Help! I don’t feel empty when I poop
Sure, it’s not everyone favorite topic to talk about, but digestive health is vital to overall wellness, comfort, and quality of life. To some, pooping consistently and completely may be second nature, but for many of us, it can be quite the struggle that can lead to pain, frustration, and subsequent dysfunction down the road.
Try out these steps to improve this process and make sure you’re emptying your bowels completely and comfortably.
1. Drink Plenty of Water
Fluids are required to help stool form in the intestines. If you notice your stool is small and lumpy, this is a sign you need more water! A good general rule is to aim for half your body weight in ounces per day.
Our favorite way to ensure we’re getting enough water is by taking water with us wherever we go- and making it fun while we’re at it. A water bottle (ideally glass or stainless steele) dressed with fun stickers or in our favorite color help make this seemingly mundane task a little more sparkly.
2. Get Your Body Moving
Have you ever seen those races where the participants seem to be running to something else other than the finish line? It’s no surprise movement helps to stimulate our bowels. It doesn’t have to be a full on sprint, but even simple movement such as walking or yoga can help keep blood pumping throughout your digestive system. A morning exercise routine is especially helpful at stimulating a bowel movement later in the morning or afternoon. Our bowels LOVE routine, so consistency is key with this.
3. Drink a Warm Beverage and Eat Chewable Food in the Morning
That’s right! Your morning coffee actually does help. In addition, chewing food for breakfast stimulate the gastrocolic reflex which helps empty what’s in your colon to make room for more poop.
4. Try a Squatty Potty
Elevating your feet helps to lower the tension in the muscles surrounding your colon so they don’t get in the way. You can try any kind of stool that elevates your knees above your hips to get the job done.
Our favorite stool to help your stool, (I know, terrible joke but we had to) is the OG squatty potty. It was designed to fit snugly around the base of your toilet so when not in use it can tuck up out of the way.
What’s amazing is they even have travel versions that fold up nice and flat so you can easily pack into your suitcase when you travel. We all know traveling can be a major inconvenience for your bowels, especially being off your normal routine and diet. But alas, they have thought of everything. Never find yourself stranded in a bathroom without a stool again!
5. Breathe!
The biggest mistake we make when struggling in the toilet is forcing or straining the poop out. Instead, take some deep breaths and think about creating space to allow for stool to exit. Tight pelvic floor muscles are a common culprit of incomplete emptying and using this technique can help decrease that tension and avoid more problems in the future.
If you try out these tips and are still struggling with complete emptying, straining or pain during bowel movements, it’s a great idea to schedule a free 15 min phone consultation . We’d love to support you towards healthier, happier poops!
Wanting more? Check out our Amazon Storefront for our favorite must have products for better bowel health.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from Amazon links and Amazon Shop page.
