Clearing your bowels before exercise can boost both physical and cognitive performance, according to recent studies.
Key Points at a Glance
- Pre-exercise defecation enhances cognitive function.
- Athletes show improved Stroop test results after bowel movements.
- Magnesium oxide as a laxative further boosts cognitive performance.
- Potential link between gut health and brain function.
Athletes constantly seek methods to enhance performance, from optimized training regimens to specialized diets. Emerging research suggests that a simple pre-competition routine—emptying the bowels—may offer significant benefits.
A study led by biochemist Chen-Chan Wei at the University of Taipei explored this connection by examining 13 triathletes. Participants underwent the Stroop test, a cognitive assessment measuring flexibility and response time, under three conditions: without prior defecation, after a natural bowel movement, and following a magnesium oxide-induced bowel movement. Results indicated that post-defecation, especially when induced by magnesium oxide, athletes exhibited notable improvements in cognitive performance.
The Stroop test presents conflicting information, such as the word “red” displayed in blue text, requiring individuals to identify the text color rather than the word itself. Enhanced performance on this test suggests improved cognitive flexibility and processing speed, crucial for athletes during complex and demanding events like triathlons.
The underlying mechanism may involve the body’s resource allocation. An occupied bowel could divert blood flow and energy away from the brain and muscles, potentially impairing performance. By clearing the bowels, the body might more efficiently direct resources to areas critical for athletic endeavors.
This research aligns with previous findings linking gut health to cognitive function. For instance, studies have noted that constipation in early-stage Parkinson’s patients correlates with mild cognitive impairment, suggesting a communication pathway between the gut and the brain.
While the sample size of the study was limited, the consistent improvements observed across participants highlight the potential significance of pre-exercise defecation for athletes. These findings pave the way for broader discussions about the intricate connections between gut health and overall performance.
