Though itβs a nagging question in the back of many of our minds, itβs not precisely a polite dinner conversation. Yet still, we want to know the answer to a prevalent question: is my poop normal? While you may not feel exactly comfortable discussing your bathroom habits with friends, you are on the right track, thought-wise, since poop can tell you a lot about your overall health.
When you eat, food travels through theΒ digestive system, and your body will extract what it needs for fuel and maintain good health. What isnβt required is expelled during bowel movements. Simply put, pooping is your bodyβs natural way of getting rid of toxins and waste once all the nutrients it needs have been absorbed from food. When something is off-kilter in the body, it affects the digestive process and shows up in your poop.
What Is “Normal” Poop?
Donβt worry. You wonβt have to become the βpoop whispererβ to get a basic understanding of healthy poops. Letβs start with frequency. It varies from person to person, but most medical experts agree you should be going at least three or more times a week at the minimum; if youβre going once or twice a day, good for you! The key, however, is making sure you are consistent on a day-to-day basis. It is how to determine what is expected from a personal perspective.
When youβre eating enough fiber and drinking enough water, your poop should ideally be connected in one smooth shape and medium to dark brown. If your poop is smooth but broken into a few smaller poops or thin, this is typically okay if there is no discomfort.
Yes, poop should smell. The unpleasant smell we often joke about is simply toxins being drawn out of the body working in conjunction with bacteria in the gut lining. If there is suddenly a very foul odor for more than a few days, you may want to consult your doctor to ensure there isnβt a problem.
Staying Healthy
Ensuring you have healthy poops is by incorporating and sticking to healthy eating and fitness habits. Eat as manyΒ fresh fruits and vegetablesΒ as possible and stay away from processed foods. Sneak in fitness when you can by taking a walk after lunch or dinner, parking farther away from the entrance, and taking the stairs when possible. Even small things add up and make a difference. You will benefit by having healthy and productive bowel movements.
Partha’s Rx
- Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables for overall health.
- Eat enough fiber and drink plenty of water for comfortable, healthy poops.
- βNormalβ or healthy poops are usually smooth and medium to dark brown.
- Smelly poop is normal.
- Consult your doctor if changes in poop habits persist for more than a few days.
