Today we talk "Poop"
I told you in a previous Health Tip this day was coming. The dreaded talk about "POOP"!
So yesterday we spoke about peeing . . . and today we finish the topic of "elimination" with poop!
But first . . . unfortunately, we now live in a world of being "offended" by "everything" . . .
So if talking about "poop". . . one of the most natural functions of the human body . . . offends you . . . you may be excused from today's conversation . . . please exit now!
Okay . . . so we all do it . . . but why is it so important????
Well . . . the bacteria in the gut . . . that's the "good" and "bad" bacteria that I've spoken about in so many of my Health Tips, help us digest and absorb food by breaking down carbohydrates and by helping to create digestive enzymes. "Healthy" poop is a sign that your bacteria are doing their job correctly.
But an "unhealthy" poop like being constipated or having diarrhea means your "bad" bacteria has overrun your "good" bacteria and you are now in a world of "imbalance".
"Abnormal" pooping is defined as pooping too often (more than three times daily) or not pooping often enough (less than three times a week).
So let's break it down so we're very clear on just how important it is to be aware of how you poop!
What color, shape, size and consistency it is . . . is very important. And as we know our diet has a lot to do with whether or not we have a good bowel movement. Also the amount of water we drink determines greatly on how our bowel functions.
We as Americans with our Western diet don't eat anywhere near enough green leafy vegetables and fruit on a daily basis. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states - The average American eats fruit 1.1 times per day and vegetables 1.6 times per day. Their recommendation is 6 to 8 servings per day, Do we see a problem here???
Without these important fruits and vegetables, we lack powerful antioxidants, vitamins, mineral and flavonoids which guard us from free radical damage (cancer) and inflammation.
Okay . . . so here we go . . .
Frequency - several bowel movements per day, which constantly removes toxins from the body.
Color - it normally takes 3 days from start to finish and that gives you brown poop. If this function is faster - it will be a little green. If stool is pale, white or light gray - this could be indicating a block in the flow of bile or liver disease. If stool is black and sticky - it could mean bleeding internally.
Size and Shape - it doesn't matter how big or small, thin or fat - as long as you're pooping it out.
Odor - poop should smell a little - it means there's enough bacteria in the gut doing its job. However, too much stink could mean not a consistent elimination and food rotting in the intestine
Floating stool or sticks to the side of the toilet bowl - is an increase of fat or excess gas in the stool
Mucus in the stool - an indication of "inflammation" or "irritation" in the intestinal wall
Loose stool - GI infections, lactose intolerance or a signal of spleen GI deficiency
Constipation - lack of water and/or dietary fiber
Stool that comes out in small pellets or round balls - lack of dietary fiber
Stool that sinks quickly - This is "normal " poop - good for you!
So be aware people . . . checking out what's happening in the toilet could save your life.
As always, feel free to contact me here