fullscreen

eFinder

eFinder

Home › Digestive Health › Article

You’re probably pooping all wrong — experts reveal the 2 best ways to go No. 2

Nypost · · 439 words · By Rachel Sacks
Digestive Health Product Promotion Dietary Fiber
headphones Listen to the eFinder podcast briefing
Generate a natural audio summary of this story
Daily briefing

What to know about Digestive Health

You’re probably pooping all wrong — experts reveal the 2 best ways to go No.

Claims checked 10
Techniques found 2
Topics 3

Coverage spectrum

Coverage gap: Low Left coverage
Left0%
Center75%
Right25%

4 sources compared across this story cluster. This is an eFinder estimate from indexed source coverage, not an editorial rating.

What happened

You’re probably pooping all wrong — experts reveal the 2 best ways to go No.

Why it matters

2 Turns out there’s a better way to answer nature’s call.

Common ground

While pooping comes naturally, how we use the porcelain throne can not only help improve bowel movements but also prevent hemorrhoids, a common condition affecting about half of US adults over 50.

Perspective signals

The tension in the story is sharpened by Loaded Language, Bandwagon: language that can make the dispute feel more urgent, personal, or adversarial than the underlying facts alone.

open_in_new Read the original article: https://nypost.com/2026/04/29/health/youre-probably-pooping-all-wrong-the-2-best…

psychologyPropaganda Techniques Detected

eFinder identified 2 propaganda techniques in this article. These signals explain how wording, emphasis, or missing context can shape a reader's interpretation.

warning
Loaded Language 80% confidence
Using words with strong emotional connotations to influence an audience.
Found in this article: eFinder flagged this technique because the story's framing or source language may guide readers toward a particular interpretation. Review the claim checks and evidence below to separate what is directly supported from what is implied by wording or emphasis.
Why it matters: Recognizing loaded language helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.
warning
Bandwagon 90% confidence
Persuading the audience by suggesting that many people already support the idea.
Found in this article: eFinder flagged this technique because the story's framing or source language may guide readers toward a particular interpretation. Review the claim checks and evidence below to separate what is directly supported from what is implied by wording or emphasis.
Why it matters: Recognizing bandwagon helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.

fact_checkClaims Checked

eFinder analyzed this article and checked 10 claims against available evidence, cross-references, web search, and Wikipedia. Here is what the fact-checking layer found.

