Trisha Pasricha is a gut researcher and works as a gastroenterologist. According to Illustrerad Vetenskap, she has spent 20 years studying how our toilet habits are linked to digestion.
One of the most important factors is the body's circadian rhythm.
The colon is particularly active during the first hour after waking up. During this time, the body tries to move stool through the digestive system and signals that it is time to use the toilet.
If you regularly ignore the urge, the body's signal can become weaker over time, Pasricha explains. According to the researcher, coffee or a run can help get the bowels moving in the morning.
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Remember to drink enough fluids
Fibre can help make stools softer, but it cannot do the job alone. The body also needs fluids.
Pasricha therefore recommends gradually increasing fibre intake while making sure to drink enough. Without sufficient fluids, stools can become dry and more difficult to pass.
The way you sit on the toilet can also make a difference. A conventional sitting position can make it harder for the muscles around the rectum to relax.
A simple change
Pasricha herself uses a small stool under her feet. This raises the knees above the hips and can make it easier to pass stool.
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She also recommends putting the phone away and avoiding spending long periods on the toilet.
But her most important advice is even simpler: Go to the toilet when your body tells you that you need to.
According to Pasricha, responding to the body's natural signals may be the most important habit for better-functioning digestion.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.