Health tips · May 2, 2023

Gut Check: What Your Poop Can Tell You About Your Health

As I sit down to write this, I can't help but chuckle at how my son's favorite topic of conversation always seems to be poop. Despite our efforts to steer him away from it, it got me thinking about how something so ordinary can reveal so much about our health. Your bowel movements are a telltale sign of how well your digestive system is working and whether there may be underlying issues.

It may seem unconventional, but looking at stool results is a key part of how I help clients get results. I leave no stone unturned, even if that means digging into the nitty-gritty details of their digestive health. I use stool analysis and MRT food sensitivity testing to build personalized protocols.

What your poop can tell you

1. Color. It varies with what you eat, but it should generally be brown. Black or tarry stools can be a sign of bleeding in the digestive tract, while green can point to an infection.
2. Consistency. Ideally your stool is soft and easy to pass. Too hard or too loose can signal constipation or diarrhea.
3. Frequency. Most people go once a day, but anywhere from one to three times a day is normal. Going much less or much more could point to an issue.
4. Smell. Stool should have a mild odor. A particularly foul or strong smell could signal an infection or another problem.
5. Shape. Consistently thin or pencil-like stool can be a sign of a blockage in the colon, while consistently large and bulky stool can be a sign of constipation.

How to keep things moving

1. Eat a healthy diet rich in fiber and nutrients.
2. Stay hydrated to keep stool soft and easy to pass.
3. Exercise regularly to keep your digestive system healthy and prevent constipation.
4. Don't hold it in. Waiting too long can cause constipation and other digestive problems.

Your poop can reveal a lot about your health. If you want to transform your health, we start with your gut, and looking at your stool is the first step.