Everyone has their own bathroom habits. What feels typical for one person might be completely different for someone else.
On the podcast “The Checkup,” host Dr. Mike Varshavski chatted with Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a gastrointestinal specialist and professor at Harvard Medical School. She sees patients at Beth Israel Deaconess and researches the mind-gut connection. Dr. Pasricha is also a medical journalist and recently wrote a book titled “You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong.”
What’s a Normal Poop Schedule?
There’s a lot of variability in how often someone should go, but Dr. Pasricha mentioned it could range anywhere from once a day to three times a day—or even just once every three days. It all really boils down to your diet, fiber intake, hydration levels, and how active you are.
How Long is Too Long On the Toilet?
If you’re spending more than five minutes on the toilet, Dr. Pasricha suggests you might want to watch out for hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins. And, if you find yourself scrolling through TikTok and losing track of time, well, it might be worth cutting back on screen time. Also, if sitting there causes you to lose feeling in your legs—definitely sign that you’ve been in there too long.
Speaking of TikTok, are Probiotics Good for IBS?
There’s a trend on TikTok where influencers talk about the benefits of massages and probiotics for stomach issues, but Dr. Mike emphasizes that most doctors prefer treatments backed by scientific evidence. He even pointed out physicians who promote their own products and supplements.
While some methods may work for some individuals, Dr. Pasricha said the most effective remedy for gastrointestinal problems is something pretty simple: fiber. The trick with fiber is to gradually incorporate it into your diet. This could mean adding more fruit, snacking on raw vegetables, choosing fiber-rich cereal, and ensuring you’re drinking plenty of water. If you suddenly bulk up on fiber, though, you might face discomfort, gas, or bloating.
Should I Look in the Toilet Bowl After I Go?
You should absolutely be aware of what’s typical for you. Ideally, what you leave behind should resemble the shape of a banana if you want to make sure your gut health is on point.
Is Blood on the Toilet Paper Normal?
Probably not. While a small amount of blood on the toilet paper might happen due to hemorrhoids, it’s crucial to check with a doctor. Blood in your stool can signal more serious issues, like colon cancer, which is increasingly diagnosed in younger men. So, if you notice anything unusual, it’s best to find out what’s going on.
