The Best Ways to Encourage a Bowel Movement: Tips for Regularity

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We’ve all been there—sitting, waiting, hoping that our body will cooperate and give us that sweet relief of a successful bowel movement. But sometimes, the body doesn’t get the memo, and you’re left feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and well… stuck. The good news is, you don’t have to live like this. By understanding how your body works, making a few lifestyle changes, and introducing tools like the PoopStick, you can get things moving again naturally and comfortably.

We’re about to dive deep (don’t worry, not literally) into the best ways to encourage a bowel movement, backed by science, humor, and the latest trends in digestive health. So, grab a seat, but don’t get too comfy—we’re going to get your body moving!

Understanding How Your Digestive System Works

Before we jump into the tips, tricks, and secrets for bowel regularity, let’s take a moment to talk about how your digestive system actually works. After all, it’s hard to fix something if you don’t know what’s going on under the hood.

Your digestive system is like a well-oiled machine, designed to extract nutrients from the food you eat and dispose of what’s left behind. The process starts in your mouth (yes, chewing is the first step to a successful bowel movement!) and continues through your stomach, intestines, and eventually, the colon. This journey usually takes about 24 to 72 hours, depending on what you eat, how active you are, and other factors.

But what happens when the system gets a little sluggish? That’s when constipation hits—usually defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week, and it can leave you feeling bloated, irritable, and uncomfortable.

There are many things that can cause constipation, including:

  • Poor diet: Too much processed food and not enough fiber can slow things down.
  • Dehydration: Without enough water, your intestines struggle to move stool through the colon.
  • Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle can make digestion less efficient.
  • Stress: Believe it or not, stress can actually mess with your gut’s rhythm.

Understanding the root causes of constipation is the first step in making sure you don’t fall victim to it.

Top Lifestyle Tips for Promoting Regular Bowel Movements

The solution to constipation doesn’t have to come in a little orange pill bottle. In fact, there are plenty of natural ways to keep your bowels regular. Let’s start with a few simple lifestyle changes that can have a big impact on your digestive health.

1. Fiber-Rich Diet: The Real Superfood Hero

You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: fiber is your best friend when it comes to healthy bowel movements. Fiber acts like a sponge in your intestines, absorbing water and bulking up your stool, making it easier to pass.

There are two types of fiber you should know about:

  • Soluble fiber: Found in foods like oats, beans, and apples, this type of fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance in your digestive tract, helping to slow digestion and keep your blood sugar levels stable.
  • Insoluble fiber: This fiber doesn’t dissolve in water. It acts more like a broom, sweeping everything through your system. Foods like whole grains, nuts, and leafy greens are packed with insoluble fiber.

Most people need about 25-30 grams of fiber per day, but most of us don’t even come close to that number.

Here’s how you can up your fiber game:

  • Start your day with whole grains: Swap out sugary cereals for a hearty bowl of oatmeal or a slice of whole-grain toast.
  • Snack on fruits and veggies: Reach for an apple, carrots, or a handful of berries instead of chips or candy.
  • Add beans and legumes to your meals: These are fiber powerhouses that also provide protein and other nutrients.

A simple change in your diet could be all it takes to get things moving smoothly.

2. Stay Hydrated: Don’t Let Your Colon Dry Out

You may be surprised to learn just how important hydration is for your digestive health. If your body doesn’t get enough water, your intestines will pull water from your stool, leaving it dry, hard, and difficult to pass.

How much water should you drink? While the standard “8 glasses a day” rule works for some, a better guideline is to aim for half your body weight in ounces of water each day. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, shoot for 75 ounces of water daily.

Other great ways to stay hydrated include:

  • Herbal teas: Ginger, peppermint, or chamomile teas are not only hydrating but also have digestive benefits.
  • Water-rich foods: Cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges all have high water content and can help keep you hydrated.

The next time you feel backed up, ask yourself: “How much water have I had today?”

3. Exercise Regularly: Keep Things Moving Inside and Out

We all know exercise is good for the heart, but it’s also great for your gut. Physical activity stimulates your digestive system, helping to move things along. When you’re active, your intestines contract more frequently, which helps stool move through your colon.

