Using Cod Liver Oil for Constipation

"Enjoy the Health Benefits of Cod Liver Oil!"

Can you use cod liver oil for constipation?

In the good old days, many Mothers and Grandmothers would give their children a tablespoon of cod liver oil. The fishy oil was considered a 'tonic' and used to treat a variety of household ailments.

Kepler's Cod Liver Oil was a common home remedy back then. Many Mothers would give the oil to children with constipation because they believed the oil would lubricate your insides and 'smooth' things out for you.

The big question is if this popular healthy oil really does cure constipation naturally.....

What is Constipation?

If you're like me, you know what I'm talking about. You haven't gone to the washroom in days and you have difficulty completing the 'job'. Everyone's experienced this at some point in their lives.

Constipation usually produces dry, hard stools that are difficult to eliminate. Some people can experience bloating, cramps and straining during bowel movements.

What causes Constipation?

Doctors say there are a number of causes that can contribute to poor bowel health:

• poor diet
• lack of exercise
• not drinking enough water
• side effects from medications
• irritable bowel syndromes
• specific metabolic conditions
• side effects from medications

The two major causes are poor diet and a lack of exercise.

Eating lots of processed foods and a low fiber diet is an example of a poor diet. Doctors aren't sure why a lack of exercise causes it; however, they found hospital patients confined to their beds experienced higher rates of constipation compared to patients that were active.

Can you use Cod Liver Oil for Constipation?

Using cod liver oil for constipation is a home remedy passed down from generation to generation.

The traditional treatment was a tablespoon of oil everyday until symptoms passed.

It's believed the oil helped lubricate your insides and relieved constipation. Kepler's Cod Liver Oil was a standard home remedy used since the early 1920's.

Popular brands now available are Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil , Carlson Laboratories Norwegian Cod Liver Oil and Garden of Life Cod Liver Oil.

These are high quality oils rich in omega 3 fatty acids, but have no fiber. Some people have reported success using cod liver oil for stomach ailments. It may work for you and it may not.

Boost your Fiber Intake to Relieve Constipation

Eating a high fiber diet will contribute to good bowel health and reduce constipation. The average fiber intake for most adults is only 5 to 15 grams a day. Nutritionists recommend you eat at least 20 - 30 grams a day.

Increasing your fiber intake will go a long way to relieving and preventing constipation. Fiber softens hard dry stools and makes it them easier to pass. Eating plenty of vegetables, fruits and legumes will help increase your fiber intake.

Use Ground Flaxseeds for Constipation

Mix orange juice with flaxseeds

While some people may insist one can use cod liver oil for constipation, adding fiber to your diet can go a long way to improving your digestive health.

One of my favorite methods of getting extra fiber is adding a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds to my morning cup of orange juice.

Flaxseeds are a great source of dietary fiber; about 40% of the flaxseed is fiber.

Whole grains such as wheat bran, oat meal, and oat bran are also high in fiber. Corn bran has one of the highest fiber contents at 78%. Rice bran comes a close second with 75% fiber.

Important: Drink plenty of water when you eat more fiber.

Eating all the fiber in the world won't help if you don't drink enough water. Your intestines absorb water from the stool as it passes through your body.

If you're dehydrated, your body will try to absorb even more water from your stools to make up for the deficit. This can make your stools hard and dry causing uncomfortable bowel movements. Drinking lots of water and juices will add bulk and make your bowel movements softer and easier.

Should you have a bowel movement every day?

Doctors say there's no normal frequency. Some people have three movements a day and others have three movements a week. Everyone is different.

If you have a chronic case of constipation, see your doctor. He or she may prescribe laxatives as a short-term treatment.

Using cod liver oil for constipation is home remedy from past generations. It may work for some people and it may or may not help you.

Eating a fiber-rich diet, exercising and drinking plenty of water will reduce constipation symptoms. Following these tips will help keep you smooth sailing throughout your days.

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