RELAX
Not being able to have a bowel movement when necessary can be stressful. Straining or forcing the body to pass stool is not healthy, so trying to relax and take enough time can help.
SQUAT
Many of us sit on the toilet just like we’d sit on a chair. But our bodies prefer another position entirely. The best squat to move things along has your knees elevated higher than your hips.
MANAGE STRESS
When we’re stressed, our bodies respond by entering fight-or-flight mode. That process involves getting flooded with extra stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Those hormones slow down digestion and other body functions that aren’t necessary to survive in the short term. That’s why stress management is important for digestive health.
DRINK MORE WATER
Being dehydrated regularly can make a person constipated. To prevent this, it is important to drink enough water and stay hydrated.
INCREASE YOUR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
If your poop isn’t moving, it’s a sign that you probably should. When you exercise, you speed up several important bodily functions. Your circulation increases, as does the amount of oxygen in your blood. You also engage the muscles that are responsible for pushing waste out of your body.
ADJUST YOUR DIET
If you’re struggling with constipation, one of the first places to look for answers is in your kitchen. You need to eat lots of high-fiber foods (like prunes) to keep your poop soft and bulky.
PRUNES
This dried fruit is a great source of fiber, which helps move food through the digestive system. Eating a few prunes may encourage a bowel movement.
