I’d like to get personal today and talk about what may be an uncomfortable subject.

Your BMs.

Now don’t worry—I’m not peeking into your bathroom.  But it’s important to talk about your “products of excrement” because you can tell a lot about your health from what is in your toilet bowl.

Let’s start with…

What’s normal and what’s not

The frequency

You should be going at least once a day, or possibly even two to three times. 

Some people report that they only go every other day.  That may or may not be a cause for concern.  If someone has been an every-other-day pooper all their life, it’s probably fine.  But if your BMs used to be more frequent and suddenly you’re having poopless days, there may be some constipation lurking in there.

The consistency

According to “The Bristol Stool Scale” (yes, there is such a thing), the seven stool categories are:

• Category 1: Separate hard lumps, like nuts (hard to pass)
• Category 2: Sausage-shaped, but lumpy
• Category 3: Like a sausage but with cracks on its surface
• Category 4: Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft
• Category 5: Soft blobs with clear cut edges (passed easily)
• Category 6: Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool
• Category 7: Watery, no solid pieces, entirely liquid

How you measure up:

• Categories 1 and 2 suggest constipation
• Categories 3 through 5 are considered normal BMs, with category 4 being the “perfect poop”
• Categories 6 and 7 indicate diarrhea

The color

As you would expect, brown is the fashionable, desired turd color. 

Other colored turds may suggest something is not quite right.  For example:

Black poops may mean internal bleeding, so if this is something you’ve seen a few times, talk to your doctor.

Green BMs indicate that food is rocketing through your intestinal tract at the speed of light and may be a sign of too little fiber in your diet, or possibly a virus.

Red or purple turds can go either way.  If you’ve had beets or blueberries recently, there’s your answer.  But on the other hand, if you can’t tie it to any specific food, see a doctor if it continues for more than a few days.

Grayish or yellow tint suggest that mucus is in your stool.  This may indicate an issue with your liver or gallbladder, so get it checked out if it continues.

Common poop spoilers

Here are the most common causes of abnormal BMs:

Too little fiber or water in your diet—Both water and fiber are crucial to healthy bowel function.

Enzyme shortages—If you are low in stomach acid, pancreatic enzyme or bile, that will have a significant impact on your digestion.

Stress—Digestion is a parasympathetic process, meaning your body must be in a relaxed state for it to be accomplished like it should. 

Medication use—Many medications can impair digestion, especially acid reducers, antibiotics, painkillers, antidepressants and birth control pills.

Underlying issues such as food allergies or sensitivities, IBS, Crohn’s disease, colitis or liver/gallbladder problems.

Poops to be proud of

Healthy, regular bowel movements are vital to your health, so it's time to start making sure yours are what they should be!

First of all, if you suspect an underlying health problem, see your doctor.   

But as long as there are no underlying conditions, it’s time to start supporting sound, thorough digestion and creating poops to be proud of!

Here’s how:

Make its job easier

When you make your GI tract’s job easier, you are paving the way for super-efficient digestion and healthy BMs!

It’s simple—just avoid eating animal proteins (meats) and starches (like bread, potatoes, pasta or rice) together in the same meal. 

The reason is because proteins trigger acid secretion for digestion and starches require alkaline enzymes, and the presence of those two opposing enzymes in your stomach can cause them to weaken and neutralize each other.

Throwing your digestion out the window!

Instead pair meats OR starches with vegetables—you’ll be shocked at the difference it can make. 

And if you need more food combining guidance, check out the Great Taste No Pain health system.

Keep it real

Concentrate on real (non-processed) foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables.  Try to eat a tossed salad with dinner every night, and make sure you’re drinking at least eight 8oz. glasses of water a day.

Support your intestinal flora

Your beneficial gut bacteria help break down starches and fiber, so having a strong population of them is crucial for thorough digestion.

Unfortunately, factors like stress, refined carbs, medications, and constipation can throw your flora balance off, creating an environment that favors harmful bacteria and impairing your digestion. 

But supplementation with a full-spectrum probiotic like Super Shield can help bring your gut flora back into a healthier balance, which in turn will support proper digestion as well as strong immune function.

Get an enzyme boost if needed

If you suspect enzyme challenges may be an issue for you, an enzyme supplement like Digestizol Max can pinch-hit where your body needs help and encourage more complete, thorough digestion. 

Reduce stress

Try to eat in a relaxed state, and avoid eating during higher-stress times like when you’re upset, working or driving. 

Now you are on the road to better BMs and a healthier you!

To your health,

Sherry Brescia