We are sorry to talk toilet, but it is an important one. A lot of our clients just don’t go enough. So what is enough? Every day or at the very least every second. Anything less then this and it’s time to do some work getting your digestive system back on track.
Beyond the frequency the shape and consistency matters too:
Hard lumps: usually means you’re constipated. It is a cause for concern if it happens often.
Long but lumpy: another sign of constipation, it shouldn’t happen often if your gut is functioning well
Log/ smooth and snake shaped: It should be easy to pass and soft (this is what you are after most of the time)
Small lumps but soft and easy to pass: This usually means you are not getting enough fiber.
Watery: this one is easy to identify as a stomach upset. It means the food hasn’t stayed long enough in your system to form a more solid stool. This could indicate an infection or food sensitivity. You would more than likely benefit from a round of probiotics. If it persists for 2 days or more get checked out by your doctor.
We see so many clients that feel it is normal to go every 3, 4 or 5 days- because they always have. Once we start upgrading their diets they can’t believe how much better they feel when they start to go to the toilet every day.
You can start by increasing your fibre- we should be getting around 25-30g of fibre a day (spoiler alert most of us are only getting ½ of that. Some foods to up your fibre include: berries, beans (if tolerated), high fibre vegetables (skin on), gluten free grains (if tolerated).
For those that can’t get close to this number it is a good idea to supplement with a high quality fibre supplement. Start slow as your body gets used to an increase in fibre.