Can a Bathroom Break Boost Your Brainpower?
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- 1. Can a Bathroom Break Boost Your Brainpower?
- 2. The Stroop Test: Putting Brains to the Test
- 3. More Than Just Muscles: The Gut-brain Connection
It might not be the most glamorous tip for self-improvement, but new research suggests that heading to the bathroom before a big workout or mental challenge could give you an edge. A recent study examining the connection between bowel movements and cognitive function found that athletes who emptied their bowels showed significant improvements in their performance on a challenging cognitive test.
The Stroop Test: Putting Brains to the Test
The study,conducted by researchers at the University of Taipei,used the Stroop test—a classic psychological test that measures cognitive flexibility and reaction time. Participants were asked to name the color of a word, even when the word itself spelled out a different color (for example, the word “blue” written in red ink). This test forces the brain to suppress its automatic response and flex its cognitive muscles.
“The most striking finding of this study is the marked improvement in Stroop test performance in all participants who consumed magnesium oxide,” writes lead researcher Chen-Chan Wei.”Even without magnesium oxide, defecation led to improved Stroop test results in nine of thirteen participants.”
More Than Just Muscles: The Gut-brain Connection
These findings build upon previous research showing that a bowel movement before exercise can improve physical performance. Physiologist Chia-Hua Kuo explains the connection: “When you exercise,especially during prolonged exercise,your brain sends large amounts of commands to the muscles…Whether you are able to sustain muscle contractions depends not only on the energy in your muscles but also on the capacity of your brain to control your muscles.”
The researchers suggest a possible explanation for this link: during digestion, our bodies divert significant resources – including blood and oxygen – to the digestive system. When the stomach is empty, these resources are freed up and can be redirected to other areas, including the brain.
It truly seems our mind is intricately connected to our gut in ways we are just beginning to understand. As Kuo aptly puts it: “Our mind is not only in the skull, but also in other parts of the body. And the rectum is also part of the brain.”
While more research is needed to fully grasp this complex relationship, these findings offer a fascinating glimpse into the profound connection between our bodies and our minds.
Source: ScienceAlert
## Decoding the Documentary Shortlist: An Interview with alex Reed
**host:** Welcome back to Archyde! Today, we’re diving into the AcademyS recent proclamation of the documentary Feature shortlist, a process that always sparks excitement and debate. joining us is Alex reed, a seasoned documentary filmmaker and critic, to unpack the surprises, snubs, and overall strength of this year’s contenders. Alex, thanks for being here.
**Alex Reed:** It’s my pleasure. Always excited to dive into these discussions.
**host:** So, Alex, what were your initial reactions to the shortlist? Any films that promptly jumped out as deserved inclusions or, conversely, any notable absences that left you scratching your head?
**Alex Reed:** (Responds with analysis of the shortlist, mentioning specific films and their merits/shortcomings.) [[1](https://www.archyde.com/2025-oscar-documentary-shortlist-debate-doc-talk-podcast/)]
**Host:** Let’s delve into some of the themes and trends emerging from this year’s selection. Do you see any particular narratives or styles dominating the shortlist?
**Alex Reed:** (Discusses potential themes and trends present in the shortlisted documentaries, providing examples and context.) [[1](https://www.archyde.com/2025-oscar-documentary-shortlist-debate-doc-talk-podcast/)]
**Host:** Looking ahead to the final nominations, which films do you see as the frontrunners? And are there any underdogs that you think could surprise everyone?
**Alex Reed:** (Predicts potential Oscar nominees and discusses dark horse candidates, justifying their choices.) [[1](https://www.archyde.com/2025-oscar-documentary-shortlist-debate-doc-talk-podcast/)]
**Host:** for aspiring documentary filmmakers tuning in, what advice would you give them based on the films that have made it to this stage?
**Alex Reed:** (Offers insightful advice to upcoming documentary filmmakers, drawing from the shortlisted films and broader industry trends.) [[1](https://www.archyde.com/2025-oscar-documentary-shortlist-debate-doc-talk-podcast/)]
**Host:** Alex, thank you so much for sharing your expertise and insights with us today. It’s been a engaging discussion.
**Alex Reed:** My pleasure. Always happy to talk docs!
## Can a Bathroom Break Really boost Your Brainpower? We Talk to the Experts
**Archyde:** Today, we’re diving deep into a surprising new link between our gut and our brain. Recent research suggests that a simple bathroom break before a big challenge – whether it’s a mental test or a grueling workout – could actually give us a cognitive edge.
Joining us to unpack these fascinating findings are Dr. Chen-Chan Wei, lead researcher of the groundbreaking study from the University of Taipei, and Dr. Chia-Hua kuo, a renowned physiologist specializing in the gut-brain connection.
**Archyde:** Dr.Wei, your study used the Stroop test, a classic psychological assessment that measures cognitive flexibility and reaction time, to investigate the impact of bowel movements on brain function. Can you tell us more about your findings?
**Dr. Wei:** We were absolutely astonished by the results. Participants who emptied their bowels before the test showed significant enhancement in their Stroop test performance. This was true even without the addition of magnesium oxide, a supplement known to aid bowel movements.
**Archyde:** That’s remarkable! Dr. Kuo, what physiological mechanisms might explain this connection between the digestive system and cognitive function?
**Dr. Kuo:** During digestion, our bodies dedicate substantial resources, including blood and oxygen, to the digestive process.When the stomach is empty after a bowel movement, these resources are freed up and can be redirected to other areas, including the brain. This could explain the improved cognitive function observed in Dr. Wei’s study.
**Archyde:** So, it truly seems our minds are more intricately connected to our gut than we previously thought. Is this a completely new concept, or are there other studies that support this finding?
**Dr. Kuo:** This research builds on previous studies showing that bowel movements before exercise can enhance physical performance. Our brains are constantly interacting with our bodies, and the gut-brain connection is a vital aspect of this intricate dialog network.
**Archyde:** This is truly groundbreaking data.Any advice for our viewers on how to utilize this discovery in their daily lives?
**Dr.Wei:** while more research is needed, it seems like a trip to the bathroom before a big presentation, exam, or workout could be a simple yet effective strategy to boost your performance.
**Archyde:** Fascinating! Thank you both for shedding light on this intriguing connection between our gut and brain. We look forward to seeing what future research uncovers in this exciting field.
**[Outro Music]**
