Physical Therapists Just Revealed A Mind-Blowing Bathroom Hack That Has Me Rethinking My Entire Pooping Strategy

"you are engaging the diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles in a way that helps with pushing," explained Lalitha McSorley, the owner, lead physical therapist and pelvic floor therapist at Brentwood Physio. "It also helps relax your lower abdomen during a bowel movement." McSorley continued that the point is not to blow as hard as you can, but to let out a more controlled, gentle exhale. "Think like a long and steady breath that helps you focus on relaxing your pelvic floor," she added."

""The force is enough that you want to make it audible, as if you are doing a 'breathy whistle' where someone 20 feet away could still hear you," said Heather Jeffcoat, the owner of Femina Physical Therapy and the most recent past president of the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. So, having a cup of water and a straw isn't necessary; you can just exhale. But for kids, the bubble option is undoubtedly more enjoyable - and can even be beneficial."

"As mentioned earlier, at-home treatment and preventive options include drinking more water, eating more fiber, using an enema and taking laxatives. You might also just find yourself on the toilet straining, frankly, which is both tempting and, unfortunately, unhelpful. (It can cause hemorrhoids, anal fissures, extra tight muscles down there and - sorry to say - anal leakage.) So, how does blowing bubbles compare?"

Gentle, controlled exhalation engages the diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles to assist pushing and relax the lower abdomen during bowel movements. The exhale should be steady and not forceful, resembling a long breath or an audible "breathy whistle." Blowing bubbles or exhaling through a straw offers a visual cue that can make the technique more accessible and enjoyable for children. Standard at-home measures include increased hydration, higher fiber intake, enemas, and laxatives. Straining on the toilet is counterproductive and can cause hemorrhoids, anal fissures, pelvic floor tightness, and anal leakage. A comprehensive program should address all contributing factors.

Read at BuzzFeed