Why you should pay attention to your poop

How much do you pay attention to your poop? If you're like most people, probably not much at all.

I recently posted about this on my instagram account which sparked a lot of conversation. Poop is one of those taboo/personal topics that people just don't talk about much. But you should be!

Your poop can tell you a lot about your health. From the shape, color, and consistency to the frequency and even to how difficult it is to get out.

Diameter

A narrow stool can indicate a tight/nonrelaxing pelvic floor (pelvic floor therapy can help with this), an obstruction (ranging from serious to benign/not serious), or even IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). What matters the most is when there is a change in YOUR normal.

Color

There are many medication and dietary reason for stool to be something other than brown. If you are concerned, talk to your medical provider about it.

Consistency

The medical field uses the Bristol Stool Chart to categorize stool consistency. It's on a scale of 1 (rabbit pellets) to 7 (diarrhea). Just like goldilocks, it's ideal to be somewhere in the middle (type 3 and 4). Type 1 and 2 are more indicative of constipation. The longer the stool is in your large intestine, the more water is absorbed and dries the poop out. Constipation is a common side effect of several medications, including pain medications, a reaction to stress and even travel.

Type 6 and 7 are also problematic. The faster stool moves through the large intestine, the LESS water is absorbed and the result is loose stool. Diarrhea can be from an illness, a medication side effect, food intolerance/allergy, stress, recent antibiotic use, an inflammatory bowel disease (Chron’s disease, ulcerative colitis), etc.

Frequency

There is a wide range of normal from 3x per day week up to 3x per day. Anything above or below that is not ideal and needs to be mentioned to your healthcare provider and addressed. Many healthcare providers are not concerned if you consistently have a bowel movement every 3 days. As long as it's not painful

Effort

If you have to strain, your pelvic floor is not coordinating correctly. Pooping should take very little effort. I teach people how to poop ALL THE TIME. Yes, there is a correct way to sit on the toilet. If you’re not sure how to poop, check out my reel on how a stool can help you poop easier.

As with most of the above, if YOU have a change in YOUR normal, pay attention. Your body will tell you a lot. You just have to listen.

Jen Dickinson, PT, DPT