The 7-Second Poop Method: Quick Fix for a Healthier Gut
As a functional medicine practitioner at Revive Health, I often get asked about health trends that people find online. Some trends are genuinely beneficial, while others may not be as groundbreaking as they appear. The “7-second poop method” is one of those topics that’s been gaining attention, and while it’s a good starting point for improving digestive health, it’s not a cure-all.
In this article, I’ll walk you through what the 7-second poop method is, how it works, and how it fits into a holistic approach to constipation relief and better digestion. Plus, I’ll share my thoughts on constipation and how you can support your digestive system in a more comprehensive way.
What Is the 7-Second Poop Method?
Despite all the buzz around this method, it’s surprisingly tricky to find a clear, detailed explanation. The original concept comes from Dr. Gina Sam, a gastroenterologist, who coined what she calls the “7-second morning ritual” or the “7-second poop trick” designed to help with constipation and improve gastrointestinal motility.
The “7-second” label seems to be more for marketing than a reflection of the actual time needed. In reality, the method takes more than a few seconds to complete, but it’s still a simple, quick routine that doesn’t require much time or effort.
How It Works
The method targets common causes of slow gastrointestinal motility, including dehydration, stress, and lack of physical activity. By addressing these causes with a combination of movement, breath, and hydration, it helps encourage regular bowel movements and better digestive health.
How to Do the 7-Second Poop Method
Here’s how to follow the 7-second poop method in the morning:
Drink a full glass of warm water as soon as you wake up. This helps hydrate your body and kickstarts the digestive system. For an extra boost, you can add apple cider vinegar to stimulate digestive flow.
Engage in gentle stretches and yoga poses like cat-cow, forward bends, and the Pavanamuktasana pose (wind-relieving pose). These movements stimulate the bowels, increase blood flow, release trapped gases, and get things moving.
Practice deep breathing to reduce stress and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which encourages better digestion.
While the 7-second label may not be fully accurate, the combination of hydration, stretching, and breathwork is a powerful way to support your digestive health.
What to Be Aware Of
I fully support the components of the 7-second poop method. Drinking warm water, adding apple cider vinegar, practicing yoga, and engaging in deep breathing are all excellent practices to support digestion and overall wellness.
However, the method’s effectiveness really depends on the severity of your constipation. If you’re experiencing chronic digestive issues, like constipation or bloating, these steps alone might not be enough. While stress management and stretching are great for reducing stress, a few minutes of yoga and breathing won’t likely fix the underlying causes of persistent constipation.
It’s essential to get to the root of the problem. The most effective way to address chronic constipation is to identify and resolve the underlying causes. Some common contributors include:
Dehydration
Lack of fiber or poor dietary habits
Gut dysbiosis (including SIBO)
Digestive conditions like IBS
Sedentary lifestyle
Low vagal tone
Buildup of biotoxins
Hormonal imbalances
Low stomach acid
Other Tips for Resolving Constipation
In addition to the 7-second poop method, there are several other holistic strategies to support digestion and more regular bowel movements. Here are some additional approaches:
Eat high-fiber foods like avocados, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, artichokes, broccoli, and apples.
Drink plenty of water (consider filtered water and hydrating foods like cucumbers and watermelon).
Consider a magnesium supplement to support muscle function in the digestive tract.
Implement mindfulness practices like meditation or breathwork to manage stress.
Stimulate the vagus nerve with practices like humming, singing, or gargling.
Take probiotics to support gut health.
Engage in regular exercise (without overdoing it) to improve digestive motility.
Consider a salt water flush to cleanse the digestive system.
Getting to the Root Cause of Your Gut Issues
If the 7-second poop method doesn’t fully resolve your symptoms, don’t worry. It’s a great place to start, especially if you’re not already prioritizing hydration, stretching, and breathwork in the morning. If you still experience constipation or other digestive symptoms, you may need to dig deeper into your diet and overall gut health.
At Revive Health, we work with patients to identify the root cause of chronic digestive issues. Whether it’s SIBO, gut dysbiosis, hormonal imbalances, or another underlying condition, we can help you get to the bottom of your symptoms. We offer both in-office appointments and telemedicine visits to patients locally, nationally, and internationally, so no matter where you are, you can find support for your digestive health.
Let’s develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the root cause of your digestive challenges and helps you feel better from the inside out.
If you’re ready to get to the root of your constipation and digestive issues, schedule a consultation with our team.
