Inspirited Wellness Podcast, Episode 7 – Poop: Are you doing it enough?
Did the title of this episode make you cringe a little bit? This is definitely not a topic that most people think about often, much less discuss publicly.
I want you to really think about the following two questions:
- How often do you think you should have a bowel movement?
- How many bowel movements do you have every day?
If you’re not sure, or had to think about your answers, then you really need to listen to this episode!
We all know that bowel movements are important, but most people don’t may much attention to it unless there’s a problem.
The discomfort of constipation or chronic diarrhea is pretty hard to ignore. Even if you think you don’t have a problem, you should have an awareness of how often, and what kind of stools you’re having.
You should also have an idea of your kids’ bowel habits. My kids are very used to me asking them about the last time they pooped, what it looked like, consistency, and if there was any discomfort. It’s much easier if you get them in the habit of talking about it when they’re young. As they get older, it won’t be completely comfortable, but at least they’re used to it!
The bowels and kidneys are our primary organs of elimination.
These two systems work together, so if the bowels aren’t performing, the kidneys have to work harder to compensate.
If both the kidneys and bowels are compromised, the body turns to alternate exits in order to get rid of waste.
These will be the eyes, ears, skin, lungs, and nose/sinuses.
In women, the uterus and vagina are dependent on good kidney and bowel elimination, so if you suffer from painful, heavy periods, that is a possible indication that your bowels and kidneys are struggling and need support.
You should have at least two bowel movements a day.
They should be formed, painless, and not urgent.
It’s preferable that they are spread out, with the first bowel movement occurring shortly after waking, and the second later in the afternoon or evening.
I’m not suggesting that you obsess over your bowel movements!
First, I just want you to become aware of how often you go. Take note of the consistency of stool and note any discomfort, if any, you experience during the bowel movement.
I recommend focusing on the morning bowel movement first. Your body’s organ systems have been cleaning overnight and it’s a good idea to get rid of all the accumulated metabolic waste.
Breaking the fast.
The first thing you want to consume in the morning is a mono fruit breakfast, along with a glass of water. Begin the day by eating only one kind of fruit, 15 minutes before you eat your regular breakfast.
Here are some of the best cleansing fruits:
- Apples/pears
- Berries
- Citrus fruit
- Grapes
- Mangoes
- Melons
If you’re like me and don’t really like to eat breakfast, start with just a few grapes. I found that this was very doable for me, especially if I pre washed them the evening before and left them out on the counter so I could just pop them in my mouth in the morning.
By starting the day with just one fruit before anything else, you help your body slowly clean out the waste and mucus by opening the channels of elimination.
Don’t be afraid to experiment to see which fruit works best for you!
I hope this is helpful. I’m always here if you have any questions or need more individualized help.
Much love,
Christina
The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and not a replacement for medical advice. Any questions or concerns regarding your specific health-care needs should be addressed to your health-care provider. The author is not a medical doctor and will not be held liable for any outcomes linked to this information. The user takes full and complete responsibility for all outcomes to yourself or any other party as a result of any information contained or linked on this blog.
