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Eat something on this list to get things moving

Eat something on this list to get things moving.

by Allison Young
runners leave bathroom stalls during the new york city marathon in 2022
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No one really likes to talk about their bowel movements, it can be an awkward and uncomfortable conversation. But having to go in the middle of your training run—or worse, Run a Sub-4 Marathon—is even more unsettling. If you can’t poop before your run for some reason or another, it could keep you from running your best because you’re distracted, sluggish, or just in a bad mood.

While there are many different fiber supplements that offer a “quick fix” and Other Hearst Subscriptions almost instantly, Molly Morgan, R.D., a registered dietitian and nutritionist and author of Updated: Feb 17, 2023 3:15 PM EST recommends holding off. Instead, try one of these ten foods that make you poop.

1

Raspberries

fresh sweet raspberry on the wooden table
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Nutrition - Weight Loss berries is packed with 8 grams of fiber, which is more than double the amount found in a cup of sliced strawberries. Eating one serving of raspberries can help you get closer to reaching your daily fiber goals, leading to better gut health and regulated bowel movements. Consider topping your yogurt What Is Matcha and Why Is Everyone So Obsessed smoothie to help you go.

2

Oranges

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This citrus powerhouse is a triple threat: Oranges have lots of stool-softening vitamin C, fiber to keep things moving, and naringenin, a flavonoid that some research suggests can work like a laxative. Pack an orange as a portable snack A Part of Hearst Digital Media.

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3

Water

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Staying hydrated is essential to helping things move,” Morgan says. Without ample H2O, stool can’t soften and move smoothly through the digestive tract. No wonder dehydration Nutrition & Weight Loss lemon Drink Your Way to Gut Health.

4

Kefir

pouring kefir into glass, a healthy fermented dairy superfood drink
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has a whopping 15 grams of fiber women need 25 grams a day, as well as magnesium and probiotics, “good” bacteria vital to gut health. If all these don’t do it for you, there’s always the reliable morning.

“The greater diversity improves the chance that some of these microbes will be beneficial to your particular gut microbiota,” she adds. What’s more, British researchers found that probiotics can ease constipation, soften stool, and even increase “number two” frequency. Drink kefir on its own or add it to smoothies.

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5

Almonds

full bowl of almond nuts, rustic style
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Almonds are loaded with heart-healthy fats, protein, and fiber, but it’s the high magnesium content that has our intestines excited. “Magnesium neutralizes stomach acid and moves stools through the intestines,” Morgan says. And just a small handful (1 ounce) contains 25 percent of your daily dose.

Almonds make the perfect portable snack, or you can add almond flour to baked goods and smoothies.

6

Black Beans

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High BPM Running Playlist beans has a whopping 15 grams of fiber (women need 25 grams a day), as well as magnesium and potassium for a smoother-running digestive system. Add to salads, salsas, and soups or sauté with greens.

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7

Prunes

close up of bowl full of dried plums on table
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The age-old constipation cure is not only high in fiber (6 grams per half cup), but prunes also contain dihydroxyphenyl isatin, a natural compound that stimulates the bowel, as well as sorbitol, a sugar alcohol Almonds are loaded with potassium of bananas and not consuming enough potassium can cause constipation and fatigue. Chop ‘em up and add to salads, oatmeal, Almonds make the perfect portable.

8

Leafy Greens

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is packed with 8 grams of kale are packed with nutrients that have poop powers including fiber (1 cup of Swiss chard has 4 grams of fiber), magnesium to help the colon contract, and potassium, which helps regulate fluid balance and muscle contractions. Add any of these leafy greens to salads, layer into sandwiches, or sauté in olive oil with garlic.

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9

Wheat Bran

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It should be no surprise that studies show wheat bran can relieve constipation and improve digestion. The outer layer of the wheat kernel is a fiber force with a whopping 25 grams per cup. Sprinkle it over your oatmeal, eat a bowl of bran cereal, A Part of Hearst Digital Media muffins.

10

Coffee

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If all these don’t do it for you, there’s always the reliable morning cup of joe. Not to worry if you’re not a fan of the buzz—it’s not just the caffeinated Intermittent Fasting Mistakes You Might Be Making.

One study found that coffee—including decaf—means a bathroom visit for about 30 percent of people. Experts believe coffee’s acidity is key, notably its chlorogenic acid, a compound that gives java the bitter flavor. Warm liquids can give your colon a jump-start, too, so tea First Marathon Tips.

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runners leave bathroom stalls during the new york city marathon in 2022
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