Not so fast…Don’t Rush the Flush!
What Your Poop May Be Telling You
I know what you do. You go to the bathroom, do your business, flush, wash your hands, and get on with your day. But I’m The Gut Fairy, so of course I’m going to ask you to do something a little different.
Before you flush, look at your poop!
Yes, I’m serious. You don’t need to study it or take pictures of it. Just turn around and take a look. Your poop can give you some pretty useful clues about your digestion and what is normal for your body.
Start with what it looks like. Is it hard little rabbit pellets? One giant hard poop? Smooth and formed? Soft and mushy? Completely watery? The Bristol Stool Chart is a simple way to help you describe what you’re seeing. And remember, one weird poop is just one weird poop. I’m much more interested in what happens over and over again.
Then think about how it came out. Was it easy, or were you straining and sitting there forever? Did you feel finished afterward? Did it hurt? Pooping should not feel like an Olympic event.
And yes, I want you to notice the color and smell too. Brown comes in lots of shades, and food, medications, and supplements can change what you see in the toilet. But if something looks or smells really different from your normal and keeps happening, pay attention. Blood, black or tarry stool, or very pale or clay-colored stool are things you should discuss promptly with an appropriate healthcare professional.
Here’s the important part: your poop is a clue, not a diagnosis. A weird-looking or really stinky poop does not mean you should diagnose yourself with dysbiosis, order six supplements, and eliminate half your diet before lunch.
It means you noticed something.
Now get curious.
So the next time you go to the bathroom, DON’T FLUSH SO FAST! Turn around. Take a look. Know what’s normal for you, so you’re more likely to notice when something changes.
Because sometimes your body gives you a clue, and you literally flush it down the toilet.
