Sitting for long hours at the desk? Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Pushkar Chawla shares how to protect the back and spine Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 13:58:18 IST By Debapriya Bhattacharya Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Poor posture at work can lead to problems with the back and the spine
A patient once told me that her blood sugar reading in the morning was higher than the one she had taken after dinner the night before. She hadn’t eaten a single thing. “How is this even possible?" she asked. “I haven’t had breakfast yet." That question comes up in my clinic almost every
Step inside the regal Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, where a one-night stay will cost you ₹4 lakh: Watch Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 14:06:37 IST By Krishna Pallavi Priya Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link A look inside the Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad
Every year at about this point in the rains, the same sequence plays out. Outpatient departments fill with feverish patients, a city announces a jump in confirmed cases, television rediscovers the phrase “swine flu," and within a fortnight the anxiety has moved on to something else
Onam gifting is often about more than simply handing over a box of sweets. The festival brings families and friends together, and a well-chosen hamper can combine traditional flavours with attractive packaging to make the occasion more special
‘Walking is one of the most underrated things’: Geriatric doctor says you don't need to join a gym to start exercising Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 10:52:55 IST By Eshana Saha Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Read more to find out why walking is an underrated form of exercise! (Unsplash)
There are few things as satisfying as biting into a buttery, flaky almond croissant, especially when you get that rich almond flavour, creamy frangipane filling and slightly crisp, toasted edges in every bite. But when a croissant craving hits and you don’t have a bakery run planned—or all the
Erling Haaland debuts new buzz haircut after chopping his iconic blonde locks: ‘+999 missed calls from shampoo company’ Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 08:58:32 IST By Krishna Pallavi Priya Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Erling Haaland debuts a fresh, new buzz cut
Get the urge to poop while running? Gastroenterologist shares ways to avoid it
Do you get the urge to poop while running? Gastroenterologist explains ‘runner's poop’ and shares ways to avoid it
Do you get the urge to poop while running? Gastroenterologist explains ‘runner's poop’ and shares ways to avoid it
Getting the urge to have a bowel movement while running is not a rare experience, but can be quite embarrassing. Dr Salhab shares practical ways to avoid it.
Published on: Mar 30, 2026 5:25 PM IST By Eshana Saha Share via Copy link If you’ve ever felt a sudden, urgent need to poop in the middle of a run, you’re not alone – and it can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing. For many runners, this involuntary urge can strike without warning, making it difficult to stay focused or enjoy the workout. While it may seem unavoidable, there are actually simple, practical steps you can take to reduce the chances of it happening in the first place. Read more to find out how you can avoid stimulating your gut during a run! (Image generated via Google Gemini) Also Read | Did you know microplastics have been found in colon cancer cells? Gastroenterologist shares 7 ways to minimise exposure Dr Joseph Salhab, a Florida-based gastroenterologist and health content creator who specialises in digestive, liver, pancreatic, and nutritional health, is breaking down why some people experience the often involuntary urge to poop while running. In an Instagram video shared on March 29, he explains the science behind runner’s poop and shares simple, practical pre-run strategies to help you avoid it. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr. Joseph Salhab (@thestomachdoc)What is runner’s poop?
