Poop Pronto: The Quick-Fire Triggers

There are many reasons why someone might need to poop right away. Constipation, for example, is a common issue that can cause discomfort and impact a person's health. The good news is that there are several ways to get things moving again, from increasing fluid intake and consuming more fibre to trying natural remedies like probiotics or abdominal massages.

In addition to lifestyle and dietary changes, certain medical conditions can also cause a person to need to poop right away, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or food allergies and intolerances. Seeking advice from a doctor is always recommended if you are experiencing persistent or severe constipation, as it could be a symptom of an underlying health issue.

Drink hot water with ginger first thing in the morning

Drinking hot water with ginger first thing in the morning can be an effective way to stimulate a bowel movement. Ginger has long been recognised for its medicinal properties, including its ability to aid digestion and relieve bloating, gas, and constipation.

The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can help to fight inflammation-causing bacteria in the gut, and its high levels of phytonutrients may help to counteract chronic inflammation in the body. Ginger also contains vitamin C, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, and chromium, all of which contribute to a healthy digestive system.

Drinking ginger tea or hot water with ginger can also help to speed up stomach emptying, allowing food to pass more efficiently from the stomach to the small bowel. This can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from hyperemesis, such as pregnant women.

To make ginger tea, grate or slice a piece of raw ginger and add it to boiling water. Allow it to steep for at least 10 minutes, then strain the tea and enjoy. For added flavour, you can also add lemon juice.

It's important to remember that while ginger can be an effective way to stimulate a bowel movement, it should not be relied upon as a cure-all. If you are experiencing severe or persistent constipation, it is always best to consult with your doctor.

Try a Squatty Potty or a similar footstool

One of the simplest ways to encourage a bowel movement is to adopt a squatting position. Squatting separates the sit bones, making space for the anal sphincter to fully expand and waste to move through. This is why women are advised to squat during labour and delivery, to open the pelvis and let the baby pass through the birth canal more easily.

You can purchase a Squatty Potty or a similar footstool to place in front of your toilet, which will help you get into an optimal position to let it all go.

If you're not at home, you can try to mimic the squatting position without a footstool. This may be less comfortable, but can still help you pass stool without straining.

Avoid eating late into the evening

Eating close to bedtime increases the risk of acid reflux or GERD. It is recommended that you eat dinner and close your kitchen by 7 pm, which still gives a few hours of active digestion before going to bed. This is because most foods take several hours to digest, with some taking up to 2 days. During sleep, the digestion process slows down, meaning that undigested food spends more time in the digestive tract.

If you get hungry later in the evening, opt for something liquid, high in fat, and preferably hot, like warm milk or bone broth. Protein shakes, nuts, or leafy green smoothies are also good options.

If you are experiencing constipation, it is important to seek advice from a medical professional.

Eat foods with lots of fibre

Fibre is a type of nutrient that keeps your digestive system healthy and reduces your risk of disease. It is important to eat foods with lots of fibre to keep your digestive system healthy and prevent constipation.

There are two types of fibre: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre dissolves in water and is found in foods like oats, peas, beans, fruits, and barley. Insoluble fibre does not dissolve in water and is found in foods like whole-wheat flour, nuts, and vegetables such as cauliflower, green beans, and potatoes.

• Legumes (e.g. split peas, lentils, dried beans such as red kidney beans, baked beans)
• Breads, cereals, and pasta
• High-fibre and whole-grain breads and cereals
• Fruits and vegetables (especially the outer skins)
• Avocados
• Berries (e.g. blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries)
• Broccoli
• Popcorn
• Whole grains (e.g. whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, and oats)
• Nuts and seeds
• Sweet potatoes
• Dark chocolate

It is important to note that if you are increasing your fibre intake, you should do so gradually over a few days and drink plenty of water to prevent adverse effects such as bloating and gas.

Try natural remedies like probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that play a key role in how your body digests food. They are the "good bugs" in your gut and are available in supplement form or can be found in fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, and apple cider vinegar.

Probiotics won't provide immediate relief as they take time to work. "It takes time for good bacteria to digest food piece by piece, and might take more than a day," says Karen WeiRu Lin, M.D. However, they can be effective in treating constipation and improving gut health.

Probiotics can also be found in yogurt, but it is important to ensure it is live yogurt without artificial sweeteners.

In addition to probiotics, consuming prebiotics can also help stimulate beneficial gut bacteria growth. Prebiotics are the food that gut microbes feed on and can be found in supplements, greens powders, and foods like asparagus, artichokes, and green bananas.

While probiotics are generally considered safe, they are not advised for people who are immunocompromised. It is recommended to consult a doctor if you have any concerns or questions about taking probiotics.

Frequently asked questions