The fatal reason why you should not strain to poo

Like most things in life, no one is guaranteed a good toilet session every single time. You may put in more effort on some days than others. But if you are constantly straining to ease yourself, you might want to check it as that could have dangerous consequences.

Brain aneurysm and hard poo

Popular American singer Elvis, died on the toilet after battling constipation for weeks. Although not very common, straining to poo can lead to serious health problems. Apart from those who are chronically constipated and people who have had heart surgery are at higher risk of brain aneurysm.

According to How Stuff Works, this is as a result of increased blood pressure to the brain, causing a stroke.

A combination of holding your breath, straining and experiencing abdominal pain -- all occurrences common to constipation -- can also stimulate the vagus nerve, which connects the brain and the colon. The vagus nerve reflex causes a sharp drop in blood pressure and a sudden slowing of heart rate. It could lead to fainting (vasovagal syncope) as blood flow leaves the head and moves rapidly to the legs. And fainting on the toilet could mean a head injury

Other health risks

According to HealthLine, continuous difficulty in easing one’s self can also increase the risk of weakened pelvic floor muscles which could cause faecal incontinence or accidental bowel leakage.

Chronic constipation could also trigger haemorrhoids which are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that can be painful and itchy. You could also develop anal fissures when constipation persists. The health news site explains anal fissure as:

A tear in the lining of your anus may cause pain and bleeding during and after bowel movements. Anal fissures aren’t typically a serious condition and in most cases will heal on their own in 4 to 6 weeks.

To avoid these risks, you should find effective ways to manage constipation such as eating foods high in fibre, drinking more water and cutting down on meat and processed foods.

Read more:

⋙ Chronic constipation: This woman suffers from rare syndrome that left her with no colon

⋙ Butt plugs: The 'magical cure' for headaches and constipation in the 1800s

⋙ Constipation: This vegetable juice will soothe your digestive problems