What should you eat before anal sex? What are the foods to avoid? Here's your comprehensive guide to a bottom-friendly diet, from mouth to hole.
Need a TL;DR version of this anal sex diet guide? Scroll through these sides:
Every seasoned bottom has a poop story. Whether you're just exploring with beginner anal toys or you're experienced enough to handle the larger options in our snug plug collection, we all share that moment where things suddenly go quiet during play, maybe there's a slight smell, and the awkwardness of the impending "what do we doo-doo" conversation sets in.
Given how common this is, we need to normalize this natural occurrence and reduce the shame around it.
I've heard too many stories of people being embarrassed, even traumatized, by partners who couldn't handle this reality of anal play. Some folks never bottom again after one negative reaction, which is genuinely heartbreaking. So before diving into dietary strategies, let's address proper etiquette for when shit happens.
Since the receiving partner is usually more embarrassed when this happens, you first need to reassure them that everything is OK, because it is. You're playing where poop lives - sometimes it makes a cameo. That's biology, not bad preparation.
From there, you can both assess the situation. You can choose not to care and continue with the session, you can take a temporary break and hop in the shower (together, if you'd like), or you could amicably end things and plan for a later date. It's really that simple.
Some people think mess means the bottom has done nothing to prepare for the encounter, which isn't necessarily true. The fact of the matter is that nothing guarantees a mess-free experience. The best we can do as proactive bottoms is to eat properly, defecate roughly an hour before intercourse, scrub your bum in the shower, and douche. However, this last part isn't necessary, it's more of a precautionary measure.
Since this process all starts with a proper diet (which also makes the following steps much easier), I reached out to Alex Hall, Chief Bottom Officer at The Bottom's Digest, a one-of-a-kind resource for bottom-friendly recipes and lifestyle tips.
Together, we created this comprehensive anal sex diet guide, from the foods you want to eat to the foods you want to avoid, proper supplementation, and everything else a curious bottom would ever want to know about how food affects your hole.READ: The number #1 hygiene guide on preparing for anal online!
Before talking specific foods, it's crucial to understand that your digestive system doesn't work on demand. Food takes 24 to 72 hours to move through your entire digestive tract, which means that starving yourself the day of anal play won't affect what's already in your colon from yesterday's meals.
"This is why The Bottom's Digest focuses on gas and bloating over messes in the bedroom," Hall explains. "It can take days before food passes all the way through your body as stool. However, if we eat food that doesn't agree with our guts, gas and bloating can happen within an hour and last for hours afterward."
Understanding this timeline helps you plan better. If you know Saturday night is date night with your rimming plug, start thinking about your diet on Thursday or Friday. The meal you eat three hours before bottoming matters far less than what you consumed two days ago.
Here's another fact rarely discussed: the gastrocolic reflex. When you eat, your body naturally makes room by triggering movement in your colon. That's why many people need to use the bathroom shortly after meals. It's not the food you just ate coming out - it's your body's natural inventory management system at work.
Bottoms know how important fiber is. This is nothing new. However, it might be useful to know exactly how fiber benefits our bodies and which types to prioritize for optimal anal play.
The first thing to understand is that there are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble.
Soluble fiber dissolves in water, creating a sort of gel that improves digestion, supports constipation relief, and helps prevent strain and hemorrhoids. This kind of fiber can be found in:
Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, attracts water to your stool, making it bulkier and able to pass food efficiently. This type of fiber can be found in:
Most plant foods contain a combination of both types. For example, an apple's flesh is soluble fiber, while the skin is insoluble fiber.
Given the importance we place on our bum's functionality, it's especially beneficial for bottoms to take fiber supplements, considering most people don't come close to the recommended daily intake of 30 to 38 grams.
As a rule of thumb, you want to limit insoluble fiber 24 hours before you have sex. Switch to white rice instead of brown, peel your vegetables, and choose refined grains over whole ones.
Since your body may not be used to this amount of fiber, you might initially find that you're going to the bathroom more frequently than you used to. Don't worry, this is completely normal. Your body is just adjusting. Once it is accustomed to digesting the supplements (which can take a few weeks), your body will begin to establish regularity.
"This regularity is going to be your best friend when it comes to bottoming because you get a keen sense of when your body is ready to go and when it isn't," Hall says. "If you prepare using a douche, you're probably ready to go for hours, if not all day, afterward."
When taking supplements, Hall recommends pacing them out throughout the day, since taking all 30 grams in one sitting will cause constipation. If you're not used to taking fiber supplements, start low and slow - maybe 10 grams daily - and steadily increase your dose over the next few weeks to avoid excess gas and cramping.
Of course, you're going to want to eat more than just fiber. Hall says the most important thing to understand as a diet-savvy bottom is how your body reacts to certain food since every body is different. Keep a food diary in your Notes app and jot down how your body is responding to your meals.
