Here’s Why Pooping Feels So Good

Pooping is a universal experience. Everyone does it, but we usually don’t spend much time talking about it. So, it’s time to answer the question you’re curious about but are unlikely to ask: why does it feel so good to poop? 

To find out, we asked gastroenterologists. Turns out, there are several reasons. “The process of defecation is influenced by complex physiological and neurological mechanisms, which not only ensure the efficient elimination of waste but also contribute to sensations of relief and well-being,” says David D. Clarke, M.D., a clinical assistant professor of gastroenterology emeritus at Oregon Health & Science University. In other words, it’s not your imagination. Pooping really does feel good. Here’s why.

Promotes Relaxation

If you feel a sense of calm after you go, you can thank your vagus nerve. Originating in the brain, the vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It travels down from the head and branches off to various organs, influencing many bodily functions, including digestion and elimination. Digestively speaking, this nerve regulates gastrointestinal muscle contractions by transmitting signals between the brain and gut nervous system. “During defecation, stimulation of the vagus nerve can lead to relaxation of certain muscles, reduced heart rate and lowered blood pressure, which may contribute to a sense of relaxation or even euphoria, sometimes termed ‘poo-phoria,’” says Clarke.

Releases Serotonin

Serotonin is a feel-good neurotransmitter that can help improve mood. While we often associate serotonin with brain health, it’s incredibly abundant in the gastrointestinal tract. In fact,  approximately 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the small intestine. “[Serotonin] is released by cells in the intestinal lining and interacts with serotonin receptors to promote peristalsis—the wavelike muscle contractions that move stool through the digestive tract,” says Clarke. 

Serotonin’s positive impact on mood may partially explain pooping’s mood-enhancing benefits. However, serotonin’s function in the GI tract is complicated, so things may not be that straightforward. Adam L. Moskowitz, M.D., NYSGEF, a fellow of the New York Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, explains that an imbalance of serotonin can lead to problems as well. “Too little serotonin can cause constipation symptoms, and too much can cause diarrhea,” he says. “Serotonin is also implicated in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and abdominal pain.”

Provides a Sense of Relief

We don’t have to tell you that holding it in is uncomfortable! On the flip side, pooping provides mental and physical relief. That’s not the only reason to prioritize quality bathroom time. Ignoring your body’s cues can result in a tendency toward constipation. When you feel the urge, GI docs recommend going as soon as possible.

However, if you’re experiencing pain when pooping, don’t ignore it. “Pain or discomfort during defecation may indicate underlying issues such as constipation, hemorrhoids, anal fissures or inflammatory bowel disease,” says Clarke. Unfortunately, when bowel movements cause pain, it’s natural to want to avoid them. Yet, holding it in may worsen symptoms even more, triggering a vicious cycle. Any form of pain when trying to poop should be addressed by a gastroenterologist for proper treatment.

Strategies for Healthy Poops

Now that you know why pooping feels so great, here are tips to keep things moving.

• Make Sure to Get Enough Fiber. “Fiber is a great regulator—it helps if you are constipated or if you are experiencing diarrhea,” says Moskowitz. It also plays a role in maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Yet, few of us consume enough. And if you’re looking for ways to improve your bowel health, upping your fiber to 25 to 30 grams or more per day is a good place to start. “Seeds like chia and flax are easy fiber boosters—add them to smoothies, yogurt or oats,” says Jennifer Nicole Bianchini, M.S., RD, IFNCP, a functional dietitian and founder of Body to Soul Health. “Beans are also superstars. Just 1 cup provides nearly half your daily fiber needs. Throw them into salads, tacos, chilis or even smoothies for an easy bump.”
• Remember to Hydrate. “Proper hydration helps move food through the intestines, form stool and support healthy elimination,” says Bianchini. And if you’re adding fiber to your diet, optimizing fluid intake is especially important, as even mild dehydration can worsen constipation., Remember, water isn’t the only way to get the fluids you need. Hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables also help. So can coffee and ginger tea (our No. 1 tea for gut health).
• Move Often. Regular physical activity plays a key role in GI function and constipation prevention. “As we get older, we move less, and our body movements certainly help with digestion,” says Moskowitz. “Most everyone who can walk should be walking daily.” Intense exercise isn’t required, and even leisurely walks can make a difference.
• Eat Balanced, Regular Meals. “Your digestive system thrives on consistency and regular, nourishing meals to keep things moving,” says Destiny Howard, M.S., RDN, LD, a registered dietitian and co-executive director at Allied Nutrition Care. “Skimping on food—whether due to busy schedules, dieting or stress—can slow gut motility and make constipation worse.”
• Take Time to Enjoy Meals. “Rushing through meals can lead to bloating and sluggish digestion, while chewing thoroughly and eating mindfully helps your gut do its job more efficiently,” says Howard. Whenever you can, try to make time to sit down at a table and enjoy your meals so you can focus on your food and your hunger and fullness cues.
• Stay Consistent. There’s a reason many people have the urge to poop at the same time every day. The gut follows a circadian rhythm, which is like your body’s internal clock that tells you when it’s time to go to sleep, wake up and even poop. Establishing a consistent bathroom routine and promptly responding to the urge can help keep your body regular, says Clarke.

The Bottom Line

If pooping makes you feel good, you have plenty of company! According to gastroenterologists, pooping promotes relaxation, releases the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin and provides a sense of relief. So, don’t hold it in! That said, if you’re experiencing infrequent bowel movements or have the urge to go with mostly liquid stool, there’s likely an underlying cause, so talk to your health care provider. Because, in the end, pooping should feel good!