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Why A Top Dietitian Recommends Coconut Oil for Constipation in Kids

A lot of times when dealing with constipation, you want to soften the stool, making it easier for your child (and you) to pass. Coconut oil, however, doesn’t soften the stool — and this is OK. Coconut oil provides lubrication to help the stool move through the large intestine and rectum and out of the body. Have you ever had a ring get stuck on your finger? You pull and pull and can’t get it off? What did you do? You probably added something to make the ring slip over your finger - a lubricant. Coconut oil works in a similar way in the intestines. It lubricates the intestines and the stool and helps it move along.

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Articles of Interest

How Do Lubricant Laxatives Work?

Lubricant laxatives are a type of laxatives mainly used for treating constipation, as they make the stool slippery. They lubricate the intestinal wall and stool mass by coating them with a waterproof film layer, preventing the feces from drying out. Besides, lubricant laxatives decrease water absorption by the intestine which helps the stool to retain moisture. As a result, the stool remains soft, and its passage is made easy.

Suffering from constipation? Have virgin coconut oil for relief

If you are one of those who often suffer from the problem of constipation, then we are sure that you must have already tried different kinds of home remedies to get rid of it. From ajwain water to senna leaves, there is no dearth of home remedies for constipation. But if even after trying all these remedies, your irregular bowel movement hasn't improved, then make coconut oil your best friend.

First do no harm: The dangers of mineral oil

This case highlights lipoid pneumonia due to mineral oil aspiration, which is a recognized severe complication of this medication, and emphasizes the need for a heightened awareness among caregivers about the potential dangers of inappropriate mineral oil use.

I Drank Olive Oil to Stop Myself From Pooping For 63 Hours

How two ordinary men turned their digestive tracts into holding tanks, for something like science. Or maybe just raw stupidity.

Poop Chocolates

If you have a toddler struggling with constipation, you may want to try this poop chocolate recipe (aka constipation candy). Our daughter went through a terrible phase of withholding and constipation when we started to potty train and these coconut oil poop chocolates have helped so much.

Should I use Castor Oil or Mineral Oil for Constipation Relief?

I believe that Castor oil is safer for short term use for constipation relief than Mineral Oil but neither one should be used for more than 7 days. Castor oil has been used medically for thousands of years. There is evidence of it being used by Ancient Egyptians. Generations of mothers have used Castor oil for constipation relief for their families. When something has been used for thousands of years, it generally shows that it is safe and effective. Castor oil is considered “Generally regarded as safe” by the FDA.

Types of Laxatives

Lubricant laxatives coat the walls of the colon to reduce friction. In order for a lubricant laxative to work well, it must be poorly absorbed so that it can adequately coat the colon. Mineral oil is often used for this reason. As you may remember from Chemistry 101, oil and water do not mix well. This means a colon coated with mineral oil will not only provide lubrication, but will also have the effect of limiting water absorption through the wall of the colon due to its water repellent nature.