To be better at sports and thinking, you need to care about your body.
This means you should use the toilet and empty your bowels. Studies say this can help you perform better in a triathlon.
In one study, 13 triathletes took a thinking test called the Stroop test after going to the toilet. The test shows how well you can think when faced with confusing information.
All athletes did better on the test after they emptied their bowels. Even without medicine, most athletes improved after using the toilet.
Researchers believe that an empty stomach may help the brain work better because it can use more energy. If your stomach is busy digesting food, your brain may not work as well.
The study shows an interesting connection between the gut and the brain. However, do not use laxatives without talking to a doctor first if you have bowel problems.
The findings are in the journal Sports Medicine and Health Science.
Vocabulary List:
Triathlon /traɪˈæθ.lɒn/ (noun): A multi-sport race that includes swimming cycling and running.
Stroop test /struːp tɛst/ (noun): A psychological test measuring cognitive flexibility and processing speed.
Researchers /rɪˈsɜːrʧərz/ (noun): Individuals who conduct systematic investigations to establish facts.
Cognition /kɒɡˈnɪʃ.ən/ (noun): The mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding.
Bowels /ˈbaʊ.əlz/ (noun): The internal organs of the body particularly those of the digestive system.
Connection /kəˈnɛkʃən/ (noun): A relationship or link between two things.
