Between 12% and 19% of the North American population suffers from chronic constipation, which can have a negative effect on quality of life (1).
Typical treatments, such as laxative drugs, often have uncomfortable side effects, so many people turn to alternative treatments like olive oil.
But does olive oil really work?
Keep reading to see what the research says about using olive oil to treat constipation.
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Clickable Table of Contents
What Is Constipation?
Constipation affects approximately 63 million people in North America (1).
It’s unclear exactly why, but women and people over the age of 65 are at the highest risk (1).
These are some of the symptoms of constipation (2):
- Straining to pass bowel movements
- Having lumpy or hard stools
- Feeling like you haven’t completely passed all stool
- Feeling like there is a blockage in your rectum
- Having to use your fingers to help bowel movements
- Having fewer than 3 bowel movements per week
Having short bouts of constipation from time to time is normal and may be triggered by traveling or changes in diet and physical activity.
Chronic constipation, on the other hand, is more serious and occurs when these symptoms last for at least 3 months (2).
If you suspect you might have chronic constipation, it’s best to see a doctor who can rule out any underlying medical conditions.
What Causes Constipation?
Constipation is often a multifactorial condition, so there are many potential causes:
1. Medical conditions
There are many medical conditions that can contribute to constipation, but these are some of the most common (3, 4):
- Anatomic causes (tumors, anal strictures or fissures, hemorrhoids)
- Gastrointestinal disorders (diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, SIBO)
- Metabolic or endocrine conditions (diabetes, hyper/hypothyroidism, pregnancy)
- Neurological disorders (Parkinson’s disease, MS, stroke, spinal cord injuries, Hirschsprung’s disease)
- Psychological disorders (anxiety, depression, eating disorders)
Sometimes medical or surgical treatment can be used to resolve underlying conditions that cause constipation, but often a combination of lifestyle changes and laxatives are used to manage symptoms.
2. Medications
Opioid drugs are notorious for causing constipation in 40-60% of patients who take them (5).
In fact, a separate diagnosis, called opioid-induced constipation (OIC), is reserved for those whose constipation is caused by these drugs (2).
But opioids aren’t the only drugs with constipating effects.
These are some of the other drugs and supplements that can also cause constipation (6, 7, 8, 9):
- Antacids containing calcium or aluminum
- Anticonvulsants
- Antidiarrheals
- Antihistamines
- Anti-Parkinson drugs
- Antipsychotics
- Calcium-channel blockers
- Calcium supplements
- Diuretics
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs
- Oral iron supplements
- Tricyclic antidepressants
If your constipation is caused by one or more of these drugs, your doctor may work with you to adjust your dose or substitute with another medication.
3. Dysbiosis
One frequently overlooked cause of constipation is dysbiosis, an imbalance of gut bacteria.
Research has shown that patients with chronic constipation have decreased beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides spp.) and increased pathogenic bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Campylobacter jejuni) compared to healthy controls (10, 11).
It’s unclear exactly how these alterations in bacteria lead to constipation, but it’s thought that they might influence intestinal motility by changing the metabolic environment of the gut (11).
4. Sedentary lifestyle
Inadequate physical activity has been linked with an increased risk of developing constipation (12, 13, 14).
One study found that 60% of healthy men who were put on bed rest for 35 days developed constipation (15).
Exercise helps to prevent constipation by decreasing transit time (the time it takes for stool to move through the intestines) (16, 17).
When transit time is faster, there is less time for the colon to absorb water from the stool, so hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass are less likely.
5. Dehydration
During digestion, undigested food waste moves from the small intestine to the colon, where excess water is absorbed (18).
Normally, this is a good thing, as it allows the body to conserve water and prevents loose stools.
HOWEVER, in a state of dehydration, the colon absorbs more water than usual, leading to stool that is dry, hard, and more difficult to pass (3).
Those most at risk of dehydration-related constipation are the elderly and anyone who has experienced excessive fluid losses due to diarrhea or vomiting (19).
6. Poor diet
Although you’ll often hear that constipation is caused by a low-fiber diet, the evidence to support this is surprisingly weak.
Studies have been conflicting: some have shown that fiber improves symptoms of constipation, but many others haven’t (20, 21, 22, 23).
It may depend on the type of fiber consumed: soluble fiber, which forms a gel and softens stool, tends to do a better job at treating constipation than insoluble fiber (24, 25).
In some cases, however, increasing fiber intake may actually make matters worse.
One study found that a majority of people with chronic constipation were able to reduce symptoms and have more frequent bowel movements by LOWERING their fiber intake (26).