Dr Joseph Salhab explains that “runner’s poop” refers to the often involuntary urge to have a bowel movement during or shortly after a run. This happens because running triggers the release of hormones that stimulate the gut, while the combined effects of gravity and continuous movement further accelerate intestinal activity. He notes, “This is called runner's poop and it's a real thing. And this happens because exercise like running increases hormones that stimulate your gut, gravity, and constant movement are stimulators of gut movement. Sometimes pre-run meals filled with sugar and caffeine can increase a reflex that can cause you to go.”Ways to manage this
Dr Salhab shares a few simple, practical strategies to help manage gut stimulation – highlighting pre-run habits that can reduce the likelihood of that urgent need to poop while you’re out running.Eat low-fibre carbs before running
The gastroenterologist recommends opting for low-fibre carbohydrates such as white rice, plain pasta, boiled potatoes, and ripe bananas before a run. He advises eating them at least two to three hours beforehand, giving your body enough time to digest and helping keep your gut calm. He explains, “Before a run, stick with some simple low-fibre carbs about two to three hours before so that your gut stays calm. So, we're talking about things like white rice, plain pasta, sourdough bread, plain bagels or English muffins, boiled potatoes, ripe bananas, low-fat or lactose-free yoghurt, or a modest bowl of just plain oatmeal.”Poop beforehand
Dr Salhab recommends trying to have a bowel movement before heading out for a run. This helps ensure your intestines are relatively empty, reducing the chances of an urgent need mid-run and allowing for a more comfortable workout.Avoid a full meal before
The gastroenterologist advises against eating a large, heavy meal within two to three hours of a long run. He also recommends steering clear of high-fibre and high-fat foods, as well as dairy and caffeine beforehand, as these can stimulate the gut and increase the likelihood of discomfort during your run. Dr Sood emphasises, “Try not to eat an extensively full meal within two to three hours of a harder or longer run. Avoid high-fibre, high-fat, and dairy foods before a run if that makes you go. Be mindful of the caffeine that you take before a run.”Wear loose clothing
Dr Salhab suggests opting for looser, more comfortable clothing that doesn’t put pressure on your abdomen during a run, helping reduce unnecessary gut stimulation. And as a practical final tip, he recommends having a backup plan – like someone who can pick you up – just in case things don’t go as planned mid-run. The gastroenterologist notes, “Try to wear some looser clothing. That way you don't put a lot of pressure on your belly during the run. Finally, find someone who's happy to drive you home if this happens to you.” Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Eshana Saha Eshana Saha is a fresh face in lifestyle and cultural journalism, bringing a refined, multidisciplinary perspective to the intersection of entertainment, fashion and holistic wellbeing. With less than a year of professional experience, she has quickly adapted to high-pressure editorial environments and currently works full-time with HT Media. Prior to this, she interned for nearly six months with Hindustan Times’ entertainment and lifestyle vertical, where she gained hands-on experience in digital reporting, trend analysis and editorial storytelling. Based in New Delhi, Eshana specialises in comprehensive coverage of major cultural moments — from international film press tours to the curated aesthetics of global fashion showcases, award shows and music-centred events. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from St Xavier’s University, Kolkata, and a Master’s degree in English from the University of Delhi, equipping her with a strong academic foundation and a keen ability to deconstruct complex cultural trends into clear, high-impact narratives. Beyond the red carpet, Eshana has developed a growing focus on health and wellbeing reporting. She bridges the gap between celebrity-driven trends and practical, evidence-informed lifestyle advice, ensuring her work remains both aspirational and grounded in editorial rigour. She has extensively covered the health implications of Delhi’s air pollution crisis, while also playing a key role in amplifying expert-led insights on women’s health and mental wellbeing, helping translate complex medical perspectives into informed, impactful public awareness. An artist at heart, she explores multiple creative forms — from visual arts and music to culinary experiments — and brings a creative’s eye for nuance, texture and detail to every story. Whether analysing runway dynamics or examining emerging wellness movements, she remains committed to accuracy and the highest standards of contemporary journalistic ethics.Read More Bowel Movement Runner Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs. News / Lifestyle / Health / Do You Get The Urge To Poop While Running? Gastroenterologist Explains ‘runner's Poop’ And Shares Ways To Avoid It See Less
If you’ve ever felt a sudden, urgent need to poop in the middle of a run, you’re not alone – and it can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing. For many runners, this involuntary urge can strike without warning, making it difficult to stay focused or enjoy the workout. While it may seem unavoidable, there are actually simple, practical steps you can take to reduce the chances of it happening in the first place.
Also Read | Did you know microplastics have been found in colon cancer cells? Gastroenterologist shares 7 ways to minimise exposure
Dr Joseph Salhab, a Florida-based gastroenterologist and health content creator who specialises in digestive, liver, pancreatic, and nutritional health, is breaking down why some people experience the often involuntary urge to poop while running. In an Instagram video shared on March 29, he explains the science behind runner’s poop and shares simple, practical pre-run strategies to help you avoid it.
