The Fear of Dying from "Poop Poisoning"

Stubborn Constipation That Won't Go Away

I get constipated a lot too. There's always that textbook list of causes: not enough exercise, not enough fiber, not enough water, etc. All of that is true, but when the constipation is really bad, nothing helps. I've chugged water and exercised diligently, but during those periods, nothing would come out. It got to the point where I'd have this terrible fear that I was going to die from "poop poisoning." At those times, I'd have to take a laxative to get some relief in the form of diarrhea, and then I'd just get constipated again. It was a repeated cycle.

My Top Solution for Constipation

Based on my own experience, the number one solution for getting rid of constipation is a calm state of mind. When I get stressed out and think, 'Why won't it come out? What am I going to do?', it just makes things worse.

But I've had periods in my life where I was super regular, and they all had one thing in common: I was relaxed. When your mind is at ease, you poop well. When you're tense or anxious, you don't. This was my personal observation, so I decided to look into the scientific reason why this might be.

The Link Between the Autonomic Nervous System and Pooping

What is the Autonomic Nervous System?

Bowel movements are managed by the autonomic nervous system. This is a collection of nerves that we can't consciously control. For example, when we pick something up, we consciously contract our muscles. This is called the somatic nervous system. But some nerves need to work whether we're thinking about them or not. That group of nerves is the autonomic nervous system.

The Key is the Parasympathetic Nervous System!

The autonomic nervous system is divided into the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system gets activated when you're stressed or in an urgent situation, causing your body to tense up and react all at once. They "sympathize" with each other. The parasympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, helps your body rest and handles functions like digestion and pooping.

When you're anxious, your body thinks it's in an urgent situation, so it stops the parasympathetic nervous system (which is in charge of digestion) and activates the sympathetic nervous system. That's why your bowels stop moving when you're not relaxed.

The Anus is Also Affected by the Autonomic Nervous System

You know that feeling when you're sure you've got a belly full of poop, but no matter how hard you push, it won't come out? If the poop is too hard, you can soften it with water and fiber, but it also won't come out if your anal sphincter doesn't relax.

The anal sphincter has an internal sphincter and an external sphincter. The external sphincter is controlled by the somatic nervous system, so you can control it. The internal sphincter, however, is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system tightens it, while the parasympathetic nervous system relaxes it when you need to poop. So, if you're anxious, your internal sphincter tightens up, blocking the path. This is also why many people can't go to the bathroom when they're traveling.

Constipation Solutions Based on the Cause

The solution for constipation varies depending on the cause. Here's a quick rundown.

Make Your Poop Soft and Bulky

There are two reasons why poop gets hard. The longer it stays in your intestines, the more water is absorbed, making it hard. Also, if there's not enough stool, your intestines don't move well. Eating dietary fiber increases the bulk of your stool and helps you feel the urge to go. If it's still hard, you might not be drinking enough water, so you need to drink more.

Mixing psyllium husk powder into water is very effective. It absorbs the water, swells up, and makes the stool softer and bulkier.

A Natural Laxative: Prunes (Dried Plums)

Prunes (dried plums) are high in fiber, but they also contain a component called sorbitol that draws water into the intestines to soften the stool. The bacteria in your gut ferment the soluble fiber, producing gases and short-chain fatty acids that gently stimulate your intestines. This causes your belly to rumble, your intestines to move, and naturally relieves constipation. Studies have also shown that prunes act as a natural laxative.

What if Hemorrhoids are the Problem?

This is a real head-scratcher: constipation makes hemorrhoids worse, and hemorrhoids make constipation worse. I've struggled with this vicious cycle myself. When hemorrhoids are severe, the internal sphincter swells and narrows, and the pain makes it hard to push, making it even more difficult to go. So, the first step is to relieve the pain and inflammation. Combining sitz baths, ointments, and if necessary, painkillers or professional treatment, with keeping your stool soft is key to breaking the cycle.

Conclusion