By John Salak –
Those suffering from constipation may want to consider visiting their local hardware store to find relief. At least that’s the advice and warning from shoppers down under in Australia.
Apparently, a surprising number of shoppers have found themselves in dire—and immediate need—of finding a toilet or else after starting to peruse the aisles at Bunnings, a popular hardware store. Now as reports of the rash of runs to the Bunnings restrooms have surfaced, stories are popping up of shoppers worldwide needing to hit a toilet pronto after visiting their local hardware store. It is even happening to people visiting other retailers, like bookstores, for example.
The phenomenon is so common, that it has been given a name: the “Mariko Aoki phenomenon,” which refers to similar instances happening to shoppers inside Japanese bookstores, according to one report.
This is serious business. One Melbourne man went as far as to ask online why a visit to Bunnings is akin to taking a dose of the strongest laxative possible. Another female customer acknowledged that she was hit with such an overwhelming and immediate urge to empty her bowels that she ruined a pair of Lulu Lemon leggings before she could make it.
Even employees at Bunnings and like-minded stories face similar challenges, according to reports out of Australia.
“At the beginning of every shift I feel the need,” one shared.
“Staff feel this way too, it is so incredibly real, I can’t elaborate. There’s just something in the air,” agreed another.
The stories go on in Australia and elsewhere, although admittedly there have been no reports of U.S. shoppers facing similar fates after visiting Home Depot, Lowe’s or Ace stores. Of course, who knows? Americans may be reluctant to confess to unexpected bowel surges.
While testimonies of rapid bathroom visits continue to grow, deciphering what was causing these attacks was harder to uncover, at least until a Sydney physician offered up a possible explanation. Dr. Zac Turner suggested these bowel-bursting episodes might be tied to a curious relationship between a person’s gut and brain.
“The enteric nervous system, often called the second brain, governs digestive processes and chats constantly with the brain via the vagus nerve,” he explained to an Australian news agency. “This gut-brain banter can lead to surprising outcomes, including sudden bowel movements triggered by sensory or psychological cues.”
The sensory or psychological triggers are where Bunnings and other similar stores may come into play. Research has indicated that smells, physical exercise, stress and lighting can trigger the gut to have an immediate reaction. In the case of Bunnings shoppers, that reaction is a whopping and seemingly immediate need to have a bowel movement.
“Bunnings is a sensory playground: timber, fertilizers, potting mix, and varnishes mingle with the unmistakable aroma of sausages sizzling outside. These smells can stimulate the vagus nerve, kicking digestion into gear and creating that all-too-familiar urgency,” Turner explained.
There are other psychological triggers at shops like Bunnings which may also contribute to the reaction.
“It’s also a place where new projects come to life, containing a maze of choices and decisions. Whether it’s excitement or low-level stress, the gut-brain connection might respond with an urgent ‘time-out’ request,” he added. “Wandering through aisles, bending to pick up bags of mulch, or carrying heavy items engages abdominal muscles, which can stimulate your bowels, especially if your gut is already primed.”
Is there any way to reduce the risk of having to make a rash run? Suggestions include eating a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated, limiting coffee intake before hitting a hardware store and, yes, visiting a bathroom before heading out.
