What Everyone Ought to Know About Poop

OK, it’s not something people like to talk about. My clients often say, “sorry for too much information… ” But really, I don’t think we are talking about it enough. What comes out tells you so much about what has gone in and how well those choices are serving you. And it helps you to make changes if necessary to feel your very best every day!!
So, what does your poop tell you? The Bristol Stool Chart is a good visual to explain what is happening with each of the stool types. Everyone may experience changes in stool consistency throughout the week, but overall this may give you a good idea of where your body lands.
Chronic constipation
I would describe constipation as having a bowel movement less than once per day and a consistency that is hard. What everyone considers to be “normal” is different. But it is not “normal” to have a bowel movement every other day or every few days. The main causes of constipation are lack of exercise and diet. A diet rich in animal proteins and refined grains and low in fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) may be at the root of chronic constipation.
Chronic diarrhea
There are many potential causes of diarrhea including food allergy or sensitivity, infection, medication side effect, or after surgery. Some of these may cause loose stools in the short term and hopefully will resolve quickly, but when it becomes chronic you should definitely pay attention and look for the underlying cause of the symptom. Very soft or liquidy stool is a sign that inflammation is occurring in the gut. Without resolution to the symptoms of inflammation, the damaging process will continue and symptoms may begin to appear in other areas of the body as well.