Generally speaking, lean meats are your best friends before bottoming:
"The key is preparation method," Hall notes. "A grilled chicken breast is very different from fried chicken tenders when it comes to how your gut handles it."
White rice consistently ranks as the number one bottom-friendly carb. Yes, brown rice is nutritionally superior, but we're optimizing for comfort here, not just nutrition. Other safe carbohydrates include:
Vegetables are tricky because while they're healthy, many can cause gas. The safest options when cooked include:
Just because food is nutritionally healthy doesn't mean it's suitable for bottoming. For example, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, brussels sprouts, etc.) are "a big one to avoid," says Hall. "Just eat the foods that make you feel great. The key is getting in tune with your body and discovering what some of those foods are for you."
There are many ways you can adapt a dish to make it more bottom-friendly. Hall shares his top preparation tips:
"If you're sensitive to garlic and onions (like most people with IBS are), infuse your oil with them and discard the actual onion and garlic afterward. Small steps like this can have major impacts when it comes to bottoming while at the same time not sacrificing flavor."
Other cooking swaps that make a difference:
Again, we all have different bodies, meaning our tummies can be triggered by different foods. You're best to experiment and see how you feel, especially on days that you aren't bottoming. Take note of foods that cause major bloating or gas within an hour of eating them, as these are likely your trigger foods.
Dairy Products
Dairy is often "the cause of things getting all gooey down there," as one nutritionist delicately puts it. Lactose, the sugar found in dairy, is difficult to digest and can cause gas and bloating. Not to mention, nearly 50 percent of Americans are lactose-intolerant to some degree.
Here's a task: try cutting dairy from your diet for a few days and see how it affects your stool and douching process. Opt for alternatives like:
Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale are nutritional powerhouses but they're high in FODMAPs, which contain sugars that cause intestinal distress, as well as sulfur, which causes gas and bloating, and intense cramping in people with IBS.
"With that being said, cruciferous vegetables are extremely healthy, so don't give them up for life," Hall says. "Just avoid the ones that trigger you a few hours before bottoming and you'll be nice and comfy."
Artificial Sweeteners and Overly Sweet Foods
Hall says these can create a "messy house party in your gut" and cause diarrhea given how difficult they can be to digest. This includes:
While these are the three main culprits, other foods can play a supporting role in triggering your bowels:
But again, you're going to want to gauge how they affect you personally. Some people can eat spicy food with no issues, while others are running to the bathroom within an hour.
You may be reading this thinking you will never be able to indulge in a decadent dessert or a juicy steak ever again, but this isn't true. You only have to think about eating this way around the days you're bottoming. Even on days you don't eat the greatest, there are supplements that can help calm your stomach and console your hole.
Fiber Supplements
The gold standard is psyllium husk (Metamucil), but there are options:
Probiotics
A multi-strain probiotic improves stool quality and gut health:
Magnesium
Helps with constipation and muscle relaxation:
For example, Lactaid can help those who don't want to give up dairy by mitigating gas and bloating. Hall recommends Beano for folks with sensitive stomachs and those susceptible to gas. There's also research that suggests essential oils can be good for the gut microbiome, like fennel, basil, and ginger oils.
Additional helpful supplements:
As for Hall, his favorite "supplement" is water. "It keeps you hydrated, it keeps your gut health happy, and it keeps everything in your bowels moving. Most people are chronically dehydrated and wonder why their digestion is terrible."
Here's a practical, detailed timeline for optimal preparation:
Sample meals:
Sample meals:
Sample meals:
The biggest misconception about bottoming is that people need to starve themselves in order to avoid mess. Realistically, it takes your body 24 to 48 hours to digest and pass food, which means starving yourself before a dick appointment is doing you no favors, it's just leaving you weak and hungry.
"This is why The Bottom's Digest focuses on gas and bloating over messes in the bedroom," Hall says. "It can take days before food passes all the way through your body as stool. However, if we eat food that doesn't agree with our guts, gas and bloating can happen within an hour and last for hours afterward."
Plus, you need energy for good sex! Whether you're using vibrating anal toys or going au naturel, being properly fueled makes everything better.
If you douche and adhere to a bottom-friendly diet, you're typically good for hours, sometimes even all day. But douching isn't a magic solution for a bad diet.
"If you're eating something that doesn't cause gas and bloating and won't make you feel heavy, you only need to plan your diet a few hours before sex," Hall assures. "You'll know typically within an hour of eating if you need to go to the bathroom to make room in your colon for the incoming food."
So remember, to prevent mess, we don't need to starve ourselves; we should just be a little more thoughtful and strategic with what we put in our bodies. Even then, perfect cleanliness isn't guaranteed. You're having anal sex - some degree of contact with fecal matter is always possible.
If you have IBS or chronic digestive issues:
Vegetarian/Vegan Bottoms:
Keto Bottoms:
Intermittent Fasters:
Want to enjoy a sweet treat without it wreaking havoc on your heinie? b-Vibe partnered up with The Bottom's Digest for a dairy-free tiramisu recipe to get your body and booty ready for play.
