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Having a hard timehaving a bowel movement, aka pooping, can be an uncomfortable and frustrating experience that many people face at some point. It often disrupts your daily routine, making you feel sluggish and bloated.
While there are various go-to remedies toalleviate constipation, like eating fiber-rich foods, including movement in your day and sipping on prune juice, others are less known but likely as effective for some. One of these remedies may be a welcome addition to your routine if you are trying to encourage a bowel movement. And if you are a tea lover, you’ll be glad to hear that tea may be a solution to help you go No. 2.
While different tea may help you poop, keep reading to learn which is the best one, according to dietitians.
The Benefits of Pooping Regularly
But what does it mean to have regular bowel movements? According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, having three or more bowel movements per week that aren’t hard, dry and/or difficult to pass is still within a normal range.Constipation is considered when these criteria aren’t met.
6 Totally Normal Reasons You’re Constipated, According to a Dietitian
The Best Tea to Help You Poop
While it is unlikely that reaching for a mug of any tea will cause you trouble in the bowel movement department, opting for senna tea may be one of the most helpful choices out there.
But first, what is senna tea? Senna tea is an herbal infusion made from the leaves and pods of the senna plant, which belongs to the legume family. “Senna has a well-established laxative effect,”Whitney Stuart, M.S., RDN, CDECS, a registered dietitian, explains. Senna has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat constipation and promote bowel health.
So, how does senna tea help you poop?
As a result, senna tea typically produces a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours of consumption, making it a go-to remedy for those dealing with occasional constipation. However, it is important to use senna tea cautiously and consult with a health care professional, as overuse can lead to dependency and disrupt normal bowel function.
One small study published in theAmerican Journal of Gastroenterologyshowed that supplementing a diet with senna results in an improvement in bowel frequency.And a systematic review published in the same journal suggested that senna is a good first-line laxative.
Precautions and Risks
While senna tea can be an effective remedy for constipation, it also carries certain risks, particularly when used excessively. Prolonged use of senna tea can lead to the development of a dependency onlaxatives, where the bowel becomes reliant on stimulation to function properly. This can result in a decreased ability to have regular bowel movements without the aid of laxatives. Additionally, overuse of senna tea can cause cramping, dehydration and an imbalance of electrolytes, which are vital for many bodily functions. In some cases, long-term use has been linked to liver damage and other serious health issues.Therefore, it is crucial to use senna tea sparingly and under the guidance of a health care professional to avoid these potential adverse effects.
Other Teas to Help You Poop
While we have deemed senna tea the No. 1 best tea to support regular bowel movements, it isn’t the only tea that may help you go to the bathroom. Here are some others to consider:
These teas may offer a natural and gentle alternative to stimulate bowel movements and support overall digestive health. However, it is always advisable to consult with a health care professional before incorporating any new remedies into your routine.
The Bottom Line
Herbal teas such as senna, ginger and dandelion provide effective and natural ways to support digestive health and alleviate constipation. These teas are not only beneficial because of their specific properties but also because they offer a soothing ritual that encourages relaxation and well-being. While they can be a valuable part of a holistic approach to digestive health, consulting with a health care professional is important to ensure they are suitable for your individual needs and conditions. Incorporating these teas into your daily routine may lead to a more balanced and comfortable digestive system, contributing to overall health and vitality.
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Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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