Drink This Unexpected Ingredient To Make Yourself Poop Instantly
You've all had those days when you're sitting on the toilet and wishing there was some way to get yourself to poop instantly. You don't have hours to spend patiently waiting for your bowel movements to take their (long) course and you know you can't leave home without doing the job either.
Straining is not an option (because of possible injury to the rectum or worse, hemorrhoids and anal fissures), so what can you do? Well, if there's something you can learn from the Starbucks offering of olive oil-infused coffee, you have your magic ingredient right there — olive oil. Turns out this healthy oil that's often touted for its cardiovascular benefits and anti-inflammatory properties, is also great for getting things moving when you're constipated. In fact, a 2015 study published in the Journal of Renal Nutrition found a positive link between consuming olive oil and constipation relief in people undergoing dialysis.
And it has to do with the fats in this ingredient that's a popular part of the Mediterranean diet. The fats in olive oil can get things moving instantly because they boost movement in your digestive system and "help smooth the insides of the bowel, making it easier for stools to pass through," shared registered dietician, Brigitte Zeitlin with SELF. Additionally, the oil helps your poop retain more water, per Medical News Today. Softer stools mean easier and faster mobility through your gut.
Is it safe to turn to olive oil every time you're constipated?
You're constipated if you have fewer than three bowel movements per week, and if you've ever been there, trying to pass hard and dry stools, you've probably wished for poop buttons to help keep things moving.
The good news is, there is nothing unsafe about consuming about one tablespoon of olive oil if you're finding it hard to poop in the mornings, according to gastroenterologist and assistant professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Dr. Priyanka Singh (via Well+Good). She suggests extra-virgin olive oil, however, because it's the purest form out there.
You may, however, want to be mindful of combining the stuff with your morning coffee, especially if you're not close to a bathroom. As evidenced by the various social media users who've posted about having to run to the bathroom after drinking the Starbucks olive oil-infused coffee, things might get going a lot sooner (and more explosively) than you anticipated. Coffee and olive oil paired together can be a double-hit of sorts when it comes to their laxative properties. Also, be aware of just how much olive oil you're consuming. Too much of it can cause diarrhea and also add to your daily calorie limit (per Healthline).
How to add this poop-stimulating ingredient to your diet
Check with your healthcare provider if you have any underlying health conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or diabetes before trying this ingredient that helps you poop instantly. It's also not a hack recommended for children.
The easiest method to make yourself poop instantly might be to add a few drops to your morning coffee (again when you're at home or close to a bathroom). If you don't drink coffee, you can try adding it to your orange juice or glass of milk in the morning. Or simply drink a spoonful of the ingredient (if you don't mind the raw taste by itself).
Another more sustainable method of ensuring good bowel movements is to incorporate olive oil into your everyday diet — like with the Mediterranean diet we mentioned before. Or start your day with a breakfast that uses this ingredient. Add it to a smoothie, to your oatmeal, or even on your toast. There are added benefits to starting your day with extra virgin olive oil — you're giving your body extra protection with this antioxidant-rich ingredient that also has anti-bacterial properties, per Healthline.
It's also important to remember that you need an overall approach if you're having constipation, like a diet rich in fiber, lots of hydration, and exercise. And know when it's time to see someone about your poop habits. Regular constipation is not something that should be ignored and may require more than a miracle ingredient.