Nobody likes to talk about their bathroom problems. In fact, there is a lot of shyness and shame surrounding all things poop related. We all poop and we all need to poop to live happy, healthy lives. But we don’t like to talk about it. It’s uncomfortable and embarrassing.
Humans go to great lengths to avoid facing the fact that we all have bowel movements. We put extreme amounts of stress and discomfort on ourselves to keep up an “I-don’t-poop” reputation. Jim covers the smell with spray. Sally uncomfortably waits all day to relieve herself because she can’t be branded the “office pooper”. Sarah leaves her boyfriend’s house early just to poop at a coffee shop down the street because she needs to keep up the persona that she doesn’t go #2, like all other women. Most of us have done a series of social gymnastic tricks to cover up or hide the fact that we passed gas or had a bowel movement.
Nobody likes to talk about poop. But here’s the deal: Your poop is important. Maybe it’s not a sexy subject, but let me tell you, when you get your digestion right, your body will respond in a way that is sexy. Everythingis connected to your gut health. If you want clear skin, a slim waist, loads of energy, mental clarity and high motivation, you gotta get your gut right.
And here’s the biggest downside to our embarrassment about all things poop related. There are many people suffering from very uncomfortable digestive related symptoms that are too embarrassed to open a conversation about it until it escalates into a full-blown problem.
Having potty problems is one of the clearest signs that something is off in your body. It’s a signal that deserves to be listened to and addressed. Maybe you’re dealing with digestive issues. Maybe you know that something isn’t quite right but you’re not ready to be the first one to open the subject. So, I’m going to open the topic for us.
My friend, if you:
- Feel heavy and sluggish because you are going days without a good bowel movement, that is not normal.
- If you find yourself constantly alternating between loose, watery stools and constipation that is not normal.
- If you feel grossly uncomfortable after you eat or have stomach pains that is not normal.
- If you are constantly full of farts that release an ungodly smell when expelled that is not normal.
What’s more, you don’t need to live this way.
Having chronic digestive problems is no small thing. It can really interfere with your daily life and even steal from your motivation to get out and socialize.
I’ve heard this hundreds of times from clients I work with. When you are dealing with chronic digestive problems, you begin to plan your daily life around the potty because you never know when you’re going to have an emergency. You spend hours on the toilet dealing with constipation or loose stools. And you are constantly uncomfortable.
Most of the time if you do work up the nerve to talk to your doctor about your potty problems, it only results in a prescription for Miralax or a referral to a GI specialist. In most cases, people go with the Miralax solution or whatever the easiest “fix” is to manage the symptoms. In more serious cases, people agree to a colonoscopy. And while it is incredible that medical advancement has given us the ability to take a quick peek into the world that lies beyond the your butt, colonoscopies can only reveal visibly apparent things like colon polyps or, God forbid, bowel cancer.
That leaves the wild and invisible universe that is your gut microbiome, made up of trillions of bacteria, fungi and other microbes, untouched and unaddressed. This is unfortunate because it is at the very center point of health. If you’re battling potty problems on the regular, your body is trying to give you a message.
And we need to listen up.
There are several things that could be at the root of your potty problems and tummy troubles. It could be:
- a food sensitivity
- bacteria
- fungus
- candida
- a virus
- parasites
- SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
- H. Pylori
- Weak stomach enzymes
- IBS
There are several others that could be added to the list, but these are some of the primary culprits. Your poop is telling you that something is wrong but how do you find out exactly what you’re dealing with?
This is where strategic testing comes into play. As you’ve probably heard me say a hundred times, test don’t guess.
When it comes to chronic digestive issues, most people are familiar with the standard of care which includes endoscopy- a diagnostic test that shows the anatomy of the GI. This great for recognizing things like cancer or abnormal growth but does very little in helping you pinpoint the root of other problems.
The GI Map Stool Test, however, is one of the best tests for helping you identify exactly what the culprit is. A GI Map gives a very detailed representation of what’s living in the gut - good and bad. It is also number one in terms of determining the underlying reasons for GI symptoms such as reflux, gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
So here are the three main takeaways:
- Your poop is talking to you. Every single day. And you’d be wise to listen.
- If you’re dealing with unpleasant digestive issues and suffering in silence, there is hope. You don’t need to spend your days bloated or constipated or worried about finding access to a toilet because you have constant diarrhea. If you’re having potty problems or tummy trouble, don’t be embarrassed and don’t stay silent.
- We can get to the root of the problem. Together we can assess your symptoms, run a few simple tests from the comfort of your own home, and put you on a path to healing and alleviating uncomfortable symptoms.
And lastly: If you’re ready to get to the bottom of your digestive issues, I invite you to schedule a free consultation with me here.
Life’s too short to live it on the toilet, my friend.
