Contents
In this article you will learn, among others:
- How to properly defecate?
- How often should you defecate?
- What should a normal stool look like?
- What does a dirty stool mean?
- What to eat to make the stool normal?
How to properly defecate?
It turns out that our beautiful, modern toilet bowls are not entirely compatible with how our body works. In an upright position, it is more difficult to empty the colon well. The best position that has been known for hundreds of years is squattingthat is, the knees are bent and closer to the body. As it turns out, in traditional peoples that still deal with this way, it is in vain to look for, for example, diverticulitis of the large intestine. It does not mean that you should start taking care of yourself outside the house or in the woods. You just need to buy a toilet stool on which you put your feet and gently lean forward.
How long should a bowel movement take? It turns out that it is a myth that the process is naturally so long that it should be made pleasant by, for example, reading. As the research from 2009 in Neurogastroenterology & Motility, people with hemorrhoids deal with this way for the most part, in long sessions. Interestingly, this theory is not new. The first study pointing to linking toilet reading with hemorrhoids comes from 1974. The researchers emphasized that long periods of sitting on the toilet, where the anus alternately relaxes and tightens again, irritates the tissues around it, which help to control bowel movements. This in turn can lead to hemorrhoids or phlebitis. Although it is not clear whether this is the effect of the disease or its cause, it is recommended that you do not occupy your mind with phone or reading while you defecate, lengthening the process unnecessarily. Not to mention hygiene. Will you wash your hands, but will you do the same with your smartphone?
How often should you defecate?
It is also worth remembering that the natural time for bowel activity is morning. So if you have problems with bowel movements, use this time. However, this does not mean that you need to have a bowel movement every day. The standard is quite broad, from 3 times a day to once every three days, but without pain or other ailments. It is best to know your own rhythm, as it is only disturbing to change it.
What should a normal stool look like?
The stool does not smell, however it should also not smell excessively. If, after your visit to the toilet, it is impossible to get close to it without a gas mask, it means it’s time to at least take a look at your diet, if you don’t make an appointment with your doctor. Excessive odor may indicate, on the one hand, food intolerances, infections, and on the other hand, such diseases as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease. If you have a common problem, not just an occasional one, see a gastroenterologist.
Before you rinse your creation, you should look at it with at least one eye. The appearance of your poop can tell a lot about what is going on in your body. What should it look like? The Bristol Stool Formation Scale created in 1997 by Dr. Ken Heaton. There are 7 types, of which 3 and 4 can be considered the norm.
- 1 type – single nut-like lumps, difficult to pass
- 2 type – elongated but lumpy shape
- 3 typ – elongated shape with cracked surface
- 4 typ – oblong shape, smooth, soft stool
- 5 type – soft cuts with clear edges, easy to expel
- 6 type – fluffy, fluffy pieces, jagged edges
- 7 type – a liquid, watery pile without solid pieces
What does a dirty stool mean?
Additional information worth noting is how the artwork leaves the shell. If it stains heavily, does not rinse and floats for a long time on the surface, it may be the poop was high in fat. Thus, it may be a signal that, for some reason, it is poorly digested or absorbed in the intestines. On the other hand, if it leaves the toilet by itself with a loud splash, it may mean that the body is he doesn’t digest everything properly and there are food debris in the stool. It is best if it floats on the reins for a moment, then leaves the shell cleanly after rinsing.
What to eat to make the stool normal?
More than once or twice, we have already written about what a diet should look like in the case of constipation or diarrhea. I will mention here only the article ‘When the intestine begins to rebel’, in which you will find information on what the diet should look like in case of these ailments. How to proceed to keep the intestines in good condition? Here are the 3 most important factors:
- dietary fiber, i.e. a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains,
- liquids, i.e. drinking the right amount of water, sugar-free teas or squeezed juices every day, but also soups,
- probiotics, i.e. fermented milk drinks, silage or probiotics from the pharmacy.
It is also essential no abuse of antibioticswhich, unfortunately, apart from pathogens, also destroy the beneficial microflora. Considering that the intestines are inhabited by almost 1000 species of bacteria, their impact on the well-being of the body cannot be overestimated. Disturbances in their composition or number are a simple way to constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, and their addition to the diet is a relief in such ailments as irritable bowel syndrome or lactose intolerance.
Although we still often treat the intestines a bit neglect and prefer to pretend that defecation and gases concern the neighbor, but not us, it is worth breaking this taboo and looking at what is created in the toilet for your own health.
Main photo is from: macaron * macaron (Est Bleu2007) / Foter / CC BY