laxative effect of olive oil is usually mild. most people can also consume this oil without side effects. even if it only provides a slight relief, it's worth adding this healthy oil to your diet.
What are the causes of constipation?
There are many possible causes of constipation. this can make it difficult for you to figure out what caused you to have a particular situation. causes can be as simple and easy to solve as improper diet, or as severe as colon cancer.
Benign causes of constipation include a low-fiber diet, inadequate water, and lack of regular exercise. sedatives and blood pressure-lowering medications can also cause constipation.
An underlying medical condition can also lead to constipation. both parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis list constipation as a health complication. in many cases, severe constipation is associated with digestive tract problems. for example, fissures or narrowing of the colon can lead to constipation.
Neurological problems that specifically affect the nerves surrounding the colon and rectum, as well as pelvic muscle problems, can also lead to constipation.
Olive oil is considered a healthy fat because it mainly contains monounsaturated fats. the body uses these fats to improve cardiovascular health. it is also more conducive to weight loss than saturated or trans fats, which can lead to weight gain and other problems.
How to treat constipation with olive oil
You can buy various types of olive oil at most grocery stores. extra virgin olive oil is considered the purest because it has not undergone extensive heating and chemical treatment.
Since olive oil is not a drug, there is no standardized recommendation for its use as a laxative.
in a study published in the journal of kidney nutrition, researchers found that taking olive oil daily was effective in improving most constipation symptoms in people undergoing hemodialysis due to kidney disease. dose starts at 4 ml and increases as needed.
You may consider try mixing a scoop with a glass of orange juice or a cup of hot milk. this oil can also be used as an ingredient in salad dressings or cooking. if constipation is a common problem, you may want to start pouring it over salads, cooked vegetables, or eggs to increase its content in your diet.
Are there any side effects?
most people tolerate small doses of olive oil very well. because it may have natural laxative properties, consuming large amounts of olive oil can cause diarrhea.
A small serving of olive oil contains a lot of calories. for example, one tablespoon contains nearly 120 calories. if you count calories carefully, remember to include olive oil in your count.
iF you have diabetes, you should consult your doctor before using olive oil in this way. olive oil may lower your blood sugar levels.
Risk factors to consider
Adding a little extra olive oil to your diet or trying scoop by scoop to treat constipation is unlikely to pose any risk, even if it doesn't completely solve the constipation problem.
If you've had no problem eating olive oil in the past, then adding more olive oil to your diet or using it as a laxative should be fine. you should consult your pediatrician before giving your baby olive oil.
Conclusion
If olive oil doesn't help, consider taking over-the-counter laxatives. many of these products work in a matter of hours, so you should not use them if you do not have easy access to the bathroom.
if you have tried olive oil or other treatments and are still constipated after a few days, make an appointment with your doctor or gastroenterologist. if you haven't had a bowel movement for a week, you should see a doctor. if your bowel movements are painful or produce a small amount of stool, you should also seek medical attention.
how to prevent future constipation
follow these tips to prevent constipation:
- if you start taking a new medication and constipation is one of the side effects, tell your doctor. alternative medications or lower doses may solve the problem.
- you can also try adding more fruits and leafy greens to your daily diet.
- make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration.
- you can also limit the number of sugary drinks because they are high in calories and can lead to weight gain. obesity or being overweight increases the risk of constipation.
- regular physical activity, even if it's just a quick walk every day, can help improve overall digestive health and help prevent constipation.