Olive Oil for Constipation: How to Use

People used olive oil for constipation alleviating for centuries. It is a proven natural remedy for different types of digestive problems and relieving gas in particular. You can assume that you suffer from constipation if you have irregular bowel movements that are difficult and cause pain. Normally you should have bowel movements from 1 to 3 times a day. This is considered to be healthy.  Bile which is contained in our gallbladder is a natural laxative. Olive oil stimulates the gallbladder to produce more bile, thus acting as a natural laxative.

If you decided to try olive oil for constipation, the main strategy is to include it into your daily meal plan. This will help your digestive system function more smoothly and promote your overall health improvements. Nevertheless if you suffer from severe cases of constipation, you should consult your doctor and follow suggested treatment instructions.

It should be mentioned that heat destroys most of the vitamins contained in oils. As olive oil is extremely rich in vitamins (from A to E and K), it is more preferable to use it unheated as much as possible.

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How to use olive oil for constipation

If you suffer from a mild or moderate constipation, try to keep to the following recommendations. Start each morning with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and only after this proceed with your breakfast. This will encourage your gallbladder to work and release bile. If you can’t stand the taste of pure olive oil, mix it with some lemon juice.

Some suggest taking one more tablespoon of olive oil before going to bed in the evening. This is not always a good idea as it can cause digestive upsets. Metabolism should close down for the night. Such extra burden as fat can lead to gastrointestinal issues (e.g. reflux). It would be a better decision to just include this tablespoon of olive oil in your dinner.

Do not abruptly stop taking olive oil after you get back to normal. Adhere to the treatment for at least one more week.