It is very common in people to hold their poop until they finish a movie, complete a book reading, or any other task. However, doing so can lead to harmful effects on the body.If you hold your poop for a long time, it can cause the water in the stool to get absorbed back into the body, leading to hardening of stools, known as a condition called constipation.When the poop gets harder, you need to apply more pressure while passing stool causing pain, discomfort, and skin tears in the rectal area.This can cause itchy and painful conditions called hemorrhoids and sometimes impaction, where, passing your stool becomes impossible.Also, the habit of holding poop for a long time can lead to a decrease in the sensitivity of the rectum to pass stools, due to which you don't notice the urgency to pass stools. Over time it can lead to fecal or stool incontinence, a condition where loose stools pass over the harder ones and get leaked, with no signals sensed by you.This habit can also cause the stools to get deposited in the rectum and cause inflammation in the rectum and colon, leading to colon cancer over time. Though it happens less often, holding your poop can cause you serious harm.Source:-1. Burgell, R. E., & Scott, S. M. (2012). Rectal hyposensitivity. Journal of neurogastroenterology and motility, 18(4), 373–384. https://doi.org/10.5056/jnm.2012.18.4.3732. Mawer S, Alhawaj AF. Physiology, Defecation. [Updated 2023 Nov 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539732/

A person should finish eating at least 4 to 5 hours before going to bed. This means if you sleep at 11 pm, you should complete your dinner between 6 pm to 7 pm in the evening.Sleeping on an empty stomach at night can be beneficial in many ways, such as:1. Balances Growth Hormones:Helps keep bones and muscles strong.Aids in maintaining height growth in children.2. Improves Digestive Health:Allows the digestive system enough time to work properly.Eliminates toxins and damaged cells from the body.Leads to the formation of new immune cells and increased immunity.3. Enhances Brain Function:Helps the protein BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) work better at night.Leads to a sharper memory and a healthier brain.4. Prevents Insulin Resistance and Diabetes:Eating 4 to 5 hours before sleeping reduces insulin production.Increases insulin sensitivity, thereby preventing diabetes.5. Promotes Weight Loss:Body uses stored fats and glucose to make energy during fasting.Prevents further deposition of fats in body areas.Reduces the risk of heart disease.If you feel you can't sleep without eating something, opt for healthier options like cucumber, carrots, or dry fruits.Source:-1.Kinsey, A. W., & Ormsbee, M. J. (2015). The health impact of nighttime eating: old and new perspectives. Nutrients, 7(4), 2648–2662. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu70426482. Benefits of Night Fasting. (2024, June 11). Benefits of Night Fasting. https://yeditepehastaneleri.com/en/health-guide/healthy-nutrition/benefits-night-fasting

If you often experience bloating, gas, or constipation, it could be due to poor gut health. Your gut plays a huge role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall well-being.5 different types of foods that can help fix your gut.1. Fermented FoodsFermented foods are packed with probiotics that help maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria in your gut. This includes foods like yogurt, idli, dosa, and sourdough bread. These foods increase the number of good bacteria in your gut, which in turn improves digestion.2. Prebiotic FoodsPrebiotic foods help feed the good bacteria in your gut. Examples include onions, garlic, apples, bananas, oats, and jaggery. These foods support your digestive health and immunity. By including them in your diet, you can improve both your digestion and immune system.3. High-Fiber FoodsFiber is key to regulating your digestive system. Foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts are rich in fiber. They help maintain healthy bowel movements and support good bacteria. If you struggle with constipation, these foods will be particularly beneficial for you.4. Omega-3 Rich FoodsOmega-3s are good for your health and can help keep your gut healthy. They also support heart health, brain functions, and overall well-being. Foods like walnuts, flaxseeds, and fatty fish are great sources of omega-3s. Including these in your diet can improve gut health and provide other health benefits, such as better memory and mood.5. Polyphenol-Rich FoodsPolyphenols are compounds found in foods like berries, dark chocolate, and green tea. They support the growth of good bacteria and help reduce bad bacteria in your gut. Polyphenols also have anti-aging effects, making these foods a great addition to your diet.Try adding these foods to your meals and watch your digestive system improve!Source:- 1. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2017/05/keeping-your-gut-check 2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-and-why-to-fit-more-fiber-and-fermented-food-into-your-meals-202404263036