If you’re suffering with a sluggish system, you might want to take a glass of water and a straw to the toilet.
According to one doctor, blowing bubbles into liquid is a surefire method for relieving constipation and preventing the nasty complications that come alongside it — like haemorrhoids and fissures.
Dr Karan Rajan, who is a general NHS surgeon, told his 5.3 million TikTok followers that this ‘expert poop hack’ actually works and is ‘surprised it isn’t common knowledge’.
He explained that pretending to blow bubbles, a candle or even making elongated ‘moo sounds’ helps to contol your breathing.
Specifically, it activates the vagus nerve, which controls the body’s digestion, triggering more wave-like contractions in your intestines and making it easier to go without straining.
He said: ‘The moo sound and blowing bubbles mimics the same internal physical effect as squatting, but just with less pressure.
‘This can help the stool move through the colon by increasing the intra-abdominal pressure.’
‘Although these look silly these are diaphragmic breathing techniques which strengthen your gut brain connection,’ he added.
Dr Rajan explained that the technique will help ensure the pelvic floor muscles are more coordinated both in contraction and relaxation.
Straining during bowel movements is a symptom of constipation.
But pushing too hard when going to the toilet can cause problems such as haemorrhoids and anal fissures.
Haemorrhoids are lumps inside and around your bottom which can cause itching and a small amount of bleeding.
They are caused by a swollen vein inside the back passage that is pushed downwards and protrudes towards the outside of the body.
A fissure is a tear that develops in the lining of the large intestine, near the anus. It can cause a sharp pain when you pass waste and can also cause bleeding.
Both problems usually resolve on their own, however a small number of patients may need to undergo surgery.
Eating more fibre, drinking plenty of water and exercising more can help relive constipation and such complications..
Experts have also claimed people in Western countries are emptying their bowels in the wrong way and should be squatting instead of sitting.
Sitting is said to prolong the process and prevent our bowels from opening fully.
Some experts advise opening your bowels by sitting with your feet on a little stool and leaning forward.