Unlock the Secrets of Your Health Through Poop!

Understanding your health can be as simple as looking at your poop. It might sound strange, but your bowel movements can reveal a lot about your overall well-being. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what your poop can tell you and how to use this information to improve your health.

The Story Behind the Poop Talk

Hi, I’m Amy McCrea, a registered dietitian and CEO of Grounded Root Nutrition. My journey with GI issues started in my teenage years and worsened during college. Despite following doctors’ recommendations to eat fiber and drink water, my problems persisted. Like many, I was embarrassed to talk about poop, but overcoming this stigma has been crucial for my health.

The Stigma Around Poop

Talking about poop is often seen as taboo, yet we freely discuss our pets’ and babies’ bowel movements. Why the double standard? It’s time to normalize poop talk because it’s a vital aspect of health. Sharing your bowel habits with doctors, family, and friends can provide essential insights into your well-being.

What Your Poop Tells You

Your poop can provide valuable information about various aspects of your health, including:

• Hydration: Dehydration can lead to hard, dry stools.
• Digestion efficiency: Undigested food particles may indicate poor digestion.
• Nutrient deficiencies: Lack of nutrients like magnesium affect our ability to poop regularly.  
• Hormonal balance: An imbalance in hormones will alter bowel movements.
• Parasite presence: Parasites can cause a wide range of symptoms, including constipation and diarrhea.
• Food sensitivities: Reactions to foods  like gluten can be detected through poop.
• Medication reactions: Some medications affect bowel movement frequency and consistency.

Understanding the Bristol Stool Chart

The Bristol stool chart categorizes poop into seven types.  Types 1 & 2 indicate constipation, while types 6 & 7 are seen with diarrhea.  Aim for type 4, which is the ideal “smooth snake.”

Key Characteristics of Healthy Poop

Aside from noting what your poop looks like, it’s important to gather some additional details.  No matter how small these details seem to you, they will assist your healthcare provider in making decisions.  Additional information to gather includes:

• Consistency: Rate your poop using the Bristol Stool Chart.  Then ask yourself how many wipes it takes to clean-up.  If it’s messy, is it also sticky?
• Frequency: One to three times a day can be normal, but regularity is key. Less than six times a week indicates constipation.
• Color: Brown is the norm. Deviations can be due to diet (e.g., green from leafy veggies, red from beets) or health issues (e.g., pale stools from bile duct problems).
• Odor: While unpleasant, an excessively foul smell could indicate a digestive issue.  Can you pinpoint the smell (e.g., rotten eggs)?
• Floatation: Floating stools can be a clue regarding absorption of fats.  Be sure to note how often this occurs.

Factors Affecting Bowel Movements

Your lifestyle and habits greatly impact your bowel health:

• Diet: Incorporate a variety of fruits, veggies, and legumes. Be sure to rotate them for variety not only in nutrients, but also in the type of fiber being consumed.  Variety can have a major impact.
• Fluid Intake: Drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily. Remember, coffee is dehydrating, so for every glass of coffee you drink, you need to add an additional cup of water for the day.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity stimulates bowel movements.  What are you doing for movement?
• Stress and Anxiety: Life changes, seasonal issues, and past traumas strongly can affect your digestion.  Be on the lookout for my upcoming episode on the Vagus Nerve for more information.

Detailed Bathroom Habits for Better Health

Healthy bathroom habits can make a big difference.  Take some time to examine yours and determine where you can make improvements.  

• Leave Electronics Outside: Electronics can stimulate your mind, preventing full relaxation needed for  bowel movements.  Our bowels get stage fright too!  Help them out and put down the electronics.
• Elevate Your Feet: Whether you purchase a squatty potty, use yoga blocks, or a stack of books, elevating your feet is essential.  This position mimics a natural squatting posture, making it easier to go.
• Limit Bathroom Time: Spending too much time can lead to strain, and eventually hemorrhoids. Limit your total trip time to 5-10 minutes per visit. If you’re not successful or don’t yet feel empty, get up and try again later.

Recognizing Warning Signs

Be aware of warning signs in your stool that could indicate health issues requiring medical attention:

• Red or Black: Fresh blood typically correlates with an issue close to the rectum, while blood that is black typically correlates with an issue higher up in the GI tract.  It is important to consult a medical professional anytime you see blood present.  
• Pale or Yellow Colors: These colors often correlate with bile production, or lack thereof.  Consult a medical professional if this is the color of your stool.
• Undigested Food: It is normal to see corn in your stool, as our body doesn’t make the enzymes to fully break it down.  Regular presence of other undigested food can signal digestive problems. 

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’re experiencing ongoing GI issues, consider consulting with a medical professional.  There are several avenues that can be pursued.

• GI Health Dietitians: Experts like myself can provide personalized nutrition advice.  I also utilize functional medicine testing to gain deeper insights into what is going on.
• Gastroenterologists: Specialists in the GI tract.  You may need a specialist referral for insurance.
• Psychologists or Psychiatrists: Helpful if past traumas or stressors impact your digestion.
• Primary Care Doctors: Can provide general health advice and refer you to specialists.

Conclusion

Your poop is more than just waste; it’s a window into your health. By understanding what your bowel movements are telling you, you can make informed decisions to improve your well-being. Don’t be shy—embrace the conversation about poop and take control of your health today.

For more information and personalized guidance, explore our resources and download my free eBook, “Say Goodbye to Constipation.” Your journey to better health starts with understanding your poop!

References

• Schraefel M, Scott-Dixon, K.  6 Reasons You Should Care About Your Poop Health.  ~https://www.precisionnutrition.com/poop-health~.  Accessed on May 16, 2024.
• SIBO Academy.  GI Dietiitan’s Roadmap: Assessment Week 1.  Accessed on May 16, 2024.
• SIBO Academy.  GI Dieittian’s Roadmap: Assessment Week 2.  Accessed on May 16, 2024.