"Did you poop today?" she says in the video, before claiming that a fifth of people are constipated. (According to the National Institutes of Health<\/a>, 16% of US adults of all ages suffer from constipation<\/a>.) Constipation is medically defined as having three or fewer bowel movements a week.<\/p>\n But there is some truth to the fact that moving around can help alleviate constipation<\/a>, Dr. De Latour says. But these moves would have to connect back to the digestive system. "There are certain abdominal massage maneuvers and techniques and yoga poses that are thought to help," she explains.<\/p>\n Physical therapy can also teach your body how to pass bowel movements more easily, Jessica Philpott, MD, PhD, a gastroenterologist at Cleveland Clinic, tells Health<\/em>, explaining that a physical therapist can show patients certain exercises to improve coordination of the lower back, pelvic floor, and pelvis.<\/p>\n RELATED: How Long Can You Go Without Pooping? Here's What Gastroenterologists Say<\/strong><\/p>\n While physical therapy might be beneficial for those who suffer from chronic constipation, having trouble going number two every now and then doesn't necessitate that kind of treatment. Drinking more water, staying active, and trying an occasional over-the-counter medication might be more beneficial if you don't suffer from constipation regularly enough to warrant more intense treatment options.<\/p>\n "Two things that often go without credit are adequate hydration and movement; simple movement of the body can stimulate gut motility," Dr. De Latour says. Adding fiber to your diet (or fiber supplements) might also help you stay regular, Dr. Philpott adds.<\/p>\n Additionally, stool softeners in pill or liquid forms) are available over-the-counter and work by making stool easier to pass. A word of warning: You shouldn't use OTC stool softeners or laxatives for longer than one week unless your doctor recommends doing so. <\/p>\n RELATED: What the Color of Your Poop Can Tell You About Your Health<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this one, Dr. De Latour says, as it's highly individual. "Normal for you may be three bowel movements a day or three a week," she explains. Since there's no right or wrong number, it's important to monitor your bowel movements and seek help if you think something's off.<\/p>\n "If a person is feeling frequent discomfort or has to schedule their life around bowel movements, then that is a sign that they should get medical attention," Dr. Philpott says. She adds that any change in bowel habits, bleeding, or weight loss should also prompt a visit to your doctor. <\/p>\n![\"Tiktok-Trick-for-Going-to-the-Bathroom-AdobeStock_331043348-341976239\"](\"https:\/\/imagesvc.meredithcorp.io\/v3\/mm\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.onecms.io%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F12%2F2021%2F09%2F16%2FTiktok-Trick-for-Going-to-the-Bathroom-AdobeStock_331043348-341976239-2-2000.jpg\")
Tiktok-Trick-for-Going-to-the-Bathroom-AdobeStock_331043348-341976239<\/span> , and it's unclear how fist rubbing would do this. <\/p>\nWhat are some proven ways to relieve constipation? <\/h2>\n
How often should you be pooping? <\/h2>\n
When should you see a doctor for constipation? <\/h2>\n