The Scoop on Your Poop

I always ask my clients about their digestion. Usually, people take this as a chance to talk about their stomach pains after they eat or if they occasionally feel bloated. But I want to get into the nitty-gritty, which can be a little uncomfortable for people. Let's be honest though, we all do it, and we need to understand our bodies' way of elimination.

Healthy bowel movements are so important for overall wellness. Constipation, diarrhea, even tiny "deer droplets" can be a sign of an unhappy gut. But what's also important to keep in mind is that our bodies are different, and our bowels are different. So let's talk about generally what healthy, um, poop looks like.

Frequency

Each body varies when it comes to how often we go Number 2. I'm not sure how consistently you're comparing bathroom breaks with your friends, but don't be too alarmed if the numbers are off. For the most part, you should only be concerned if the number of times you're going changes from your usual. For example, if you usually go twice a day and suddenly you don't go for a few days in a row, maybe it's time to check the gut. On the other hand, if you're used to going every other day and suddenly, you're heading to the bathroom every few hours, something might be up.

A general rule of thumb is three times a day to once every three days is average for bowel frequency.

Some gut issues like IBS or chronic constipation are a whole other ballgame, and you should talk to your health care practitioner.

Consistency and Buoyancy

I'm assuming (hoping) you aren't touching your bathroom bits to test the consistency, but most people can take a quick look and get an idea.

Ideally, the consistency shouldn't be too hard or too soft. You want somewhere in the middle. You also shouldn't be seeing undigested food too frequently, which could be a sign of malabsorption.

Your stool should sink straight down to the bottom. Floating stool usually means there are high amounts of fat which could be a problem in your intestines. Digestive enzymes may help with this, but frequent floaters might require going to your doctor.

Effort

It might seem obvious, but it's worth noting – going to the bathroom should not be difficult or painful. Pain or pressure with elimination can be harmful to your digestive tract or be a sign of some internal issues. It should come with ease and all at once. Pellets "deer droppings" or feeling like you didn't get it all out may require more fiber in your diet. 

If you’re experiencing pain or strain during elimination talk to your doctor. Some possible causes could be hemorrhoids, IBS, infection, abrasions, or a skin condition.

Color

Color can vary depending on what we are consuming (don’t be alarmed if you’ve had beets in the last few days). Normal colors tend to be brownish/greenish. There is a slight spectrum, so you shouldn’t be too worried if it looks a bit darker or lighter than usual. The time to take action is typically when your stool has a sudden drastic change in color, and you can’t contribute it to foods you have eaten in the last few days.

Black stool may signal internal bleeding unless certain medications or supplements have been taken recently. Red stool may mean bleeding in the lower part of your intestines. Unless, of course, you’ve had beets in the last few days. Yellow stool can signal undigested fat and can be caused by certain conditions of the pancreas. Green stool when it is very soft or even liquid in texture usually means malabsorption as everything is going straight through your system.

Gut-Brain Connection

AKA nervous pooping or stress constipation. When we get anxious, the amount of serotonin in our gut increases, sending signals to our colon. Sometimes these signals cause spasms, suddenly causing us to head straight for the bathroom.

Constipation can also be a result of increased stress. Stress can cause inflammation in your intestines and limit blood flow to less vital organs such as your digestive system.

Yoga, exercise, or even meditation can help with tummy troubles caused by the gut-brain connection.

Our bathroom habits might be considered a bit taboo, but assessing and understanding the way we digest and eliminate leads to greater overall health. Make a mental note next time you’re on your porcelain throne.