นพ. SONGPON GETSUWAN, M.D.
Pediatric Gastroenterology

For anyone who struggles with bowel movements, experiences constipation, or has to sit on the toilet for a long time in the morning—sometimes without any success—today we have some simple “ways to stimulate morning bowel movements” to share. If you are facing this issue, don't stress. Try following these tips, and you will achieve smoother, easier bowel movements without having to spend ages in the restroom anymore, if practiced successfully.

Drinking 1 glass of plain water after waking up is an excellent way to detoxify your intestines. Since your stomach is empty, drinking water at this time naturally cleanses and stimulates the colon, effectively boosting morning bowel movements.
The ideal posture for a bowel movement is a squatting position where your knees are elevated above your hips. However, modern western toilets force us into a 90-degree upright sitting position. It is recommended to place a small stool in front of you so your knees are raised above your hips at a 35-degree angle, while leaning slightly forward. This posture makes elimination much easier.
Excretion problems can stem from various causes, but they are most commonly linked to your diet. If your food lacks sufficient dietary fiber, it easily leads to constipation. Therefore, you should choose foods with higher fiber content, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and brown rice, which help prevent constipation and ease bowel movements.
Consuming yogurt drinks or yogurt greatly helps stimulate bowel movements, but timing is key. The morning is the most optimal period, especially between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM, as this is when the large intestine is most active. Consuming yogurt drinks or yogurt packed with probiotics enhances the digestive system's performance, stimulating bowel movements and relieving constipation.
Engaging in exercises like walking, running, or jumping rope can significantly improve your digestive system. Aside from enhancing bowel movements, regular physical activity also stimulates all organs in the body to function much more efficiently.
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is perhaps the most crucial tip of all. An irregular sleep routine can disrupt your body's biological clock, including the digestive tract, causing bowel movements to become unpredictable. If you wish to regulate your morning bowel movements, strictly stick to a proper sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. In addition to a consistent sleep schedule, eating all three meals at regular times is equally vital. This will successfully help train your body to eliminate at the desired time.




Having a regular and consistent daily bowel movement contributes greatly to good health. Even if you cannot always manage to do it in the morning, having at least one bowel movement a day means you are on the right track to taking care of yourself. If you are experiencing digestive difficulties, feel free to try these methods.
For those whose bowel movements remain irregular despite lifestyle adjustments, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor. Avoid buying over-the-counter laxatives to self-medicate, as this can further disrupt your digestive system.
Edited
25/07/2023