If you’re looking for a simple way to boost your brain and body, the answer might be sitting on the toilet. That’s right—new research shows that pooping before a workout or mental task can actually make you smarter and stronger which will benefit you in performing at your best. And no, this isn’t a joke.
A group of scientists in Taiwan decided to test what happens when you clear your bowels before doing physical and mental activities. The results were both weird and amazing.
The Experiment That Got Everyone Talking
Researchers from the University of Taipei worked with 13 triathletes to figure this out. Triathlons are tough—they combine swimming, biking, and running, testing both the brain and body. These athletes are used to pushing their limits.
The researchers put them through three different test sessions:
- No poop—just show up and perform.
- Normal poop—test performance after a regular bathroom trip.
- Laxative poop—take magnesium oxide to fully clean out the system, then take the test.
Each athlete did both a physical test and a Stroop test. In the Stroop test, you’re shown color words written in different ink colors. You have to quickly say the ink color, not the word itself. It sounds simple, but it really challenges your brain.
What Happened Next Was Kinda Mind-Blowing
In the physical tests, most athletes did better after pooping. After the laxative treatment? They all improved.
On the mental side, the results were even more striking. Nine out of the 13 athletes performed better after a regular poop. After the laxative-induced dump? All 13 athletes showed improved mental sharpness.
Let’s be real—no one expected emptying your bowels to make such a big difference in thinking and moving. But the data was clear: being backed up slows you down.
So, What’s the Science Behind the Crap?
Why does pooping make you perform better? Researchers have a few ideas.
First, digestion is hard work. Your body sends blood and oxygen to your gut to keep things moving. If you’ve just eaten—or if you’re constipated—your body is busy handling all that. That means less energy is available for your brain and muscles.
But when your bowels are empty? That energy can be used for focus, movement, and performance.
Also, your gut and brain are tightly linked. The gut has its own nervous system, full of neurons that talk to your brain. It’s sometimes called the “second brain” for a reason.
The researchers even found that pooping increased blood flow in the brain’s prefrontal cortex—the part responsible for decision-making. That’s huge for athletes who need to make split-second choices.
This Might Explain Some Other Weird Things Too
Ever heard of “runner’s diarrhea”? That sudden urge to go mid-race might happen because your body shifts blood away from your stomach and toward your muscles. That shift can mess with your guts. So your body is already trying to focus its energy where it’s needed most—just not always in the cleanest way.
This research just adds to the idea that digestion gets in the way of peak performance.
Should You Poop Before Every Big Moment?
Now, before you go chugging laxatives before a marathon or job interview, slow down. The researchers do not recommend using laxatives regularly. Overusing them can mess up your gut and even cause health problems.
Instead, they say just try to go naturally—ideally 60 to 90 minutes before your event. A fiber-rich diet, lots of water, and regular exercise can help keep you regular.
Oh, and if you’re often constipated? That might be slowing your brain down too. Past studies have found that people with chronic constipation can struggle with memory and focus.
So, What’s the Big Takeaway?
Your toilet time matters more than you think. Whether you’re heading to a competition or a tough exam, or just want to be at your best, clearing out your system might help you perform better.
It’s not magic. It’s not drugs. It’s just poop.
In the end, your body runs on limited energy. If your gut isn’t hogging the resources, your brain and muscles can do more. It’s weird, sure—but sometimes weird science tells us the most surprising truths.
So next time you’re getting ready for something big, don’t just warm up your body or cram your notes. Visit the bathroom first.
Your gut—and your brain—will thank you.
