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The urge to poop when you go shopping is more common than you’d imagine, says gut doctor

Have you ever wanted to go to the bathroom the minute you stepped inside a superstore? Don’t be embarrassedit’s more common than you think.

Digestive health is crucial for your overall well-being and a healthy poop is a sign that your gut is in good shape. While some people go to the bathroom immediately after eating, which is also normal, others feel like emptying their bowels while shopping.

Toilet
Credit: Kinga Krzeminska | Getty Images

Gut doctor explains the urge to poop while shopping

A study reveals that an average healthy human would poop once twice daily. However, a few experiences such as shopping can increase your bathroom visits.

Gut doctor Joseph Salhab says the urge to poop when you’re at a superstore or while shopping for books specifically is more common than you would imagine.

The gastro-colic reflex is a natural occurrence in all. Some people experience it after eating as the stomach stretches causing the intestinal tract to move. That’s why you feel like going to the bathroom after eating sometimes.

However, emotional factors can also influence your bowel movements similarly. Emotions such as stress or anxiety while shopping can also cause gastro-colic reflexes.

This was first described in the Mariko Aoki phenomenonthe immediate need to go to the bathroom while shopping for books. Even the smell of books can trigger bowel movements in some people.

If you suffer from “shopping anxiety”, perhaps you should go to places that allow you to use the bathroom.

Signs of a healthy gut

Dr. Joseph says bowel movements can be influenced by numerous emotional stimuli and there’s no reason to worry if it happens to you.

However, you should be concerned if your pooping habits are irregular and if you experience inconsistency in your stool.

One of the biggest signs of a perfectly healthy gut is “ghost poop”. As disgusting as it sounds, you should always look at your poop once you’re finished.

Ghost poop, which sinks to the bottom of the sink and isn’t easily visible to the naked eye, implies you’re eating healthy and that your body is getting the right nutrition like fiber and essential fatty acids.

If you’re suffering from gut issues, including constipation, a naturopathic doctor strictly advises not to skip breakfast as the morning meal is important to sync your circadian cycle with nature, which stimulates a proper bowel movement.

Dr. Joseph A. Salhab received his medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Bradenton Campus and is currently affiliated with multiple hospitals in Florida.

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