He notes, “This is called runner's poop and it's a real thing. And this happens because exercise like running increases hormones that stimulate your gut, gravity, and constant movement are stimulators of gut movement. Sometimes pre-run meals filled with sugar and caffeine can increase a reflex that can cause you to go.”
He explains, “Before a run, stick with some simple low-fibre carbs about two to three hours before so that your gut stays calm. So, we're talking about things like white rice, plain pasta, sourdough bread, plain bagels or English muffins, boiled potatoes, ripe bananas, low-fat or lactose-free yoghurt, or a modest bowl of just plain oatmeal.”
Dr Sood emphasises, “Try not to eat an extensively full meal within two to three hours of a harder or longer run. Avoid high-fibre, high-fat, and dairy foods before a run if that makes you go. Be mindful of the caffeine that you take before a run.”
The gastroenterologist notes, “Try to wear some looser clothing. That way you don't put a lot of pressure on your belly during the run. Finally, find someone who's happy to drive you home if this happens to you.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: runner's poop,bowel movement,pre-run meals,gut stimulation,low-fibre carbohydrates,pre-run habits
Parents should check medicine labels carefully before giving cough or cold remedies to young children. The Union Health Ministry has restricted all fixed-dose combination medicines containing chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride from being used in children below four years of
11 hours ago
Tandoori chicken should be smoky and seared on the outside, yet juicy and tender on the inside. But it can often turn out dry, rubbery and lacking flavour, even when you’ve used all the right spices. The problem may not be the recipe itself, but a few small mistakes during preparation and cooking
1 days ago
Want to know how healthy your heart is? Cardiologist Dr Sanjay Bhojraj lists 9 blood tests for ‘cardiovascular risk’ Published on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:34:50 IST By Akanksha Agnihotri Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Dr. Bhojraj highlights nine blood tests to assess cardiovascular health
1 days ago
We tend to think of constipation as a plumbing problem: eat more fibre, drink more water, take isabgol and wait for things to move. For occasional constipation, that approach can be perfectly reasonable. But when constipation keeps returning despite these measures
1 days ago
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, but its biggest known cause is persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), which is closely linked to sexual transmission. While HPV itself is not caused by men
1 days ago
Chakra Horoscope Today, August 23, 2026: An obstacle does not necessarily mean you are on the wrong path Updated on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:49:03 IST By Kishori Sud Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Chakra Horoscope Today, August 23, 2026 (Pinterest) Daily Chakra Horoscope, August 23
1 days ago
Dahi vade may not be the first dish that comes to mind when planning a Sawan Somwar vrat menu, but Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s fasting-friendly version gives the classic snack a clever twist. Instead of lentils, these vade are made with cooked barnyard millet, also known as sama or samak
1 days ago
59-year-old grandmother and Roadies 20 contestant Ashu Jain shares 5 hacks that helped her 'build gym habits that stick’ Published on: Aug 23, 2026, 10:12:34 IST By Sanya Panwar Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Ashu Jain is not just a grandmother — she's a 'hybrid athlete'
1 days ago
Could artificial intelligence compress decades of medical progress into just a few years? Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei believes advanced AI systems may soon transform how we fight cancer, Alzheimer’s and other major diseases. Amodei has predicted that AI-enabled biology could compress 50 to 100
1 days ago
Look out of an aircraft window as it descends into Chennai and the coastline is the first thing that catches your eye. A long blue-grey edge against the city, with the sea on one side and the sprawling city on the other. From up there, it looks permanent
1 days ago
Soha Ali Khan, along with her husband Kunal Khemu, is known for setting couple goals through their fitness content. The couple have consistently shared videos showing their workouts in the gym, how they parent their kids together, the healthy food they eat without compromising on taste
1 days ago
