Let's Talk Poop 💩

One of the easiest ways to assess your digestive health

I know...not the most glamorous topic. 😅

But as your nutrition coach, I care just as much about what's coming out as what's going in.

Your bowel movements tell us a lot about how well your digestive system is working. They're one of the quickest ways to identify issues with hydration, fiber intake, stress, gut health, food intolerances, or even how well you're absorbing nutrients.

First: How often should you be pooping?

The truth is, everyone has their own rhythm, but there are some healthy reference points.

• 1–3 bowel movements per day: Gold standard. Your digestive system is moving waste efficiently.

• More than 3 per day: Often a sign of diarrhea or rapid transit time, meaning your body may not have enough time to absorb nutrients properly.

• Fewer than 3 per week: Considered constipation. Waste is sitting in the colon longer than it should.

Many people tell me, "I've only gone every 3-4 days my whole life—that's just normal for me."

It may be common, but it isn't necessarily optimal.

So...where does the waste go?

If you're not eliminating regularly, it doesn't magically disappear. Instead, stool sits in the intestines longer than it should. Over time, this can contribute to:

• Bloating

• Feeling sluggish or heavy

• Brain fog

• Increased gas

• Skin issues

• Abdominal discomfort

• Harder, more difficult-to-pass stools

Regular bowel movements are one of your body's natural detoxification pathways. Your body is designed to eliminate waste—not store it.

The Bristol Stool Chart

Use the chart below to identify which type most closely matches your typical bowel movement.

What the different types mean:

Types 1-2 ❌ Constipation

• Hard, dry stools that are often difficult to pass.

• May indicate dehydration, inadequate fiber, slowed gut motility, or other digestive issues.

Types 3-4 ✅ Gold standard

• Easy to pass.

• Well-formed, smooth, and a sign that digestion is functioning well.

Types 5-7 ⚠️ Loose stools or diarrhea

• Food may be moving through the digestive tract too quickly.

• This can reduce nutrient absorption and may be related to illness, food sensitivities, stress, medications, or digestive conditions.

Why I, As Your Coach, Care

When we talk about digestion, here's what helps me most:

• How many times do you poop each day or week?

• What Bristol Stool Type are you usually?

• Do you strain?

• Do you ever feel like you didn't fully empty?

• Do you experience bloating, urgency, or excessive gas?

These answers help me determine whether we need to focus on hydration, fiber, stress management, gut support, meal timing, or other nutrition strategies.