More research is needed to understand exactly how dietary habits impact bowel movements and to more effectively personalize treatment recommendations.
Can Olive Oil Treat Constipation?
Well, we only found 2 studies that have evaluated the effect of olive oil on constipation, but both showed promising results.
In the first study, researchers were comparing different bowel-cleansing regimens for colonoscopy preparation (27).
They evaluated the conventional preparation, which involves drinking 4 liters of a polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution (PEG-ELS), against an experimental regimen in which patients drank one-fourth cup of olive oil mixed into a glass of apple juice before consuming 2 liters of PEG-ELS.
Surprisingly, the olive oil regimen did a BETTER job cleansing the colon, and patients found it to be more tolerable than the conventional preparation.
The second study compared the effects of olive oil and flaxseed oil to mineral oil (a common laxative made from petroleum) on constipation symptoms (28).
For 4 weeks, patients consumed 4 to 6 milliliters (about 1 teaspoon) of oil each day, away from meals, and monitored their symptoms.
The olive oil and mineral oil were similarly effective, both significantly reducing symptoms of constipation.
How Does Olive Oil Reduce Constipation?
There are a few ways in which olive oil may help alleviate constipation:
1. Stimulates Bile Release
Bile (made up of bile acids) is produced by the liver and released into the small intestine where it acts as an emulsifier, separating fat molecules so that they can be more easily digested and absorbed (29).
Most bile is reabsorbed in the gut and recycled by the liver, but about 5% continues on to the colon, where certain bile acids act as natural laxatives by increasing water secretion and colonic contractions (30).
In fact, some studies have shown that patients with constipation tend to have lower levels of bile acids compared to healthy controls (31, 32).
It’s thought that because olive oil contains fat, it promotes bile secretion, increasing the likelihood that more bile acids will end up in the colon to exert their laxative effects. However, more research is needed on this topic.
2. Lubricates the Colon and Softens Stool
Olive oil acts as a lubricant by forming a slippery, waterproof layer around the stool, allowing it to pass smoothly through the colon and rectum (27).
It also softens stool by forming an emulsion of water and oil within the feces (33).
However, this can only happen if the olive oil is not completely absorbed in the small intestines.
It’s not clear what dose is required to exceed the absorptive capacity of the small intestine, but some experts believe that 30 mL (2 tablespoons) might be enough (27).
3. Promotes Gut Health
More research is needed, but a few studies in animals show that extra virgin olive oil has the potential to protect against dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria) by increasing microbial diversity (34, 35).
One study actually found that oleic acid (a fatty acid found in olive oil) increased the amount of Bifidobacteria, which may improve intestinal barrier function and prevent leaky gut (36, 37).
Another way olive oil benefits gut health is through polyphenols, which are chemicals found in plants that have health-promoting properties.
The polyphenols in olive oil inhibit the production of proinflammatory mediators and decrease intestinal inflammation, which may lower the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer (38, 39, 40).
How to Use Olive Oil for Constipation
When using olive oil to treat constipation, it’s best to choose extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO). Our favorite brand of extra virgin olive oil is California Olive Ranch.
EVOO is the oil produced from the first pressing of the olives, so it contains the highest levels of antioxidants and other beneficial polyphenols (38).
There isn’t a recommended dose of olive oil for treating constipation, but researchers have used between 1 teaspoon and one-fourth cup per day (27, 28).
For most people, 1-2 tablespoons every day (taken away from food) until symptoms improve is probably reasonable.
We’ll discuss some ways to do this below.
1. Take a “shot” of olive oil.
If you’re the type who likes to rip off the band-aid, this might be the best option for you!
Simply swallow 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in one gulp, away from food.
Some people also prefer adding a few drops of lemon juice to help cut the strong flavor.
You may notice a peppery, stinging sensation in the back of your throat after swallow the olive oil, but this is normal and expected.
This feeling is caused by oleocanthal, an anti-inflammatory compound similar to ibuprofen that is found in high-quality EVOO (39, 40).
2. Add olive oil to your favorite beverage.
To help hide the taste, olive oil can be mixed into beverages, such as coffee or fruit juice.
Coffee is a great choice because it is known to stimulate contractions in the colon and promote the urge to poop (41, 42).
Some people blend the coffee and olive oil together to make it creamier and less “oily” tasting.
If you prefer to use fruit juice, apple, prune or pear juice make the best options because they contain high amounts of sorbitol, a poorly absorbed sugar alcohol with laxative effects (43, 44).
Potential Side Effects of Consuming Olive Oil
Compared to laxative drugs, the potential side effects of using olive oil for constipation are minimal.
