Exercise helps get things moving, but does working out makes you poop at the most inconvenient times?

Heres what gastro say you should do.

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How exercise affects bowel movements

There are a few ways that exercise affects our bowel function.

woman sweating in the gym

board-certified gastroenterologist atGastro Health

In one 2017 study, researchers found thatexercise increases the quality and quantity of good gut bacteria.

Plus, regular exercise can be a boon to people with irritable bowel syndrome, she says.

Why does working out make you poop?

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

As forwhyworking out makes you poop, there is a clear link between exercise and your bowel function.

Exercise stimulates your gut, says Dr. Robbins.

The more you move, the more your bowels will move.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

Are certain types of workouts more likely to make you poop than others?

According to Dr. Robbins, certain types of workouts are more likely to jumpstart your digestive system.

What types of exercises make you poop immediately, you ask?

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

board-certified gastroenterologist atGastro Health

One such exercise is cardio.

In general, cardio is stimulatory to the gut, she says, even at moderate intensity levels.

(Think running, walking, and swimming.)

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

Another bang out of exercise that helps promote healthy bowel movements is yoga and stretching, she says.

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What is runners diarrhea and what causes it?

It is most commonly seen in long-distance runners.

Thankfully, there are ways to prevent this urgenone of which involves having to hold in your poop.

In other words, what might work for others might cause you gastrointestinal issues.

Lastly, youll want to ensure youre well hydrated before a workout.

I think were all aware of the importance of hydration, says Dr. Robbins.

However, this isnt to say that you should drink a whole bunch of water in one sitting.

It stretches and distends the stomach, she explains.

Small frequent sips is probably a better way to hydrate.

Are certain foods more likely to trigger a bowel movement when working out?

What you eat plays an important role in prep-workout prep and preparing your stomach for a workout.

However, Johnson and Dr. Sonpal recommends avoiding it if youre prone to tummy trouble.

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