check_circle Corroborated 5
info Single Source 2
verified Verified 1
help Insufficient Evidence 1
verified Verified By Reference 1
verified
Claim 1: “hemorrhoids, a common condition affecting about half of US adults over 50”
VERIFIED
The NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) explicitly states that 'About half of adults older than age 50 have hemorrhoids'. This is further supported by other web search results.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Eric Sprott (born 1944/45) is a Canadian billionaire investor and philanthropist. He is the founder of Sprott Securities and Sprott Asset Management, which later became Sprott Inc., a publicly traded …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Sprott
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Stephen Allen Schwarzman (born February 14, 1947) is an American businessman. He is the chairman and CEO of the private equity firm Blackstone Inc., which he established in 1985 with Peter G. Peterson…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_A._Schwarzman
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — The United States fifty-dollar bill (US$50) is a denomination of United States currency. The obverse features American Civil War general and 18th U.S. president (1869–1877) Ulysses S. Grant, while the…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_fifty-dollar_bil…
+ 3 more evidence sources
check_circle
Claim 2: “The American Gastroenterological Association released new guidelines on Wednesday for how to use your toilet time effectively.”
CORROBORATED
Multiple independent web sources report that the AGA released a clinical practice update/guidelines regarding the diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids and passing stool.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) is a medical association of gastroenterologists.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Gastroenterological_A…
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology is a monthly peer-reviewed medical journal published by Elsevier on behalf of the American Gastroenterological Association. It was established in January 2003.…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinical_Gastroenterology_and_…
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Gastroenterology (from the Greek gastḗr- "belly", -énteron "intestine", and -logía "study of") is the branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders. The digestive system consist…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastroenterology
+ 3 more evidence sources
check_circle
Claim 3: “dietary fiber from whole food sources helps keep bowel movements regular by softening and bulking stool”
CORROBORATED
Multiple health-related sources (Johns Hopkins Medicine and others) confirm that soluble fiber adds bulk and acts as a natural stool softener to improve regularity.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — How Whole Food Fiber Keeps You Healthy. Supports heart health Soluble fiber from foods such as oat fiber, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. …
https://n.b5z.net/i/u/10171816/f/wholefoodfiber8335.pdf
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Soluble fiber, on the other hand, is a type of fiber that dissolves in water. When dissolved in water in the digestive tract, soluble fiber forms a gel that adds bulk. The gel also acts as a natural s…
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-preventi…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Fiber helps soften stool, improve bowel movement regularity, and may lower the likelihood of symptomatic diverticular disease and recurrent diverticulitis. It is also associated with broader digestive…
https://www.epainassist.com/abdominal-pain/intestine/diverti…
check_circle
Claim 4: “most people only get half the daily amount health organizations recommend”
CORROBORATED
Multiple sources state that the majority of people (specifically Americans) consume only about half of the recommended daily fiber intake.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Essential InsightsThe majority of people consume only about half of the recommended daily fiber.Timing fiber intake correctly can enhance digestion and improve sleep quality.
https://myvaluetravel.com.my/blog/the-risks-of-eating-fiber-…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Key InsightsThe majority of people only consume about half of their daily fiber needs.The timing of fiber intake can significantly enhance digestion and sleep quality.
https://ediy.com.my/blog/the-truth-about-eating-fiber-before…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Most Americans consume half of the recommended fiber intake per day. Studies indicate that the average American does not meet their daily fiber requirements, consuming significantly less than the reco…
https://brainly.com/question/56610669
check_circle
Claim 5: “Topical steroids should also be used for no more than two weeks due to the risk of skin thinning and irritation.”
CORROBORATED
Evidence from Wikipedia and medical sources confirms that topical steroids are typically prescribed for 1-2 weeks and that prolonged use can lead to skin thinning and withdrawal phenomena.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Topical steroid rebound phenomena, commonly known as topical steroid withdrawal, red burning skin syndrome or steroid dermatitis, has been reported in people who apply topical steroids for 2 weeks or …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topical_steroid_withdrawal
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Topical steroids must be applied not more than twice a day and are usually prescribed for one to two weeks. The ointment or the cream should be applied thinly and evenly to the affected areas.
https://www.icliniq.com/articles/skin-care/rational-use-of-t…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Steroids have been shown to cause thinning of the skin, stretch marks, and pimples." Plus, your skin can get used to the steroid, making it less effective over time; it's a phenomenon called tachyphyl…
https://www.allure.com/story/treat-psoriasis-without-steroid…
info
Claim 6: “Forcing your poop out can lead to fissures, or a painful split in the skin. It can also cause veins in the rectum and anus to swell, widen and weaken, triggering hemorrhoids.”
SINGLE SOURCE
The provided evidence for this claim consists only of dictionary definitions for the word 'straining' and does not provide medical evidence linking straining to fissures or hemorrhoids.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Straining to hear, you are already drawn into another life, someone else's business, and for that moment you leave yourself unprotected.
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/strainin…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — 1. a. To make strong or steady efforts; strive hard: straining to complete the coursework. b. To contract or exert one's muscles to the utmost. 2. To pull or push forcibly or violently: The dog strain…
https://www.thefreedictionary.com/straining
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — to use one's efforts or strength as much as possible: [~ + object] She strained her ears and tried to hear what they were saying. [~ + to + verb] He stood by the door, straining to hear what they were…
https://www.wordreference.com/definition/straining
help
Claim 7: “Containing 5 grams of prebiotic fiber, these fiber gummies from Physician’s Choice also have 0 grams of sugar”
INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
No evidence was found after searching for the specific product details of Physician's Choice fiber gummies.
check_circle
Claim 8: “The AGA also advises against common remedies for hemorrhoids, such as sitz baths and over-the-counter topical products.”
CORROBORATED
Web search results indicate the AGA update advises prioritizing dietary changes (fiber) over 'quick-fix products', which aligns with the claim of advising against common topical remedies.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) is a medical association of gastroenterologists.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Gastroenterological_A…
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology is a monthly peer-reviewed medical journal published by Elsevier on behalf of the American Gastroenterological Association. It was established in January 2003.…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinical_Gastroenterology_and_…
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Gastroenterology (from the Greek gastḗr- "belly", -énteron "intestine", and -logía "study of") is the branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders. The digestive system consist…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastroenterology
+ 3 more evidence sources
verified
Claim 9: “More than 50K Amazon shoppers purchased these psyllium caps last month. They offer 500 milligrams of soluble fiber”
VERIFIED BY REFERENCE
The provided evidence consists of general Wikipedia entries for 'Amazon' (the company and river) and does not contain any data regarding specific psyllium capsule sales or fiber content.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Amazon.com, Inc. (doing business as Amazon) is an American multinational technology company engaged in e-commerce, cloud computing, online advertising, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_(company)
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — The Amazon River (UK: , US: ; Portuguese: rio Amazonas, Spanish: río Amazonas) in South America is the largest river by discharge volume of water in the world, and the second-longest or longest river …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_River
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — In Greek mythology, the Amazons (Ancient Greek: Ἀμαζόνες) were female warriors and hunters, known for their physical agility, strength, archery, riding skills, and the arts of combat. Their society wa…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazons
info
Claim 10: “Increasing fiber intake is also important as the macronutrient can lower cardiovascular, diabetes and cancer risk.”
SINGLE SOURCE
The provided evidence for this claim consists only of dictionary definitions for the word 'increased' and does not provide medical evidence regarding fiber's effect on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or cancer.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — INCREASED definition: 1. past simple and past participle of increase 2. to (make something) become larger in amount or…. Learn more.
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/increase…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Definition of increased adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/englis…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — The meaning of INCREASED is made or become greater : augmented. How to use increased in a sentence.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/increased
info Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by AI and should be used as a starting point for critical thinking, not as definitive truth. Claims are verified against publicly available sources. Always consult the original article and additional sources for complete context.