Side effects of holding in poop can be severe.
Discover the very real risks of preventing yourself from pooping.
Think Youve Got Food Poisoning?
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Because of this, he says that regularly suppressing the urge to poo isnt healthy.
I have a friend who never poops around anyone shes seeing romantically.
New Jersey-based licensed psychologist and clinical social worker
And shes not alone in her poop abstinence.
But gentle reminder: This charade isnt so healthy.
Everyone poops, sowhypretend otherwise?
Theres a smell thats associated with this act, says Dr. Forshee.
Its embarrassing because most do not want to associate themselves or something that comes out of them as repugnant.
Most prefer to maintain a positive view of themselves, especially to the person theyre dating.
Can holding in poop cause stomach issues?
No surprises here, but fecal retention complications are a very real thing.
Denying your body its natural processes can take a toll on your healthspecifically in the gut region.
New Jersey-based licensed psychologist and clinical social worker
The major problems associated with this are because of fecal bacteria overload.
Much of this gas-forming bacteria can result in abdominal pain due to gas overload and bloating.
The longer one holds in bowel movements, the harder the stool gets, and the more discomfort occurs.
Dr. Robert Segal
So while holding it is uncomfortable, doing so can also meanbad news for your gut.
After all, the buildup of gas and bloating is kindling for where more serious issues start.
Holding it in for an extended period will only make things rougher for yourself.
Are there any psychological effects of holding in stool?
Your body isnt the only thing that can experience symptoms of holding in poop too long.
Your mind can, too.
Our stomach is a hard worker and at the same time very sensitive, saysDr.
Helmbrecht.It is home to our gastrointestinal tract, which processes what we eat on a daily basis.
And the opposite can happen too: A problem in our gut can lead to mental health issues.
This is a well-known problem in pediatric patients and can lead tomegacolonrequiring medical intervention, Dr. Mayer adds.
Behavioral problems are almost always present in such patients that lead to such retention of stool.
Of course, proactively holding it in for the sake of your ego isnt the only culprit here.
There are many different causes that can lead to suppressed defecation and trigger constipation, she points out.
If dietary shifts dont do anything for your bowels, he suggests buying over-the-counter remedies.
Or try moving more: Getting some exercise helps both prevent and ease constipation, according to theCleveland Clinic.
Free the feces and dealheres how
That oh-so-classic childrens bookEveryone Poopswas written for a reason.
All humans (and mammals, for that matter) have to do it.
With this in mind, it helps to find ways to embrace the natural need to poo.
Or you could simply excuse yourself, go to the bathroom, and do what has to be done.
worth your time for letting your body do its thing.
All bodily excretions are normal and not to be ashamed of, says Dr. Forshee.
Its a part of who we are, and it gives us life.
So, reclaim the bathroom, my friends, because not everything you do has to be cute.
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