I talk to a lot of people about their poop.
Frankly, you can’t know how to feed your body unless you know what’s happening on the other end.
And what I’ve discovered is what most people perceive as a “normal” bathroom regimen is actually their body waving a red flag.
If your pooper is out of whack, most likely so is your food and lifestyle.
Here’s some signs your poop routine needs an overhaul:
- You’re not eliminating every day
- You’re not completely eliminating when you go
- You're straining
- You’re often gassy or bloated
Not pooping right can lead to acne, a hormonal imbalance, chronic infection, weight gain and a lowered immune system.
A healthy person should be having a bowel movement, without strain, one to three times a day.
Ideally, once after each meal.
I know that may sound crazy, especially if you’re only going once a week.
But when you follow these simple steps to getting a perfect poop and experience the increased energy and lightness of being regular, there is no going back my friend!
For most people, it’s not happening because they’re eating the wrong food, not drinking enough water (at the right time) or are living a lifestyle keeping them backed up.
We eat three meals a day and much more.
That’s a lot of food and fecal matter building up.
Pooping is the body’s natural way of detoxing.
How you go to the bathroom is an indication of how well things are going inside your body.
Simply put, if you were a Chevy, your poop would be the engine light.
If you’re not going regularly, it’s time for a tune up!
Steps to a Perfect Poop
What can back you up:
- Sugar (feeds the bad bacteria in your gut)
- Dairy products (milk and yogurt that is not organic or pasture-raised)
- Gluten (wheat, rye, barley and spelt)
- Most processed food including gluten-free snacks
- Too much animal protein
- Too much fiber or not enough
- Overeating
- Intense exercise
- Medication (antidepressants, painkillers, decongestants and even laxatives)
- And the mother of irregularity… STRESS!
Not pooping everyday is a sure sign that you’ve got toxins building up.
Here’s how to keep everything flowing:
Water is not enough
Yes, drink water, at least eight cups a day.
But here’s the clincher, there are lots of people drinking tons of water that are still constipated!
It’s because they’re not drinking it at the right time.
The majority of water you drink should be well before every meal.
The worst thing you can do is wakeup in the morning and grab a coffee, eat or workout before hydrating.
Try this: On waking, drink one or two pint-sized glasses of warm water before anything else. Give your body about a few minutes to feel full.
You will probably feel the urge to eliminate at this point. If not, add a teaspoon of ground flaxseed to your breakfast.
(Too much fiber, like flaxseed or chia seeds, can back you up. Less is more!)
Eat vegetables, especially dark green leafy ones
Think kale, collards, swiss chard, spinach. Good for your gut bacteria and a good punch of vitamins and fiber. Fermented veggies, like sauerkraut and kimchi are also great options.
Chew
Those teeth were put in your mouth and not your stomach for a reason. If you don’t chew well before swallowing, you’re leaving a lot of work for your digestive system.
Eat until full, not stuffed
Imagine your stomach is like a blender.
When overfilled, there’s no space for the blades to spin and breakdown the food.
But if there’s room left at the top, it blends smoothly.
Stress less
What are you holding on to?
Feelings of anger and hurt weigh us down.
If you want to let go on the commode, you have to start letting go in life.
When you relax, the gut wall relaxes.
Someone who is eating perfectly can still have issues going to the bathroom if stress is not addressed.
Take a few minutes in the morning to relax and breath. Try closing your eyes and scanning your body for any tightness. Start at your toes and work your way up to the crown of your head.
Slowly breath into the constriction until you feel lighter. Do this throughout the day as needed.
Try it on the toilet!