This recipe avoids common triggers while still being absolutely delicious - proving you don't have to sacrifice flavor for function.
Step 1: Make the Cashew "Mascarpone"
In a blender, blend cashews, non-dairy milk, and a teaspoon of vanilla until velvety smooth consistency is achieved, ensuring to scrape the sides as necessary. If the mixture is too thick, add more non-dairy milk. This should have the texture of mascarpone cheese. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixtures
In a bowl, vigorously whisk the egg yolks and sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture transforms into a pale yellow color, which usually takes around five minutes. Keep this mixture aside for later use.
Using an electric mixer, whip the egg whites until they reach stiff peak consistency, which usually takes about five minutes. Set them aside.
Step 3: Combine Components
In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine the cashew "mascarpone" with the egg yolk mixture until well blended. Gradually and gently fold in the dairy-free whipped cream. Once fully incorporated, add one-third of the whipped egg whites and gently fold them in. Repeat this process with the remaining egg whites until the mixture is fully combined. The key is to fold gently to maintain the airy texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Tiramisu
Combine espresso, almond extract, and the remaining vanilla extract in a bowl. Dip each lady finger into the espresso mixture, making sure not to exceed 2 seconds to prevent sogginess, and place them in a cocktail glass or small baking dish. If using a cocktail glass, break the lady fingers in half after dipping.
Create layers by spreading the cashew "mascarpone" mixture on top of each ladyfinger layer, then repeat the process. Once the glass or dish is filled, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, though longer refrigeration time will enhance the flavors.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Sprinkle a generous amount of cocoa powder over the top of each tiramisu, adding an irresistible touch. Now, it's time to savor these delectable treats by indulging in a delightful bottoms-up experience!
This dairy-free tiramisu avoids major triggers while satisfying your sweet tooth:
Water deserves its own extensive section because it's that crucial for bottoms. Proper hydration:
Aim for minimum eight 8-ounce glasses daily, but if you're bottoming regularly, Hall recommends even more. "If you're planning to bottom, I recommend getting even more than that if possible. Fiber only does a good job when you're properly hydrated."
Pro tip: Add a pinch of sea salt or electrolyte powder to your water if you're douching extensively, as this can deplete minerals.
"The most important thing to understand as a diet-savvy bottom is how your body reacts to certain food since every body is different," Hall emphasizes.
Keep a detailed food diary tracking:
After a few weeks, patterns will emerge. Maybe you'll discover that eggs are fine for you but not dairy. Or that you can handle spicy food if it's 48+ hours before play. This personalized data is more valuable than any general guide.
Hall shares some next-level strategies for dedicated bottoms:
"One thing people don't realize is that stress hugely impacts digestion. If you're anxious about bottoming, your gut knows it. Practice relaxation techniques, maybe try beginner butt plugs to build confidence, and remember that your partner should be understanding."
Other pro tips:
Diet is just one piece of the puzzle. Mental preparation matters too:
Let's recap the essential points for a successful bottom-friendly diet:
Remember, even with perfect preparation, bodies do what bodies do. A good partner understands this. Whether you're exploring with anal beads, experimenting with pegging, or keeping it simple, a thoughtful approach to nutrition enhances comfort and confidence for everyone involved.
So remember, to prevent mess, we don't need to starve ourselves; we should just be a little more thoughtful and strategic with what we put in our bodies. That is, until we clear the fridge after a hookup leaves.
Generally wait 3-4 hours after a substantial meal. Light snacks can be closer to play time. But remember - what matters most is what you ate 24-48 hours ago since that's what's actually in your colon.
Yes! You don't need to fast. Focus on easily digestible, familiar foods that you know work well for your body. Avoid your known triggers and keep portions moderate.
Consistency is key: regular fiber intake (30-38g), plenty of water, lean proteins, cooked vegetables, and moderate amounts of white rice or refined grains. Add daily probiotics and track what works for your unique body.
No - fiber supplements work best when taken daily for consistency, not right before sex. They need time (weeks) to regulate your system. Take them every day, split into 2-3 doses, always with water.
Well-cooked zucchini, green beans, peeled carrots, spinach, and peeled potatoes are generally safe. Always cook them - never raw. Avoid all cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, etc.) 24-48 hours before.
It depends on your body. Coffee stimulates bowel movements in many people. If it makes you poop immediately, skip it the day of. If not, moderate amounts are usually fine. Track your response.
Follow low-FODMAP guidelines more strictly, keep detailed food diaries, consider working with a healthcare provider, and give yourself extra preparation time. Many people with IBS successfully bottom with proper planning.
Yes! It avoids major triggers (dairy, excessive sugar) while still being delicious. Make it 24+ hours before play for best results. Individual portions help with control.