You don’t need to run a marathon to see the benefits. Even 20-30 minutes of walking a day can make a difference. Other exercises that can help include:

  • Yoga: Certain yoga poses are known to stimulate digestion. Poses like downward dog, child’s pose, and seated twists are particularly good for relieving constipation.
  • Abdominal exercises: Strengthening your core muscles can also help move things along. Try simple exercises like crunches or leg raises.

A little movement can go a long way when it comes to getting your digestive system back on track.

Natural Remedies to Stimulate a Bowel Movement

When you’re feeling stuck and need relief fast, there are a few natural remedies that can give your system the gentle nudge it needs. No need to reach for harsh laxatives—these options are effective, safe, and easy to incorporate into your routine.

1. Prunes: Nature’s Favorite Laxative

Prunes have long been touted as a natural remedy for constipation, and there’s good reason for that. Prunes are packed with fiber, but they also contain sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that draws water into the intestines, helping to soften stool and stimulate a bowel movement.

If prunes aren’t your thing, you can try other dried fruits like apricots, figs, or dates, which also have fiber and natural laxative properties.

2. Probiotics: Feed Your Gut the Good Stuff

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, many of which play a crucial role in digestion. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your digestive system, helping to balance the bacteria in your gut and keep everything running smoothly.

You can get probiotics from foods like:

  • Yogurt: Look for yogurt with live and active cultures.
  • Kefir: A fermented milk drink that’s packed with probiotics.
  • Fermented foods: Sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha are all excellent sources of probiotics.

In addition to helping with constipation, probiotics can improve overall gut health, boost your immune system, and even improve your mood (the gut-brain connection is real!).

3. Warm Beverages: Start Your Morning Right

If you’re someone who finds it hard to “go” in the morning, try starting your day with a warm beverage. Whether it’s a cup of coffee, herbal tea, or simply warm water with lemon, the heat helps to stimulate digestion and get things moving.

Coffee, in particular, is known for its bowel-moving properties, but if you’re sensitive to caffeine, herbal teas like ginger or peppermint can offer similar benefits without the jitters.

Position Matters: The Squat Method

This is where things get interesting—and where the PoopStick enters the scene.

1. The Science Behind the Squat Position

Did you know that the position in which you sit on the toilet can affect how easily you have a bowel movement? Our modern toilets have us sitting at a 90-degree angle, which actually makes it harder for the colon to do its job. In this position, the puborectalis muscle—which wraps around the rectum—remains tight, making it more difficult to pass stool.

The solution? Squatting. Squatting relaxes the puborectalis muscle, straightening out the colon and making it much easier to eliminate waste. In fact, our ancestors squatted to poop long before modern plumbing came along.

2. Introducing The PoopSTICK

Enter The PoopSTICK, the tool you didn’t know you needed but won’t be able to live without. The PoopStick is designed to help you achieve the perfect squat position, even while using a modern toilet. By elevating your feet and bringing your knees closer to your chest, The PoopSTICK simulates a natural squatting position, making it easier and more comfortable to have a bowel movement.

Why The PoopSTICK?

  • Ergonomic design: PoopStick is designed for comfort, fitting easily under your toilet and providing the perfect height for an optimal squat.
  • Easy to use: Just place it under your feet when you sit on the toilet, and let the PoopStick do the rest.
  • Portable and durable: Take it with you wherever you go—PoopStick is lightweight, easy to clean, and built to last.

When to Seek Medical Help

While these tips can help most people achieve regular bowel movements, there are times when constipation can be a sign of something more serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s time to see a doctor:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Blood in your stool
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Constipation lasting more than three weeks
  •  

Don’t ignore these symptoms—your health is worth the extra attention.

Conclusion

Bowel movements might not be a topic most people want to talk about, but it’s something we all experience. By making a few simple changes to your diet, staying hydrated, incorporating regular exercise, and trying natural remedies, you can keep things moving smoothly. And if you’re ready to take your bathroom experience to the next level, give the PoopStick a try—it might just be the missing piece in your journey to digestive health.

Ready to give PoopStick a try? Visit ThePoopStick.com to learn more, read customer reviews, and take the first step toward a more comfortable, natural, and effective bathroom experience.

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