Long story short, yes, drinking water usually can help with constipation.
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What causes constipation? When you don’t drink enough water and get to a dehydrated state, the stool can become hard and difficult to pass, to say it nicely (and as it is).
Why Does Drinking Water MAKE You Poop?
Well, drinking water doesn’t necessarily make you poop in all cases, that’s not how it works. However, drinking water and staying hydrated can help keep your digestive system functioning properly, which can prevent constipation.
The water you drink is absorbed into your bloodstream and goes to your kidneys, which work as a filter, and then the water gets excreted as urine. Any excess water that is not needed by the body is then passed along to the colon, but it doesn’t mean the water makes you poop inevitably.
Does Warm Water Help Constipation?
Well, individual responses can vary (it may be a significant help for some, while mild for others), but usually, drinking warm water can be beneficial for constipation relief. The warm water can have a stimulating effect on the digestive system and promote bowel movements. The stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract can support the movement of food and waste through the digestive system. It can also help the muscles in the intestines to relax, potentially facilitating bowel movements. Additionally, warm water can soothe the stomach and relieve bloating or abdominal discomfort, making it easier to pass stools.
Does Cold Water Help Constipation?
Cold water does not have a direct laxative effect on constipation. However, some people find that cold water is refreshing and may encourage them to drink more, which is essential for proper hydration and potentially aiding healthy bowel movements. Additionally, hydration softens the stool and makes it easier to pass.
Does Sugar Water Help Constipation In Adults?
Nope, that’s a big no. Drinking sugar water is not recommended if you have constipation trouble. In fact, sugary beverages can potentially worsen constipation or gastrointestinal discomfort. Sugary drinks may draw water out of the intestines, leading to harder stools which come with increased difficulty in passing them.
Why Does Drinking Water HELP You Poop?
Because the water you drink and goes through the colon can help soften the stool and make it easier to pass, hence it will be a bit easier to pass through the digestive tract.
Drinking water also helps to keep the digestive system hydrated, causing the muscles in the colon to contract and move waste through the digestive tract and so promote regular bowel movements, which can help to prevent or reduce the likelihood of constipation. The effect of water on bowel movements can vary from person to person though (also, factors like diet and exercise can alter it).
The general recommendation for healthy adults is to consume at least 8 cups (64 oz) of water a day to stay hydrated – and avoid constipation too. The exact amount of water you need may vary depending on factors such as your age, weight, gender, activity level, and medical or environmental conditions.
In addition to drinking water, other healthy habits can help prevent and treat constipation, such as increasing fiber intake, regular exercise, and avoiding certain foods that can contribute to constipation.
If you keep having poop trouble, make sure you seek medical attention!
Stay hydrated! Cheers!
Featured image credit:
Photo by Vadim Artyukhin on Unsplash
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