Let’s Talk Poop!

I know it’s a “dirty” little topic that nobody likes to bring up, but it’s important to our health – especially when living with endometriosis. We know that poop is waste leaving our bodies.

Do you know much beyond that? How does poop affect your ability to manage endometriosis?

How often should you be pooping? What do you do if you’re going too often or not enough?

Let’s find out!

Bowel movements and endometriosis

First, let’s understand how going number two affects priority number one: managing endometriosis.

In addition to carrying waste out of the body, our poop also helps us to eliminate excess estrogen. Estrogen is an important hormone in the body that plays many roles.

However, if we have too much estrogen, it can trigger endometriosis symptoms such as cramping and pain. I don’t know about you, but I want to do everything possible to reduce cramping and pain.

So, bring on the poop!

How often should you go to the bathroom?

Know that we know the importance of poop. We want to make sure that we’re pooping regularly. But what exactly is “regular"?

Most recommendations suggest that we should be pooping daily.

We always have to take general recommendations like this with a grain of salt because our bodies are different and, therefore, will have unique needs and habits. So, you may be slightly more or less than this.

That said, it’s a great target to aim for to become regular, so you don’t want to be too far off this recommendation.

What is normal poop?

Not all poop is the same, though. It’s not just about the frequency or quantity that you go. It’s also about the “quality.”

Sometimes we get pebbles. Sometimes we get a big pile of mush.

Neither is ideal. What would be considered "normal" poop is easy to push out and has an “S” or snake shape.

Going to the bathroom too easily

If you’re rushing to the toilet or simply finding that there’s no shape to your poop, making some adjustments to your diet may help. Eliminating foods that could be aggravating your gut is especially important.

Greasy food would be at the top of this list. Try to avoid fried and greasy food.

You could also explore adding a probiotic to your supplement routine. Discussing this with your doctor or healthcare provider would be an excellent suggestion.

In addition to focusing on what you’re eating, how you eat can also contribute to food moving fast through your digestive tract. Try to sit for each meal and chew your food well.

This step alone has many health benefits, but we often forget or overlook it during busy and distracted days.

Struggling to go

Other times you may find yourself struggling to poop. Constipation is frustrating and uncomfortable.

Increasing your water and fiber intake can be helpful to bring you and your colon some relief.

To get and stay hydrated, fill up that water bottle and avoid the foods that will dehydrate you, such as caffeine and alcohol.

To up your fiber, add more veggies to your plate and reach for fruit at snack time. Chia seeds are also a great source of fiber, and they can be easily added to a smoothie.

It is important not to go too fast with increasing your fiber. Do so gradually so your stomach can adjust.

Here's to hoping that you learned something new about going number two!