Gut Health | April 28, 2023
Cracking the Code: What Your Poo is Telling You About Your Health
Ugh, let’s talk about the stinky, smelly, icky stuff that we all do but don’t like to admit it. Yeah, I’m talking about poo, doo-doo, turd – whatever you want to call it. But did you know that this nasty stuff can actually reveal a lot about your insides and how your body is functioning?
Your poo is like a secret code that your body uses to communicate with you. It’s made up of all the leftovers from your digestive system – stuff that your body didn’t need and wants to get rid of. But buried in this stinky mess are clues that can help you understand what’s going on inside your body.
So let’s crack the code and explore what your poo might be telling you through its color, consistency, frequency, and maybe even some additional matter.
Color
Normally, poo should be brown – not too light, not too dark. If you eat a lot of green veggies, your poo might turn green too, which is totally normal. But the color of your poo can tell you about your liver function.
Picture this: your liver, a powerful organ working tirelessly to keep your body running smoothly, produces a substance called bile that is stored in your gallbladder. When you eat, the bile is released into your small intestine to help digest fats and absorb essential vitamins. But here’s the kicker: if your liver isn’t making enough bile, your poo might be pale or grayish in color. And if there’s a blockage in the bile ducts, your poo could turn dark or even black! So, next time you’re on the throne, take a moment to peek and see what your poo is saying about your liver function.
Consistency
Let’s get real about what the consistency of your poop can mean for your diet. If you’re pushing out hard, lumpy logs, it could mean that you’re depriving yourself of the fiber and hydration you need. The result? A painful, frustrating bout of constipation. Soft and mushy poop, on the other hand, could be a sign that you’re chowing down on too many carbs. And if your poop looks like it belongs in a watery underworld, you might be dealing with inflammation, infection, or a liquid overload. But don’t fret! By incorporating plenty of fiber, fruits, veggies, and whole grains into your diet, you can get your bowels back on track and feel more energized and healthy than ever.
Frequency
You should be passing poo about once a day.
Your intestines hold important clues about your overall health, and the frequency of your poop is one of them. If you are feeling blocked up and not going as often as you should, this could be a warning sign that something is amiss. Maybe you’re constipated, or perhaps there’s a pesky blockage in your gut causing trouble. These issues could point to deeper, more serious conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.
But on the other hand, if you’re running to the bathroom more often than usual, it could indicate that your intestine is irritated and not functioning properly. This could be due to inflammation, infection, or any number of other gastrointestinal issues.
Additional Matter
Last but not least, there’s the extra stuff that might be lurking in your poo. Blood, mucus, pus, or even worms – gross, right? But finding these things in your poo can be a sign that there’s something serious going on in your body.
Now that we have the basics, let’s get down and dirty and learn what your poo can really tell you? Your poo has a tendency of communicating four main messages with the first up being the quality of your diet.
Diet Quality
Your poop can give you a detailed report on the quality of your diet. The foods you consume play a significant role in shaping the frequency, color, and consistency of your bowel movements. If you’re not getting enough fiber and water, you might experience constipation, which can result in hard and lumpy poop that’s difficult to pass. Conversely, if your diet consists of mostly carbs, it can lead to soft and mushy poop that can be hard to control. When you have too much liquid, or your digestive tract is inflamed or infected, your poop can turn into a runny, watery mess. To ensure your dietary intake is top-notch, you should consume a balanced diet that’s filled with fiber, fruits, veggies, and whole grains to promote a regular and healthy poop schedule.
Intestinal Wall Health
Your poop can reveal whether there are defects in the lining of your intestines that may be affecting your health. If you see blood or experience chronic diarrhea, it may indicate that something is not right with your intestinal wall. These defects can be caused by various factors, such as bacterial infections or something more serious.
Complimentary Digestive Organ Function
Your poop can give you a visceral understanding of how well your brain, liver, and pancreas are functioning together to digest your food. The brain is the conductor of the digestive symphony, and any misfires can cause slow and incomplete digestion. The liver produces bile, the oil that helps your body absorb healthy fats and if it’s not functioning properly, it can show in the color and texture of your poop. The pancreas produces enzymes that break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates and if it’s not functioning well, your poop can suffer from it. By tuning into the texture, color, and regularity of your poop, you can get an intuitive read of the teamwork between these complementary digestive organs, and take action to keep them harmoniously working together.
Gut Microbome Composition
Your poop can reveal the secrets of your gut microbiome, which is a bustling community of microorganisms that reside in your digestive tract. The gut microbiome is a powerful force in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function, and any alterations to its balance can wreak havoc on your overall health. The consistency, color, and frequency of your poop can provide clues about the diversity and composition of your gut bacteria, as well as any imbalances that may exist. If your poop is firm and compact, it may suggest a harmonious balance of gut bacteria, while loose or watery poop may signal a disturbance or an upset in the gut microbiome. By tuning in to your poop, you can unlock precious insights into the health of your gut microbiome and take proactive measures to cultivate a thriving and well-balanced digestive system.
Whew, that’s a lot to digest. So, what exactly should you do with this information?
Pay attention to your body and listen to the signals it’s sending you. Your poop is a reflection of your health, and when things are going well, it should be consistent. But when changes occur, take note and make necessary adjustments to your lifestyle.
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I’m Nicole Spires
I’m a wellness advocate, a nerd when it comes to digestive wellness, and a mom working to keep the whole family healthy. I’m the creator of Daily Habits for Digestive Wellness, a course dedicated to achieving foundational wellbeing.
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ABOUT THE BLOGGER
I’m Nicole Spires
I’m a former college athlete, wellness advocate, outdoor enthusiast, and mom working to keep the whole family healthy. I’ve created this page to share the journey and (hopefully) inspire and support you along the way.