Is No Poop July Possible?

It’s the latest viral challenge sweeping TikTok – No Poop July. Thousands of users are daring each other to avoid going number two for the entire month.

Fancy yourself a challenger? You may want to think twice before jumping on this trend. As tempting as it sounds to get bragging rights for a month-long bowel blockage, attempting No Poop July could get ugly fast.

Let’s just say your digestive system won’t be throwing any celebration parties if you try this. In the news we’ve seen similar viral stunts like the Tide Pod challenge lead to genuine health hazards. So before you stop up for No Poop July, learn why this act of gluttony for social media glory could seriously backfire.

In this post, I’ll dig into the science behind why voluntarily avoiding bowel movements is downright dangerous. We’ll also look at what the risks are if you intentionally constipate yourself for clout on the Gram. My goal is to give you the crappy truth about No Poop July in hopes it convinces you to keep your bowel habits regular this month.

So grab some fiber and let’s dive in to why this viral poop challenge is just a load of…well, you know. By the end, you’ll be more grateful than ever for each healthy poop that comes your way.

Why Withholding Bowel Movements is Dangerous

Your body is designed to eliminate waste on a regular basis. Stopping this natural process for prolonged periods can wreak havoc in multiple ways:

Toxic Backup

When stool sits stagnant in your colon for too long, toxins and bacteria build up and get reabsorbed into your bloodstream. This can cause issues like:

Headaches
Fatigue
Body aches
Bad breath
Skin breakouts

Bowel Obstruction

Extreme stool consolidation makes it hard to eventually pass, leading to impaction. You may experience:

Inability to pass any stool
Vomiting
Severe pain
Torn bowel tissue

Digestive Damage

Constipation stresses the colon, potentially causing:

Hemorrhoids
Anal fissures
Rectal prolapse
Enlarged colon

Nutrient Deficiencies

Going too long without a bowel movement inhibits your body’s ability to expel excess hormones and absorb vitamins and minerals.

Emergency Surgery

In rare cases, a ruptured colon from extreme constipation requires hospitalization.

So while you may get some smug satisfaction from temporarily stopping your poop, your body will pay the price.

What Happens If You Avoid Pooping for a Month?

The No Poop July challenge dares people to voluntarily go without pooping for 30 days straight. So what actually happens if you pull off this crappy stunt?

Days 1-3: You’ll start feeling gassy, bloated and lethargic. Appetite diminishes and headaches set in.

Days 4-7: With growing stool buildup, your abdomen swells and cramps. Bowels may emit smelly gas.

Days 8-14: Toxins in your bloodstream increase causing skin issues, fatigue, bad breath and mental fog.

Days 15-21: Severe abdominal pain, nausea and increased heart rate signal your body struggling.

Days 22-30: You are at high risk of bowel obstruction, rupture or emergency surgery. Permanent colon damage is possible.

So attempting No Poop July could quickly spiral from a harmless challenge into a dangerous medical situation. When you intentionally ignore your body’s needs, you risk long-term harm.

No Poop July Is Medically Inadvisable

Don’t take advice on No Poop July from amateur social media influencers. Actual doctors and medical experts strongly warn against voluntarily avoiding bowel movements for extended time periods.

According to Dr. Niket Sonpal:

Withholding stool for over 3 days is considered constipation
Avoiding bowel movements can damage gut bacteria and motility
Chronic constipation may require prescription laxatives and enemas

The American Gastroenterological Association advises:

People should poop anywhere from 3 times a day to 3 times a week
Any changes in bowel habits lasting over 2 weeks warrant medical evaluation

Johns Hopkins Medicine states:

Delaying defecation can cause hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and bowel obstruction
Never strain excessively or take laxatives without a doctor’s approval

So all experts agree – No Poop July is an unsafe idea you should absolutely not try!

Who Would Attempt No Poop July Anyway?

With its serious risks, who would actually attempt to go poop-free for a month? A few personalities that may try the viral No Poop July challenge include:

Competitive Types

Extreme athletes or hyper-competitive personalities who love a physical challenge. Bragging rights mean more than medical warnings.

Reckless Teens

Thrill-seeking adolescents who don’t consider long-term consequences. Similar to other dangerous viral trends.

Social Media Influencers

Seeking engagement and followers, influencers pull stunts without concern for wellbeing.

Photo-Conscious People

Some falsely believe stool “slims” their figure so avoid pooping before events, photoshoots, etc.

History of Disordered Eating

Those with conditions like anorexia or bulimia may engage in bowel restriction for control.

Sedentary Lifestyles

Insufficient activity and fiber intake already predispose some people to constipation issues.

But no level of internet fame or fleeting control over your body is worth the risks of No Poop July.

Healthy Pooping Habits

Instead of forcing constipation, we should normalize healthy daily pooping. Here are tips for staying regular:

Eat 25-35 grams of fiber per day
Drink 8 cups of fluids daily
Exercise for 150 minutes per week
Respond promptly to poop urges
Relax bowel muscles by massaging abdomen
Try squatting on toilet to align colon
Discuss persistent issues with a doctor

Maintaining normal poop habits prevents disease, improves nutrition absorption, and gives a true sense of health and wellbeing.

The Real Benefits of Regular Pooping

While No Poop July may seem like a feat, stopping your natural bowel movements offers zero advantages. But regular pooping provides many proven benefits:

Detoxification – eliminates waste, bacteria, and excess hormones

Lower Disease Risk – prevents GI issues like colon cancer

Clear Skin – removes toxins that cause acne

Improved Energy – stops toxin reabsorption that causes fatigue

Weight Maintenance – sheds extra pounds by removing waste

Better Mood – adequate elimination boosts mental health

Nutrient Absorption – allows optimal vitamin and mineral uptake

Overall Health – supports total body function when working properly

So embrace healthy, regular pooping instead of attempting dangerous viral challenges!

The Bottom Line on No Poop July: Don’t Do It!

I hope this post convinced you why attempting No Poop July would be downright crappy for your health.

Avoiding bowel movements for prolonged periods damages your colon, causes toxicity, and requires emergency treatment. So don’t let social media peer pressure you into stopping this vital bodily function.

Keep your poop schedule regular through diet, lifestyle and medical support when needed. Your digestive system will thank you!