Poopology 101: 7 Characteristics of a Healthy Poop

Addressing the elephant in the room here, friends. Pooping. It’s important because it’s like a report card for our health!

Some signs point to whether it’s healthy or needs improvement. The color, shape, and texture are all very important when it comes to bowel movements.

I struggled with abnormal bowel movements for over 20 years. There is hope! Let’s explore why this is an important topic worth talking about, what can contribute to unhealthy poops, what the characteristics are of healthy ones, and ways we can support our bodies.

The Importance of Healthy Gut Flora

Healthy balanced gut flora is key for having normal bowel movements. When our gut flora is diverse and balanced, it does a good job helping to break down food and absorb nutrients from food, as well as keep digestive system health in check.

When there is an imbalance in our gut flora, abnormal stools can be the result. We may see constipation or diarrhea, or even a combination.

Other Factors That Can Contribute to Unhealthy Bowel Movements

• Chronic stress
• Low digestive output
• Parasites
• Dysbiosis
• Diet rich in processed foods
• Food intolerances and sensitivities
• Candida overgrowth
• Lack of fiber
• Dehydration
• Medications
• Sedentary lifestyle

7 Signs of a Healthy Poop

1. You have at least one bowel movement daily
2. It’s not painful to pass
3. Brown in color
4. It doesn’t take long to get the job done (around 10 minutes or less)
5. Smooth sausage or banana shape
6. It doesn’t float but sinks
7. Feels like a complete elimination

Another good indicator of a healthy poop is your bowel transit time.  The bowel transit time is how long it takes from the time you eat a food until it comes out the other end. To learn more, read this article. 

Keep in mind that a perfect poop every time is unlikely.  We will have at times increased stress, changes in our diet, less hydration, and a different routine.  These can all make the characteristics of our poops change temporarily.  We do want to aim for a healthy poop the majority of the time.  If you’re having less than-ideal bowel movements the majority of the time, it can be a sign to take a deeper look at your digestive health. 

Tips for Supporting Healthy Poops

• Drink adequate hydration with electrolytes. Aim for drinking half your body weight in ounces of water. Add a pinch of Redmond Real Salt or Celtic Sea Salt for added electrolytes.
• Eat a diet rich in unprocessed food and rich in fiber (if tolerated).
• Get daily movement
• Prioritize stress-relieving activities: Physiologic sigh, Epsom salt baths, resting.
• Get good quality sleep
• Chew your food to an applesauce consistency
• Vagus nerve stimulation: Helps us shift into relaxation and promotes optimal digestion.
• Digestive bitters: Help our bodies release digestive juices for digestion and absorption of nutrients from our food. I love Earthley Digest Support.
• Avoid snacking and grazing. When we don’t provide at least 2-3 hours between meals, we disrupt our migrating motor complex (acts like our gut sweeper) which can throw off our bowel movements.
• Use a squatty potty. This helps promote a better posture for a more natural and easier bowel movement. It can help relax the pelvic floor muscles, lessen strain, and support complete elimination.
• Use Ease Self Accupressure Tool to ease constipation.

Our digestive system holds the roots to our health. Keeping a check on the characteristics of your bowel movements provides helpful information for your overall health. Even if you’ve been struggling with abnormal bowel movements for years and years, it’s not too late!