As Onam 2026 approaches, here is our curated guide from Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Chennai, Coimbatore, and Bengaluru covering everything from elaborate restaurant thalis to convenient takeaway sadya boxes. We consult chefs on how they are reimagining the traditional sadya; we ask celebrities how
1 days ago
Raksha Bandhan is all about celebrating the special bond between siblings. This year, show your siblings how much you mean to them and make the occasion sweeter by making everyone’s favourite kalakand at home. If you are looking for a festive dessert that is indulgent yet skips refined sugar
1 days ago
Thirty-nine-year-old Shivendra came in with what looked like an ordinary monsoon fever. Fifteen days later, he was still in hospital, only being discharged now after being diagnosed with H1N1-related pneumonia. His wife, Poonam, said the family did not take the fever seriously at first. “Actually
1 days ago
Postpartum pain is NOT just ‘normal’: Physiotherapist Muskan Rastogi reveals all about pelvic floor recovery Postpartum recovery involves more than just pain management; it includes pelvic floor rehabilitation to restore strength and reduce discomfort for new mothers. Published on: Aug 23, 2026
1 days ago
Dallas rapper BigXthaPlug has been arrested in the US state of Texas on charges of driving while intoxicated, possession of marijuana and illegal possession of a firearm. Allen County Police confirmed to BBC Newsbeat the 28-year-old, whose real name is Xavier Landum, was stopped on Friday
1 days ago
44-year-old fitness coach shares simple exercises that help her look ‘15 years younger’ Published on: Aug 22, 2026, 13:24:38 IST By Akanksha Agnihotri Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Fitness coach shares 4 simple exercises to improve posture and look more youthful. (Instagram/@sascha
2 days ago
The Madhya Pradesh Health Department has ordered a high-level medical and legal investigation after a 6 woman from Ujjain died following treatment at a private hospital in Indore. She had tested positive for H1N1 influenza, commonly called swine flu
2 days ago
No food after 6 pm to boxing: Inside Dua Lipa’s fitness routine and fasting rules for toned body on her 31st birthday Published on: Aug 22, 2026, 14:11:05 IST By Sanya Panwar Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Dua Lipa turned 31 on August 22, 2026
2 days ago
The DJ dropped the beat and 70 women started throwing punches. By the time the first kickboxing combination was called out, Moon Bar, a Visakhapatnam club had shed its weekend persona to turn into a makeshift fitness floor, with women punching, kicking
2 days ago
A couple of years ago, when Osman Abdul Razak was being fitted for a suit by Yuki Igarashi, founder of Japan-based menswear brand Lecteur, he recalls being struck by how neatly Yuki’s pins were arranged on his pin cushion. “As an onlooker there, I couldn’t help but analyse this precision
2 days ago
Baro Market is coming to Chennai with a pop-up bringing together fashion, craft, art, accessories and lifestyle products, with a focus on conscious living and handcrafted design. Curated by Srila Chatterjee, the showcase marks her third pop-up in the city
2 days ago
Step inside ₹200 crore royal residence in Hyderabad: Shaped like a scorpion and home to 'world's longest dining table' Published on: Aug 22, 2026, 10:22:41 IST By Sanya Panwar Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link The palace in the shape of a scorpion: Here's a virtual tour of the magnificent
2 days ago
On Fourth Trust Link Street at Santhome in Mylapore, a piece of vacant land cheek by jowl with a Greater Chennai Corporation-run middle school was being armtwisted every day into functioning as a garbage dumping spot by residents and passersby
2 days ago
The rise in H1N1 cases across Delhi-NCR is prompting fresh concern among doctors as some patients develop severe breathing difficulties and falling oxygen levels. While swine flu often causes flu-like symptoms, it can sometimes progress to serious respiratory complications
2 days ago
Happy Birthday Chiranjeevi: Telugu cinema icon Chiranjeevi has spent more than four decades building one of Indian cinema’s most enduring careers. From his breakthrough years to becoming the industry’s celebrated Megastar, the actor has continued taking on demanding roles that require energy
2 days ago
Have high cholesterol? Nutritionist lists 9 heart-friendly cooking oil options Published on: Aug 22, 2026, 11:00:04 IST By Aayushi Gupta Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Cooking oils that may help manage cholesterol and support heart health
2 days ago
