If you've ever had the feeling that something just isn't right with your body, you're probably right. But how do you know what's going on inside?Your faeces are a great indicator of what's happening in your body and can tell you a lot about your health.
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Smell is an indicator
The first thing to consider is how your poop smells. If it's not coming out smelling like, you know, the usual, there could be an issue with your diet. Maybe you're not eating enough fibre or drinking enough water? Or maybe you've been hitting up Mcdonald’s a little too much lately? The smell can tell us so much about what's going on inside our bodies—from dehydration to nutrient deficiency!
Quality of your stool
Once you have established that you are pooping, it is important to note the texture of your stool. This can be determined by taking a look at the toilet paper. If you have constipation, your stool will come out hard and dry with little or no odour. On the other hand, if your stools are loose and watery (diarrhoea), they may contain mucus or pus which in turn, will also give off an unpleasant smell. A normal stool should be medium in texture and brown in colour with a slight odour that is not overpowering but still noticeable. Think of the poop emoji, that’s your goal poop.
Frequency is everything
The most commonly reported frequency is at least once a day according to Medical News Today:
Most people pass stool once a day, although others may poop every other day or up to three times daily
The length of time it takes for a bowel movement depends on what type of food was eaten and whether there was any water consumed during the meal (this makes things easier). Medical News Today says that the average person takes up to 20 minutes from start to finish; however, some people find themselves needing more than 30 minutes while others may complete their business within 10 minutes if they don't eat anything else during this period!
According to Women’s Health magazine, the best time to poop would be in the morning, since that is the time you get rid of the food you ate the day before.
Your poop can tell you a lot about what's going on in your body
Poop is a complex substance. It contains your digestive system's secretions, mucus, bacteria and even some of the nutrients you've eaten. Poop can tell you a lot about what's going on in your body.
It's important to remember that all of this is just an indicator, not a diagnosis. If you have any concerns about your poop, it's always best to talk to your doctor or another medical professional. Pooping is just one way we can learn more about our bodies and how they are functioning every day!
Sources used:
Medical News Today: What are the different types of poop?
Women's Health: Is There a Best Time of Day to Poop?
