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Bowel Movements: What's Healthy?

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.