helpful tip for regular bowel movement

[Qp22]

For most of my life I’ve had issues with irregular bowel movements and- sometimes- bad constipation, which I’ve managed to deal with. Now, at 70, I’ve been diagnosed with IBS, mainly because of persistent pain in my upper right side for 2 or 3 years. I thought it was a gall bladder problem- awful pain. GP have me Buscopan and pain relief. Told to use heat pad to relieve episodes (good job I’m retired!) I felt desperate. I Googled like crazy and read that olive oil can help with constipation- helps to retain water in the stools. I learned that 10-30mls a day is actually good for you in all sorts of ways - heart health etc. Since I’ve been having Olive oil at night followed by the same amount of prune juice I’ve only had two flare-ups of severe pain and I have regular bowel movements for the first time in my life! Still early days but fingers crossed. Hope this may help some of you fellow sufferers.

[Linley]

Well done and thanks for the tip🙏

[Iguvup]

A morning coffee (fresh, not sure if instant coffee works) keeps my system moving in a good routine every morning. Porridge and fruit and yogurt for breakfast. Plus I exercise every day (even if it’s a short brisk walk) and drink water throughout the day when I remember. This has worked for me so thought I’d pass it on in case it’s helpful. Hope things improve for you soon.

[Edgar77 in reply to Iguvup]

Is it the olive oil or the prune juice. It may be just the one thing helping. May be worth experimenting

[Qp22 in reply to Edgar77]

Thanks. Yes, I’ve thought that too. But I’m sticking with what works at the moment. I don’t feel either are unhealthy but I may experiment at some point. Thanks again

[Qp22 in reply to Iguvup]

Thanks

[Edgar77 in reply to Qp22]

I've cut out a lot of foods some of which I probably can eat, but like you I'm afraid of a horrible reaction.

[E3178]

I have found taking olive oil on an empty stomach is also helping me

[Qp22 in reply to E3178]

That’s great to hear. Glad it’s helping.

[Andann]

Wow, it feels like you should be congratulated for your years of persistence, thanks for the advice.

[Morzine]

have you tried those big dates, two a day work wonders

[Qp22 in reply to Morzine]

thanks. I think I’ve got a weird digestion really. - eating prunes/dates or lots of vegs/fruit/nuts/pulses/seeds etc (all the roughage you can think of) just doesn’t help usually. Hence why I’m currently fingers crossed at the moment

[casares8]

Thats good, i think i will try the olive oil, i like it on food anyway. It probably softens the stools. Prunes are not fodmap friendly and can cause pain, so i assume its the oil that is helping

[Qp22 in reply to casares8]

you may be right about the prune juice. I definitely can’t have too much without it causing pain.

[Readmeastory]

I read somewhere that olive oil can help . Will give it a try at night

[Qp22 in reply to Readmeastory]

great. Certainly can’t hurt 🤞