Summary:

- A new study suggests that using the toilet before taking mental tests can improve cognitive performance. The study found that people who emptied their bowels before cognitive tests scored higher on those tests compared to those who did not.

- The researchers believe this is because having a full bowel can create discomfort and distraction, which can impair focus and mental abilities. Emptying the bowels allows people to be more comfortable and focused during the tests.

- The findings highlight the important connection between gut health and brain function. Maintaining regular bowel movements may be an important factor in optimizing cognitive abilities and mental performance.