Let's dive right in and talk about something that might make you chuckle - poop!

We get it, discussing bathroom habits isn't exactly the most comfortable conversation topic.

However, here at MOVE, we firmly believe in the importance of understanding your bowel movements, especially as it's a significant aspect of what we address in pelvic floor physical therapy.

Despite its less-than-glamorous reputation, your poop can provide valuable insights into your overall health. So, before you hit that flush button, take a moment to actually observe your poop. Yes, you read that correctly - take a look at your poop! 👀

The Fascinating Journey of Poop:

Believe it or not, your poop embarks on quite the epic adventure (and undergoes a complete transformation!) inside your body.

It all starts as the food you eat. After ingestion, it goes through stages of digestion involving various organs such as the stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, and liver.

As the food moves through the small intestine, nutrients are absorbed. Eventually, it reaches the cecum, gaining entry into the colon.

As it travels through different parts of the colon, your meal gradually morphs into formed waste. Finally, it arrives at the rectum, sending a signal to your brain that it's time for its grand exit.

Decoding Healthy Stool:

Now, let's discuss what healthy stool should look like.

Contrary to what you might think, not all poop is created equal! According to the Bristol Stool Chart, there are seven different types of poop. Types 3 or 4 are considered ideal.

If you find yourself dealing with Type 1 or 2, that's a sign of constipation, and it might be time to up your water and fiber intake.

On the other hand, if your stool falls into the Type 5, 6, or 7 category, you could be dealing with an infection or issues related to intestinal absorption. Type 7 is known as "true" diarrhea.

The Color Clues:

The color of your poop is influenced by bile, a substance that breaks down fat. Ideally, healthy poop should be a pleasing shade of milk-chocolate brown. Surprised? Your diet can also impact the color of your stool. For example, consuming lots of beets might lead to red stool.

However, if your stool appears discolored, it could indicate potential liver or gallbladder problems. Black or tar-like stool might signal bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, requiring medical attention. Pale green or yellowish stool could be linked to gallbladder issues or a diet rich in veggies. Check out this helpful chart for stool color for a visual guide to color variations and their potential causes.

The Floating Conundrum:

Should your poop float or sink? If your toilet bowl looks like a scene from D-Day, there might be some digestive concerns at play. Floating stools might suggest a higher fat content, indicating issues with the liver or gallbladder. Perhaps it's time to reconsider your dietary intake.

So, if you've made it this far, congratulations on embracing the not-so-glamorous truth about poop! And guess what? You've gained some pretty valuable knowledge. The next time you're in the bathroom, take a moment to observe. If you're feeling curious and want to delve even deeper into the world of feces, there are tests and even fecal transplants that offer additional insights.

It turns out, poop is actually quite fascinating!

If you have questions and would like to consult with our team here at MOVE Athletics, just use this link to schedule a totally free 15 minute phone consultation!