Constipation occurs when a person has difficulty emptying the large bowel. Home remedies and lifestyle changes can often help resolve it, but sometimes, it may need medical attention. Constipation can happen for many reasons, such as when stool passes through the colon too slowly. The slower the food moves through the digestive tract, the more water the colon will absorb and the harder the feces will become. A person who poops fewer than 3 times per week may have constipation.
Sometimes, constipation results from a blockage in the large intestine. In this case, a person will need urgent medical attention. At other times, it may simply be due to a lack of fiber or water. Constipation is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal complaints in the United States. At least 2.5 million people see their doctor each year due to constipation.
People of all ages can have an occasional bout of constipation. There are also certain people and situations that are more likely to lead to becoming more consistently constipated (“chronic constipation”). These include:
• Older age. Older people tend to be less active, have a slower metabolism, and have less muscle contraction strength along their digestive tract than when they were younger.
• Being a woman, especially while you are pregnant and after childbirth. Changes in a woman’s hormones make them more prone to constipation. The baby inside the womb squishes the intestines, slowing down the passage of stool.
• Not eating enough high-fiber foods. High-fiber foods keep food moving through the digestive system.
• Taking certain medications.
• Having certain neurological (diseases of the brain and spinal cord) and digestive disorders.
What is Olive oil?
Olive oil is widely recognized as one of the world’s healthiest oils. In fact, people tend to live longer and healthier lives in regions where olive oil is a staple part of the diet.
High-quality olive oil is extracted from the olive fruit without the use of any heat or chemicals, as a result, it is a fantastic source of antioxidants and healthy fats because it has not been stripped of important nutrients and antioxidants.
In particular, it contains over 30 various types of phenolic compounds, which are powerful antioxidants that help protect the body against free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that cause cell damage and contribute to disease and the aging process.
The fat composition of extra virgin olive oil brands is also a major contributor to its healthfulness. It’s primarily made up of monounsaturated fat (approximately 73%), a heart-healthy fat that is a staple of the Mediterranean diet.
Studies consistently link a diet high in monounsaturated fat with favorable effects on markers of cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke). This includes a reduction in markers of chronic inflammation, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood glucose levels.
Drinking olive oil may relieve constipation, which affects approximately 34% of adults over the age of 60. In a 4-week study, giving about 1 teaspoon (4 ml) of olive oil daily to 50 constipated hemodialysis patients resulted in significantly softened stools.
Furthermore, consuming olive oil was found to be as effective as mineral oil — a commonly used stool softener — at relieving constipation. Another study of 414 people over the age of 50 found that 97.7% of those with more than 3 bowel movements per week had high intakes of olive oil.
How much olive oil should I take for constipation?
For constipation, taking up to 30 mL, or about 2 tablespoons of olive oil can relieve constipation. Health experts recommend making a morning drink with 2 tablespoons of olive oil added to 4 cups of water and the juice of one lemon for constipation, cleansing the liver, and boosting the body’s immune system.
How long after taking olive oil will I poop?
Studies have shown that olive oil is as effective as mineral oil in the treatment of constipation. It generally produces bowel movements within 6 to 8 hours. Consuming a teaspoon of olive oil in the morning on an empty stomach can encourage stool to flow through the gut. The oil acts as a lubricant in the digestive system, meaning it’s easier for solids to slide through. It can also help the stool hold in more water, keeping it softer, and making it easier to pass.
Can I give my child olive oil for constipation?
No, avoid giving children or babies olive oil for constipation, it can make your child sick. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a small amount of apple or pear juice, Karo syrup, or pureed prunes for infants. Toddlers and older children may get relief from high-fiber foods such as prunes, apricots, and whole-grain cereals. If dietary changes do not help, children should see a doctor for additional treatment.