Diarrhea is the most common side effect, but typically only occurs if very large amounts (more than a few tablespoons) are consumed at one time (27, 28).
It’s also important to keep in mind that olive oil is a very calorically-dense food. One tablespoon of olive oil contains 120 calories and 14 grams of fat, so weight gain is possible if your overall calorie intake increases (45).
Some people may be concerned that the extra fat consumption could lead to increased blood cholesterol levels, but studies actually show that olive oil decreases apolipoprotein B, which is thought to be a better marker of cardiovascular disease than LDL (46, 47).
Olive oil is safe for most people, but it is not recommended for infants, because they have not developed the proper swallowing coordination to keep from aspirating on the oil (48, 49).
Final Thoughts
Chronic constipation is a common health problem that can be caused by certain medical conditions, medications, gut dysbiosis, sedentary lifestyle, dehydration, and poor diet.
While the research is limited, there is evidence that olive oil can be used to treat constipation and may be as effective as mineral oil, a commonly used laxative.
Olive oil’s laxative effects seem to come from its ability to stimulate bile release, lubricate the colon, soften stool, and promote gut health.
The easiest way to use olive oil for constipation is to take a “shot” containing 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil every day, but it can also be added to coffee or juice.
Side effects are rare, but diarrhea may occur if very large amounts of olive oil are consumed at once.
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Amy is a registered dietitian nutritionist and experienced nutrition editor. She received her Masters in Nutrition Diagnostics from Cox College and her Bachelors in Dietetics from Missouri State University. She currently works as a nutrition editor for Healthline and Greatist. Her passion is finding ways to communicate nutrition research in an interesting and easy-to-understand way.
I forgot to mention that when I had 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in my salad it didn’t help me with chronic constipation but when I had 1 tablespoon straight on an empty stomach in the morning than it worked.
Thanks for the article. I do not understand the logic of keeping the consumption of olive oil away from the meal. After all, if the purpose is to create an emulsion with the food eaten in order to obtain a softer and smoother stool in the stool, and a garden if the goal is to obtain a shield for the fecal content,
So why not be careful about consuming olive oil with your meal? Thus there is also a greater chance that because of the load on the small intestine, the small intestine will not absorb all the oil, and thus larger percentages that are not absorbed will reach the large intestine.
??
I’m asking the same questions, but I may have an answer for you. I’ve pre-measured 1/4 cup olive oil to take before bed for chronic constipation. I looked up how many mgs of oleuropein were in 1/4 cups olive oil and the answer is vague. I was trying to compare it to olive leaf extract, and the amount of oleupopein is about the same. But the extract doesn’t appear to have the wide range of healing properties as drinking the oil. So to try to answer before my first experiment, it appears though that 1/4 cup would definitely get to the large intestine, much more so than one or two tablespoons. I plan to take it on an empty stomach before bed. The important thing is to use unrefined, unfiltered, cold pressed extra virgin olive oil. I got mine from Bragg’s – great company. I bookmarked this page to come back with my experiment results. I’m currently taking 10 grams CALM for constipation – works but sheer misery. Tonight I’m going to be brave and try olive oil instead.
I’ve suffered from gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, chronic constipation, SIBO and a host of misery that brought me begging for a colectomy. I’d rather try this first, along with other things I’m doing. Sluggish digestion is a big issue too. I don’t have a bad diet as mentioned at the end. I can barely eat at all, so what I do eat is pure and organic.
This is my takeaway from my research: (I’m doing it tonight and maybe again in the morning.)
Lots of people in the Mediterranean drink about one-fourth of a cup of extra-virgin olive oil every morning. This helps cleanse the body, and gives the body a kick-start for the day. Usually, the small cup of olive oil is followed by a small glass of warm water with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Some people even suggest that a tablespoon or two of olive oil may be all you need to fully reap its benefits. The consumption of olive oil includes a healthier digestive process as well.
Combining olive oil with lemon helps maintain lubricant for digestive mucus which then activates the functions of the gall bladder and liver. It’s a process that helps rid the body of constipation. Drinking olive oil in the morning also helps to detoxify the body from habits of a bad diet. The discomfort from the body being detoxified can lead to morning discomfort, and there’s no better cure for that than taking a quick drink of olive oil in the mornings. The body has subtle ways of signaling that it is in need of a detox. Signs of this include headaches, slower digestion, and dry mouth.
What a yummy and fascinating read. For me, this seems to have improved my system: 1 T olive oil in a.m. rolled oats, flaxseed & blueberry bowl, 1 T olive oil in salad or soup + 64 oz of water per day.