Let’s face it, bowel movements aren’t exactly a glamorous topic.
However, paying attention to your stool can provide valuable insights into your digestive health and overall well-being.
So, let’s get comfortable talking about poo and uncover what your bowel movements are trying to tell you.
The Bristol Stool Scale is a handy tool that classifies stool into seven types.
These range from hard, separate lumps to watery, liquid consistency. This scale can help you assess the health of your bowel movements and identify potential issues.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
A healthy bowel movement frequency can range from three times a day to three times a week. What’s more important than the number is consistency. A sudden change in your usual bowel habits could indicate a problem.
The colour of your stool can also provide clues about your health:
This is the normal, healthy colour, thanks to bile produced by your liver.
This could indicate that food is moving through your large intestine too quickly.
It may also result from consuming a lot of green vegetables.
This may suggest a problem with bile production or absorption.
This could indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract.
This may indicate bleeding in the lower digestive tract, such as from haemorrhoids or anal fissures.
This could suggest a blockage in the bile duct.
While occasional variations in stool consistency and frequency are normal, certain symptoms warrant a visit to your healthcare provider:
If you experience significant changes in your bowel habits that last for more than a few weeks.
This should always be evaluated by a doctor.
This could be a sign of an underlying digestive issue.
This could indicate a serious problem requiring immediate medical attention.
While chiropractic care isn’t directly focused on bowel movements, it aims to optimise nervous system function.
A properly functioning nervous system is essential for regulating all bodily processes, including digestion.
By addressing spinal misalignments, chiropractic care may support overall well-being, which could have an indirect effect on digestion.
Paying attention to your bowel movements is a simple yet powerful way to monitor your health.
By understanding what’s normal for you and recognising potential warning signs, you can take proactive steps to support your digestive well-being.
If you’re interested in a more holistic approach to health, feel free to get in touch.
We’re here to support your overall well-being!
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