The Relationship Between Food and Pooping – Explained
Having a healthy digestive system is essential for our overall health and wellbeing. It’s no surprise then that we tend to think of food as an important factor in pooping. But what foods make you poop and how do they help? In this article, we take a look at the relationship between food and pooping.
Food as a Stimulus for Pooping
The simple answer is that food stimulates pooping. Eating, especially a large meal, triggers the digestive system to start working, causing the stomach and intestines to move and push food through the system. This in turn causes a reflex in the rectum and anus, which can lead to the need to poop.
Certain types of food are more commonly associated with pooping and most of these are high in fibre. Fibrous foods such as legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grain breads, pastas and cereals, as well as oats, can all help move food along the digestive tract, and thus cause that familiar “push” to happen.
What Foods Make You Poop?
1. High Fibre Food
As mentioned, high-fibre foods are great for getting things moving in the bowels. Foods high in fibre help to move food quickly down the gastrointestinal tract and so can cause pooping. As well as vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, some high-fibre fruits include apples and bananas.
2. Probiotic Yogurt
You may have seen probiotic yogurt advertised as good for the digestive system, and this is true. Probiotic yogurt contains good bacteria that can help create a healthy balance in the gut, which can help stimulate regular pooping.
3. Fermented Foods
Fermented foods are foods that have been exposed to bacteria and yeasts, which help break down the food and create beneficial bi-products for our gut. This can also help with pooping and some fermented foods include yoghurt (mentioned above, and including Kefir), Miso, tempeh, kimchi, and sauerkraut.
4. Water
Water can help stimulate pooping by lubricating the large intestine and allowing food to move along. So, if you’re feeling a bit backed up, try drinking a glass of water and see what happens!
5. Herbal Teas
Drinking herbal teas such as peppermint or chamomile can help to calm the digestive tract and can help with constipation. Just make sure the tea you’re drinking is caffeine-free, as this can have the opposite effect.
Eating Smart to Promote Healthy Pooping
The relationship between food and pooping is clear. Eating foods high in fibre, probiotics, and fermented options is a great way to help keep your digestive system functioning normally, and as a result, keep pooping regularly.
It also pays to watch what you eat, as some foods can slow things down. Too much dairy, for example, can cause problems, as can eating too much red meat. Finally, make sure you’re having enough water – ideally, 2-3 litres per day – to help keep things moving.
Conclusion
Keeping your digestive system healthy and regular is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Knowing what foods make you poop is a great first step in taking control of your digestive health. Eating a diet rich in fibre and probiotic-rich foods, and making sure you stay hydrated, can help you on your way to regular, healthy pooping.