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Can Olive Oil Really Help When You're Feeling Constipated?

Author:

Bindiya Gandhi, M.D.

Expert reviewer:

Lauren Torrisi-Gorra, M.S., RD

September 21, 2023

Physician

By Bindiya Gandhi, M.D.

Physician

Dr. Bindiya Gandhi is an American Board Family Medicine–certified physician who completed her family medicine training at Georgia Regents University/Medical College of Georgia.

Expert review by

Lauren Torrisi-Gorra, M.S., RD

Registered Dietitian

Lauren Torrisi-Gorra, MS, RD is a registered dietitian, chef, and writer with a love of science and passion for helping people create life-long healthy habits. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Fordham University, a Grand Diplôme in Culinary Arts from the French Culinary Institute, and master's degree in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics from New York University.

Can olive oil help with constipation?

How to use it

Safety

Causes of constipation

Other treatments

September 21, 2023

Long before olive oil became a pantry staple for dressings and marinades, it was used for various other needs. Historically, the benefits of olive oil go beyond the culinary and beauty worlds and extend into health. One medicinal benefit you may be less familiar with is using olive oil to help move the bowels.

Before you write it off, here's the research behind how olive oil can be used for constipation and how to get started consuming it for this purpose.

Can olive oil help relieve constipation?

When considering what might immediately improve constipation, olive oil is likely not your laxative of choice. In fact, other oils (i.e., castor oil 1 or flaxseed oil 2) have better data supporting their ability to improve symptoms of constipation. However, research shows that olive oil does have mild laxative effects—enough to be beneficial for someone struggling to pass hard stools.

One study found that patients undergoing dialysis were able to alleviate constipation by consuming olive oil daily 3. Another study suggests that when paired with almond oil, olive oil can be used as a softening agent 4 to help stool pass more effectively. Additionally, in kids with severe, chronic constipation, olive oil enemas 5 may be useful, according to a 2021 review article in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery.

How to use olive oil for constipation

I recommend buying extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) if possible because it's minimally processed, cold-pressed, and unrefined—meaning you're getting the purest oil without any added chemicals. It also tends to have more antioxidants than the more processed varieties, so while you're consuming it, you will reap the anti-inflammatory and free-radical-fighting benefits.

Because olive oil is not an over-the-counter medication like some other laxatives, there is no standard dosage to keep in mind when using it for constipation. I recommend starting with the general serving size, which is 1 tablespoon per day. You can drink it on its own or incorporate it into your smoothies, salad dressings, or even coffee.

If you use olive oil in your salad dressing and again roast your veggies later, it's possible that you might exceed just 1 tablespoon, and that's OK. Just try not to eat an excessive amount in one day as it could potentially cause diarrhea or stomach upset (it does help you poop, after all!).

Tips for using olive oil for constipation:

Buy organic extra-virgin olive oil if possible
Start with consuming one tablespoon per day
Drink your EVOO it on its own as a shot, or try it in smoothies, coffee, or salad dressings
Monitor your intake to avoid stomach upset

Summary

Consume 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil per day to help prevent and ease constipation. You can try drinking it on its own or incorporating it into other dishes.

Is it safe for everyone?

Eating a moderate amount of olive oil is generally considered safe for anyone (unless you have an allergy to olives or olive oil, which is rare). Just be careful not to overcorrect your constipation by eating too much olive oil, as it might result in diarrhea.

And since studies have shown that olive oil may lower blood sugar levels 6, be sure to talk to your doctor if you're diabetic or have insulin resistance to make sure you're staying within a healthy range.

Summary

Olive oil is generally very safe to consume daily, but those who are diabetic or have insulin resistance will want to check in with a healthcare provider about it.

What causes constipation in the first place?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, constipation is defined as an inability to pass three stools in one week, and when they do pass, the stools are hard, uncomfortable, and painful. (Curious what your poops should look like? Check out this primer.) There are several reasons for constipation, including:

Dehydration
Imbalance in the gut microbiome
Food sensitivities or allergies
Certain medications
A lack of fiber in the diet
Traveling
Ignoring the urge to poop

What causes another person's constipation may be different from what's causing yours. If you have chronic constipation, it's important to work closely with a doctor or gastroenterologist to understand the root of the problem and how to address it appropriately.

Summary

A few common causes of constipation (pooping less than 3 times a week) include dehydration, a low-fiber diet, and certain medications. If constipation is a constant problem for you, seek the guidance of a gastroenterologist.

Other things that may help relieve constipation

If olive oil is already a part of your daily diet, and it doesn't seem to be enhancing your digestion, here are a few other tried-and-true methods that may help:

Drink more water: Dehydration can lead to constipation, so be sure to drink water throughout the day and consider adding in some electrolytes.
Eat plenty of fiber: Fiber is a potent prebiotic that can get things moving quickly. Leafy greens, colorful vegetables, whole grains, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are all examples of fiber-rich foods. If fiber isn't part of your regular diet, start slowly, as the introduction of gut-healthy microbes can sometimes upset the stomach.
Consume more probiotics: Eating probiotic-rich foods or taking a daily probiotic supplement can help support a healthy and balanced gut microbiome.
Move your body: Not getting enough physical activity is one cause of constipation. Exercising daily will get your GI system and bowels moving.
Belly massage: Some osteopathic manipulative techniques are amazing at getting your bowels moving. Try this: Press your hands into your belly, starting from the small intestine, moving up your abdomen, then down your abdomen, following the large intestine in a circular motion. Read a more detailed step-by-step guide to this belly massage here.
Supplement: Some supplements, like magnesium citrate, may help with digestion. Talk to your doctor to find out if these options are right for you.

The takeaway

Olive oil is a delicious pantry staple with numerous health benefits—including mild laxative effects. Consuming 1 tablespoon of olive oil a day may help ease constipation. Be sure to drink plenty of water, move your body, and eat a nutritious whole-foods diet to further get things moving. Curious for more ideas on how to promote healthy bowels? Here are 15 more foods that can help you poop.