Many of us are familiar with the idea that coffee makes you poop. There are substances in coffee that contribute to this, and not just caffeine. But it could also be that coffee is usually a stable part of one's normal morning routine. And there is also the psychological association of coffee with one's morning routine, so much that the smell of a coffee shop can make you run to the bathroom. How much each of these factors contribute to the effect is arguable, but the effect is real.
However, there are variations. The urge to poop can arise from the experience of being in a book store. This is called the Mariko Aoki phenomenon, named for a woman in Japan who wrote about her experiences in 1985. Since then, many folks have admitted that bookstores have this effect on them. While there has been little scientific interest in experimenting with the Mariko Aoki phenomenon, there have been several theories suggested for why it occurs, from scientists and non-scientists alike. And some folks get this urge at more general locations, like shopping malls. -via Nag on the Lake
(Image credit: Ryan Abel)
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My daughter owns a used bookstore and she always has people wanting to use her employees only bathroom. I'll have to pass this article on to her.
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1. I think I have been to that book store in the picture before and have never had to poop while there.2. I saw a commercial recently for a drug for people who couldn't poop because of stress due to travel. I think everyone can be unique to what causes them to poop or not to poop.
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Let's face it, people get the urge to poop anywhere. Anything can trigger us. Strong emotions can definitely do it. We're just a bunch of poopers. There, now I've made a nice stink about that topic. Cleared the air, IMO.You're welcome.
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