📖 To read more, see: Properties of olive oil to treat constipation Properties of olive oil Olive oil has been known since ancient times as a natural remedy for digestive problems, especially constipation. The presence of useful fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds in this oil improves the function of the intestines and makes excretion easier. Regular consumption of olive oil in the diet can play an important role in the prevention and treatment of constipation. - ** Softening the stool: ** Olive oil acts like a natural laxative and makes the stool easier to pass. - ✅ **Improving bowel movements:** Its regular consumption increases bowel movements and prevents constipation. - **Reduction of intestinal inflammation:** The compounds in olive oil reduce the inflammation of the digestive system. - Strengthening beneficial intestinal bacteria: It helps the microbial balance of the intestine and improves digestive health. - **Prevention of chronic constipation:** Daily and balanced use of olive oil can reduce the frequency of frequent constipation. Olive oil is a natural and effective remedy for constipation that helps digestive health by softening stools and improving bowel movements. Regular consumption of this oil along with drinking enough water and a high-fiber diet can prevent frequent constipation. Ways to use olive oil for constipation There are different methods for treating constipation with olive oil, which can be different depending on individual conditions. The important thing is that the consumption of olive oil should be balanced so that it has a natural laxative effect and does not cause complications. Here are the most common ways to use olive oil to relieve constipation: - 🔹 Fasting consumption: One tablespoon of pure olive oil (Extra Virgin) in the morning on an empty stomach is one of the easiest ways to improve constipation. - **Combination with lukewarm water and lemon:** Mixing a spoonful of olive oil with lukewarm water and a few drops of lemon juice helps in better elimination. - 🔹 **Use in salad or food:** Adding olive oil to salad, soup or food, without high heat, in addition to general health, reduces constipation. - **Consumption in soup:** Adding a spoonful of olive oil to hot soup or cooked vegetables is a good and useful solution to prevent constipation. Mixing with yogurt: Mixing a spoonful of olive oil with yogurt can be a tasty and effective method for children and adults. - 🔹 **Consumption before sleeping:** Drinking a spoonful of olive oil before going to bed helps the functioning of the bowels the next morning. The best time to use olive oil is to treat constipation Constipation usually occurs when bowel movements slow down and the stool becomes dry and hard. In such situations, olive oil can act as a natural laxative and soften the stool and improve bowel function. However, the important point in using olive oil for constipation is the timing of its use. Research and experience have shown that consuming this oil at certain times of the day can be more effective and help relieve constipation faster. ** Morning fasting: the best time to consume olive oil is because the stomach is empty and the oil enters the digestive system directly. This work stimulates bowel movements and easier excretion during the day.** - ✅ **Before sleeping:** In people who have severe constipation, consuming a spoonful of olive oil before sleeping can activate the bowel movements during the night and create an easier bowel movement the next morning. - **Accompanied by food:** Adding olive oil to salads, soups or light meals during the day is more useful for preventing and maintaining intestinal health than immediate treatment of constipation. Although olive oil can help digestive health at any time of the day, consuming it **in the morning on an empty stomach** is the most effective in relieving constipation. For people who have severe constipation, it can be useful to use **before bed**. Finally, including olive oil in your daily meals is a simple and natural way to prevent constipation and maintain bowel health. How much olive oil should we eat to get rid of constipation? **To treat constipation, it is usually recommended to consume one to two tablespoons of olive oil per day.** The best way is to eat one tablespoon of olive oil on an empty stomach in the morning, because it stimulates bowel movements and facilitates bowel movements. If needed, you can take another spoonful before going to bed. For children over two years old, half a tablespoon is enough and it is better to give it with food or yogurt to make it easier to eat. The important thing is that the consumption of olive oil should be regular and balanced, because using too much can cause diarrhea and digestive discomfort instead of treating constipation. Abdominal massage with olive oil to treat constipation One of the natural ways to help relieve constipation is abdominal massage with olive oil. This method stimulates bowel movements, increases blood flow in the abdominal area, and thus facilitates excretion. For this, it is enough to pour a small amount of lukewarm olive oil on the stomach and massage it with gentle circular movements in clockwise direction. This movement strengthens the natural flow of the digestive system and helps stool move more easily. Abdominal massage with olive oil can be effective, especially for **children and babies who have mild constipation**, although it should be done more gently and carefully. Combining this method with the oral consumption of olive oil or a high-fiber diet can have a double effect on constipation. summary Constipation is one of the common digestive problems that can make everyday life annoying. As a natural and safe treatment, olive oil can help soften stools, improve bowel movements, and reduce inflammation by both oral consumption and abdominal massage. Daily and balanced use of this oil, whether fasting, with food, or topically, is a simple way to relieve constipation and prevent its return. Of course, for better results, besides olive oil, you should pay attention to drinking enough water, consuming fiber and physical activity.