Courtesy Flush: The BLISSFUL Release
A Dive Into Why We Feel SOOO Good After Pooping 😮💨
Oh yes, that exhilarating feeling after taking a poop!
It’s relief, it’s lightness, it’s cleanliness. It’s all of the above. The feeling washes over us after a successful trip to the bathroom. And quite frankly, it is nothing short of euphoric.
Yet, have you ever wondered WHY sitting on a seat made of porcelain and emptying your bowels brings us such immense satisfaction?
Beyond the obvious physical relief, there is a whole world of fascinating physiological and mental benefits that come into play when we drop the “kids” off at the pool.
Pooping Physiology 101: Letting Go of the Burden
First things first, pooping is a natural physiological process that serves a vital purpose… to remove waste materials from our bodies.
When the food we eat is broken down in the digestive system, the body absorbs the essential nutrients and leaves behind the indigestible waste materials and products (like the scoop of chocolate ice cream I crammed in after dinner).
These waste products, as well as dead cells and bacteria, need to go somewhere, so our bodies have to expel them to maintain our overall health and well-being.
The colon, or large intestine, is responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from undigested food. At the same time, it compacts the waste portion into a solid form (aka your poop). When the waste accumulates in your colon, the colon distends. This triggers the urge to have a bowel movement. The act of pooping allows the colon’s muscles to contract in wave-like movements called peristalsis. This propels the waste towards the rectum for elimination.
When we let go of this burden, our physical bodies experience relief like no other. I mean, there is nothing like it. It’s as if we dropped a weighted bomb out of our bodies: we feel lighter, more comfortable, and ready to conquer the world. I know I do!
Unleashing Endorphins, A Truly Magical 🪄 Cocktail
The process of pooping also involves a fascinating neurochemical mechanism that releases endorphins, our body's natural "feel good" hormones.
As the colon fills with waste material, it stretches and stimulates the nerves in the rectum, sending signals to the brain. This neural communication triggers the release of endorphins from the brain's pituitary gland and hypothalamus.
Endorphins are neurotransmitters that induce feelings of pleasure, reduce pain perception, and create an overall sense of well-being and contentment. This beautiful interplay between our gut and brain showcases the intricate connection known as the gut-brain axis.
When taking a good crap, we experience that blissful feeling of relief and happiness. It’s amazing how a few minutes in the bathroom can create a natural, euphoric feeling!
Gut-Brain Connection: Happy Tummy, Happy Mind
As I just mentioned, the gut-brain bond is a fascinating two-way street of communication between our gastrointestinal tract and our brain.
The gut is often referred to as our “second brain”. It’s called the second brain because there is a dense network of neurons lining the digestive system, known as the enteric nervous system.
When we defecate and get rid of all that accumulated junk, it not only provides physical relief but it influences our mental well-being in a positive way. Research over and over has shown that a healthy gut, with a diverse and balanced microbiome, can greatly enhance our mood, cognition, and emotions.
A happy gut is associated with reduced stress, anxiety, and depression.
An imbalanced gut can lead to mood swings and other emotional disturbances. Have you ever noticed after you ate some garbage like fast food, you feel very heavy and lethargic? Maybe even brain-fogged?
It all ties together - the brain 🧠 and the gut.
Cleansing the Body and Soul
There is also a mental satisfaction that occurs after pooping - the feeling of cleansing and detoxification.
Actually, in many cultures and spiritual practices, the act of purging has long been associated with purifying the body and soul. When we poop and we eliminate the waste and toxins from our body, this allows us to start “fresh”. This symbolic “cleansing” experience provides a sense of mental clarity and renewal.
A Moment of Solitude
You can look at pooping not just as a bodily function, but also as a moment of solitude and self-reflection.
The bathroom in a way provides us a private sanctuary where we can take a break from the craziness of daily life. This short escape from the outside world offers a chance to focus, collect our thoughts, or simply just be still and breathe for a moment.
Instead of looking at pooping as merely an elimination process, maybe we can see it for what it actually is - a unique opportunity to enjoy the magic of the gut-brain connection and savor your Blissful Release.
