Learn how much olive oil you should add to your diet to relieve constipation, according to two gastroenterologists.
Think Youve Got Food Poisoning?
Starbucks shocked the coffee-drinking world in April whenthe company announcedthat it would be selling coffee infused with olive oil.
Experts in This Article
gastroenterologist and associate professor atRutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
I got so sick after the olive oil latte.
Coming out both ends, another said.
gastroenterologist and associate professor atRutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Turns out, theres actually some research on this.
Can olive oil relieve constipation?
Its a little complicated.
There are many guidelines on the treatment of constipation in adults and children.
But data has suggested that there may be something to using olive oil specifically to help you poop.
It lubricates the colon walls and holds water within stools, helping to soften them.
This helps stool move more easily through the colon and promotes bowel movements.
Dr. Singh notes that a few clinical studies have demonstrated this.
Anotherstudyfound that olive oil was effective at treating severe, chronic constipation in kids when used as an enema.
gastroenterologist and associate professor atRutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Just getting some fat into a meal can be a trigger for a healthy bowel movement, she says.
How much olive oil do you need for constipation?
How soon will you get results?
Constipation is complicated, and it can happen due to a variety of factors.
So theres no guarantee that doing something like taking olive oil will help, er, relieve your issue.
The response time may vary depending on the individual and the severity of their constipation, Dr. Singh says.
However, she adds, bowel movements can occur within the same day.
How to try this hack at home
There may need to be some trial and error here.
Olive oil may be consumed alone or paired with other foods or liquids, Dr. Singh says.
you might alsotry a teaspoon of olive oil in your coffeeaknown laxativeto see where that gets you.
Olive oil can enhance the well-known laxative effect of coffee, Dr. Singh says.
But she has a warning: This combined effect may be too potent for some people.
(Save it for a time youre near a bathroom.)
Thats especially true if your constipation is happening alongside other symptoms.
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