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Bowel Movements: What's Healthy?

wellness topics

It’s the topic no one dares to discuss in a health care provider’s office, so don’t even think about discussing it in public! Ssshhhhhhh! We’re going to talk about bowel health – that’s right – what’s normal and what’s not, so shut the door if you must and let’s get to it!

An expert on this subject, Australian colorectal surgeon Dr. Michael Levitt is the author of a book titled, The Bowel Book: A Self-Help Guide for Sufferers. In it, he says that the "human gastrointestinal system was designed to operate best where stool resembles the shape and consistency (although not the color!) of an unripe banana."

According to Levitt, and several other noted experts on this subject, the following is considered “normal” in terms of bowel health:

• Frequency: Some people have 2–3 bowel movements daily, while others have one weekly. It isn’t the frequency that defines “normal,” rather, constipation is best explained as having difficulty when attempting to have a bowel movement.

• Color: The normal color of feces is brown because bacteria from the liver mix with bile during the digestive process. A change in color may occur based on foods you have eaten, or as a symptom of a condition requiring further attention.

• Consistency: Normal feces are 75% water. If less than this, stools may be hard, which causes constipation; if more than this, stools may be runny. While fiber in the diet may be good because it adds bulk to your stools and acts as a gentle laxative, too much fiber can cause stools to be too watery and you will need to cut back a bit on the fiber.

• Odor: Hmmm – what can we say about that? The unpleasant odor that accompanies most bowel movements is the result of sulfur compounds produced by bacteria in the colon. High–sulfur foods (i.e., cabbage, broccoli, beer) can produce more strongly scented bowel movements.

Exercise and a properly working nervous system are great ways to keep your digestive system in shape and constipation at bay. Diet is also important as dairy products, particularly cheeses, can prompt constipation. It’s been our experience that chiropractic care may help to relieve chronic constipation by restoring normal nervous system function. Please be sure to mention any concerns you might have in this area at your next visit.

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Dr. Brickner Asks some important questions of interest to Springboro residents - Chiropractor Springboro Dr. Brickner Asks...

What is the significance of "growing pains?"
Chiropractors know that aches or pains at any age mean something's not right. In fact, many children go through stages of growth without aches or pains. So while "growing pains" may be common, they're not normal. That's why our Springboro chiropractic practice sees lots of children. A chiropractic checkup for your child can often help detect and correct problems that are more difficult to correct in Springboro adults.
Which organs are extra?
You don't have any spare parts. Sure, we can survive without our tonsils, appendix, gall bladder and several other tissues, but each serves a purpose. We chiropractors recognize this. So the chiropractic approach I use in Springboro is to reduce nerve interferences to the control and regulation of every tissue, organ and system of your body.