The perfect poo….is there such a thing?
There are several important questions us Colon Hydrotherapist’s ask our clients during their initial consultation and usually at each visit afterwards. One of these important questions that gives us a good insight into your gut health is How often do you have a bowel movement?
There is no rule or definitive answer to how often we should be emptying our bowels to be considered “normal”. Everyone is different therefore everyone will have their own “normal”. What we are looking to identify is whether you are eliminating enough consistently to keep your body functioning at an optimal level and what that looks like for you. For example, when we do ask that question, it is not uncommon for most of our new clients to say that their normal is one bowel movement a week. Personally, and professionally, the idea that someone’s “normal” is pooing once per week does not sit well with me. Most of us are eating a minimum of 3 plus times a day, if we are only eliminating waste from our bodies once a week, where is all this remaining waste being stored, and what is it doing while it is sitting / building up inside us? Bearing in mind that our body has already taken all the good stuff and reabsorbed what it requires to function and perform optimally back into our system, what is left is potentially toxic waste. Poop is a mixture of indigestible fiber, mucus, bacteria’s, and dead gut cells that our body does not want or does not need. If it is not being removed from the body, how is it serving us other than clogging up and potentially fermenting away in our colon?
Evidence suggests going 3 times a day – essentially after every main meal, or 3 times a week is considered normal. Generally, I believe if you can do at least one good bowl movement a day, where once you have finished you feel completely empty, this is a great start to bettering your gut health. Going to the toilet for a bowel movement should not be a strenuous exercise, painful or require large amounts of your time. Nor should runny, loose, or frequent visits four or more times a day. Likewise, should your “normal” bowel habits drastically change without you consciously making dietary and or lifestyle changes, it is important to speak with your therapist and / or medical professional for further investigation.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything further, do not hesitate to contact one of our therapists colonics@yourbodyhub.com.au.