If you suffer from a sluggish system, you may want to take a glass of water and a straw to the bathroom.
According to one doctor, blowing bubbles into liquid is a foolproof way to relieve constipation and prevent the unpleasant complications that come with it, such as hemorrhoids and fissures.
Dr Karan Rajanwho is an NHS general surgeon, told his 5.3 million TikTok followers that this “poop expert trick” really works and he is “surprised it’s not common knowledge.”
She explained that pretending to blow bubbles, a candle or even making elongated ‘moo’s helps control breathing.
Specifically, it activates the vagus nerve, which controls the body’s digestion, causing more wave-like contractions in the intestines and facilitating effortless exercise.
He said: “The sound of mooing and blowing bubbles mimic the same internal physical effect as squatting, but with less pressure.”
“This can help stool move through the colon by increasing intra-abdominal pressure.”
“Although they may seem silly, they are diaphragmatic breathing techniques that strengthen the connection between the brain and the gut,” he added.
Dr. Rajan explained that the technique will help ensure that the pelvic floor muscles are better coordinated in both contraction and relaxation.
Straining when defecating is a symptom of constipation.
But straining too much when going to the bathroom can lead to problems like hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
Hemorrhoids are lumps in and around the butt that can be itchy and cause a small amount of bleeding.
They are caused by a swollen vein inside the anus that is pushed down and protrudes outward from the body.
A fissure is a tear that develops in the lining of the large intestine, near the anus. It can cause sharp pain when removing waste and can also cause bleeding.
Both problems usually resolve on their own, although a small number of patients may need to undergo surgery.
Eating more fiber, drinking plenty of water, and exercising more can help relieve constipation and other complications.
Experts have also claimed that people in Western countries are emptying their bowels incorrectly and should be squatting instead of sitting.
Sitting is said to prolong the process and prevent our intestines from opening fully.
Some experts advise opening the intestines by sitting with your feet on a small stool and leaning forward.