How's your poop? (Yes, it's okay to talk about it)
Have you looked at your poop in the last 24 hours? Did you even poop in the last 24 hours? For many people it is an absolutely abnormal, awkward and bizarre concept to be looking at their poop. Well, rest assured you are not alone. Our poop is a direct reflection on the status of our health.
Now let me share this with you: Once you start to understand the impact poop has on your health, you will never, ever flush again without looking! We have been taught by society that talking about poop is wrong and impolite, but how about if we think of it this way: Is talking about your health wrong and impolite??
To explore these questions we must first start by looking at the “end” result in the toilet bowl. So when you do have a look, compare it to the chart on the opposite page. Then let’s have a closer look at your health:
The basics – We should all have a bowel movement (a fancy way of saying poop) daily, at a minimum. Anything less than once a day is a sign that something is disconnected between your mouth and your rectum. The longer the time between each bowel movement, the bigger the concerns.
Should it smell? – If you are leaving a “foul” smell behind you; if you have to start the fan after the “bomb”; your partner or kids want to die when they walk into the bathroom after you’re done – then let me say that’s not a good sign! It shouldn’t smell anything particularly disastrous…
What should it look like? – Let’s explore:
Type 1: This first poop illustrates constipation. These little lumps may look friendly, but they require a lot of straining. This constipation is typically caused by an imbalanced diet lacking of fruits and vegetables, fibre and water, and a diet high in animal proteins, fats and processed foods. May also be enhanced by stress, medications, and allergies.
Type 2: Just like Type 1, an imbalanced diet is usually the case. This poop is typically heavy and may sink right to the bottom of the bowl, after much strain and effort.
Type 3: This poop is much healthier than the two above, and quite typical of those on a balanced vegetarian diet. It slides easily without leaving marks or strong smells.
Type 4: This is the optimal poop! Slides easily without having to strain, push too hard, or wait too long. Typical of individuals on a well-balanced diet including a small amount of high-quality animal proteins.
Type 5: This is a very common form of poop in the North American diet, due to the high content of greasy and fatty foods, alcohol consumption and canned fruits. It’s foul smelling and usually leaves skid marks on its way out.
Type 6: Usually comes with urgency and is contains undigested pieces of food. Looks like refried beans, and may come with much gas and stomach pains, and usually lighter in colour.
Type 7: Needs no explanation. This is Diarrea and may be associated with illnesses such as food poisoning, intolerances, parasitic invasions, antibiotic use, laxative abuse, Anorexia, Bulemia and other bad diet habits. It requires much rest, water, and may require consultation with a health care practitioner.
What can you do to improve your poop? If you need help in planning out a proper diet that will not only improve your digestive system but also your overall health, consider speaking to a Registered Holistic Nutritionist like myself. Together, we can resolve many of your family’s health issues. •
Stephanie Dodier is a Holistic Nutritionist, Holistic Lifestyle Coach, Biosignature Practitioner, Corporate Speaker, GAPS practitioner, Whole Food and Ancestral Diet educator. www.stephaniedodier.com
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Article originally appeared in our Silver and Gold magazine Winter 2017 issue. Click for more articles! www.silvergoldmagazine.ca
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