4 Ways To Prepare Olive Oil For Constipation

Olive oil is said to help fight constipation. Therefore, it has been used in different home remedies. Find out more below.

According to popular wisdom, olive oil could be used as a natural home remedy for constipation. There are 4 ways to use it and we will comment on them in the future, as well as other information of interest.

Constipation is one of the most common complaints that exist. A good diet, rich in fiber, adequate consumption of water, within an active lifestyle can help both prevent and treat it. However, Dr. Greenberger indicates that when you have an underlying cause, medical treatment will be more specific.

When we talk about constipation, we refer to the decrease in intestinal transit and the hardening of the stool, which affects its expulsion. Since it can cause abdominal pain and bloating, constipation can interfere with daily activities.

Intestinal pathologies: possible causes of constipation

There are several reasons why a person may be constipated. In some cases, the cause may be a specific pathology.

Intestinal pathologies are usually related to some obstructive process that prevents the natural movement of stool.  Among these we find intestinal obstruction, the narrowing of the diameter of the colon to colorectal cancer.

These pathologies are quite serious and can lead to multiple complications. Pay attention to any alarm symptoms! You must take care of yourself and have a constant check-up with the specialist doctor in the area.

Inadequate diet: the most common cause

Eating a diet low in fiber, unbalanced, in which animal fats, butters and margarines predominate, as well as ultra-processed, sweets and junk in general, added to an inadequate consumption of water, increases the consistency of the stool and it greatly hinders their expulsion.

The experts of the Spanish Foundation of the Digestive System recommend above all:

• Reduce the intake of animal fats, butters and margarines ; also industrial bakery products (they contain trans fatty acids).
  • The healthiest fat is raw olive oil; if it is extra virgin it also has antioxidants, and if it has an acidity below 0.5 it avoids having heartburn.
• Consume meat and fish preferably grilled or boiled with a few drops of lemon. Twice a week grilled or fried oily fish in olive oil (less greasy than others).
• Increase your intake of fluids: water, low or no calorie drinks and unsweetened juices.
  • Drink – do not swallow – liquids, because it causes aerophagia.
• Chew food well, eat slowly, enjoy food, taking your time (20-25 minutes).

Olive oil for constipation

Olive oil is a food that can contribute a lot to health, since it is rich in omega 3, vitamin E, K and antioxidants. It is the star ingredient of the Mediterranean diet and, according to beliefs, a good remedy against constipation, always within the framework of a healthy lifestyle, of course.

When ingested, it is said to increase the production of bile, thus promoting the digestion of foods rich in fat. Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can also contribute to relief.

In general, it is said that its consumption helps to soften the stool and also helps to keep the colonic framework in good condition.

1. Olive oil and lemon juice

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice (5 ml)
• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil (15 ml)

Preparation

• Mix both ingredients and consume a tablespoon.

2. Olive oil and yogurt

Yogurt is a food that helps maintain a good intestinal transit. Therefore, we recommend that you take advantage of it with olive oil to obtain a home remedy against constipation.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of yogurt (250 ml)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (15 ml)

Preparation

• Add a tablespoon of oil to a cup of yogurt and mix well.
• Consume in moderation.

3. Olive oil and banana

Who does not know the banana as a rich source of potassium? This combination will provide your intestine with enough potassium to perform its vital functions. Potassium helps the natural and slow movement of the intestine, preventing the accumulation of gases and bloating.

Ingredients

• 1 banana
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (15 ml)

Preparation

• Peel and slice the banana and mix it with the olive oil.
• When you have a homogeneous paste, consume.

4. Olive oil and coffee

Yes, you read it right. Caffeine is a powerful stimulant of the muscles of the colon. Increases the speed of intestinal flow, while softening the stool.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of hot coffee (250 ml)
• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil (125 ml)

Preparation

• Combine both ingredients and drink in the morning.
• By doing this as a daily routine, you will be stimulating the lubrication of the colon, thus reducing digestive problems.

Is its effect immediate?

No natural remedy has an immediate effect and cannot, by itself, combat constipation. Therefore, it is recommended to use these as a complement to the treatment prescribed by the doctor and accompany it with a healthy lifestyle.

On the other hand, it is advisable to always have the authorization of the doctor before using any type of natural remedy, to avoid counterproductive reactions and worsening constipation.