Making animal noises on the toilet can help you poop

You can breathe easy with this indicator sticking out.

“If you’re struggling with constipation and straining, then this is a hack that actually works,” Dr. Karan Rangarajan, also known as Dr. Karan Rajan, on TikTok.

Rangarajan suggests three “softer” forms of the Valsalva maneuver, a breathing exercise that involves exhaling forcefully while the mouth and nose are closed, increasing the pressure within the chest and abdomen. Extra intra-abdominal pressure helps stool move through the colon.

“You’re controlling the exhalation phase, which activates your vagus nerve,” Rangarajan said. “That means more wave-like contractions of your bowels and a good poo coming to a toilet near you.”

The vagus nerve, which is the longest cranial nerve, plays a crucial role in vital functions such as breathing, heartbeat and digestion.

The nerve is also a key component in the gut-brain axis, the intricate network of nerves that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system.

Rangarajan said that while the three diaphragmatic breathing techniques sound “silly,” they can strengthen the gut-brain connection.

“This helps you avoid strain by making sure your pelvic floor muscles are more coordinated, both contracting and relaxing,” added Rangarajan. “And your rectum will thank you later when you’re hemorrhoid-free.”

Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins around the anus or lower rectum. They can manifest as bleeding, itching and pain and signal constipation, diarrhoea, straining during bowel movements and a long stay on the toilet.

After Kelly Peterson, a pelvic, visceral and orthopedic physical therapist known as the “tummy whisperer,” pointed out that blowing bubbles can help you get out without straining or pushing, Rangarajan said pretending like blowing bubbles or blowing out a candle or making a long moan. that sounds like a “cow with horns” should do it.

“I’m surprised this isn’t common knowledge,” Rangarajan told his 5.3 million followers on TikTok.

TikTok users were divided in the comments.

“I tried the moo sound. Not a great option in office bathrooms,” wrote one person.

“I tried this trick this morning and it actually worked! No more straining for me. Who knew blowing bubbles could be so useful?” another shared.

“Blowing your nose while sitting on the toilet does the same thing,” advised a third.