Welcome to Health Matters, a podcast from Mayo Clinic. In this episode, host Kristen Meinzer talks about one thing everybody does — however few folks talk about: poop.
Dr. Xiao Jing Iris Wang, a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist in Rochester, Minnesota, explains what “normal” stool can appear like and when adjustments might sign an issue. You’ll discover ways to assess poop coloration, form, and consistency, what the Bristol Stool Form Scale means, and why regularity issues greater than going each day.
We additionally cowl sensible, evidence-based suggestions for constipation aid and diarrhea therapy, together with when house cures might assist and when it’s time to speak to a clinician.
In this episode
• What poop is and why you’ll be able to nonetheless have bowel actions even if you happen to’re not consuming a lot
• Poop coloration warnings: vivid pink blood, black tarry stool, and pale/grey stool
• What “healthy” stool consistency appears to be like like — and why straining isn’t regular
• Constipation fundamentals: hydration, fiber, and fruits like kiwi and prunes
• Over-the-counter choices: stool softeners, osmotic laxatives, and stimulant laxatives
• Diarrhea: widespread causes, hydration dangers, and when to hunt care
• Proper pooping posture: footstool positioning, respiratory, and avoiding lengthy bathroom sits
• The pelvic ground’s position in bowel actions and why it issues
When to hunt medical care
Talk to a well being care skilled if you happen to discover blood, persistent signs, main adjustments out of your regular sample, extreme bloating, bother consuming, or indicators of dehydration.
More episodes and sources: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/podcasts/health-matters/
Leave a voicemail with a query or subject concept: (507) 538-6272
Learn extra about Dr. Wang’s e book, “Boo Can’t Poo,” within the present notes.
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00:00 Health Matters intro + episode setup
00:24 Why we don’t speak about poop
00:01:28 What poop really is
00:02:33 How to inform if it’s wholesome
00:02:40 Poop coloration: what’s regarding
00:03:44 Shape, consistency, and straining
00:06:27 Does poop odor imply something?
00:07:07 How usually must you poop?
00:08:22 Timing, espresso, and toilet routines
00:10:53 Transition: constipation and diarrhea
00:11:16 Constipation: definition and stool sorts
00:11:45 Common causes: water, stress, journey
00:14:09 Pelvic ground dysfunction defined
00:15:10 First fixes: hydration + fiber fruits
00:16:13 OTC choices: stool softeners and laxatives
00:20:08 When to make use of meds preventatively
00:22:24 Suppositories vs enemas (when useful)
00:25:22 When to see a health care provider
00:26:16 Diarrhea: house cures and fiber
00:28:07 When diarrhea is extra critical
00:30:02 Infections, meals poisoning, and antibiotics warning
00:33:42 The proper option to poop (no straining)
00:36:54 Footstools, posture, and pelvic rest
00:38:41 Don’t sit too lengthy—hearken to urges
00:39:40 Mind-body instruments: hypnotherapy, VR, mindfulness
00:43:10 Boo Can’t Poo + normalizing the subject
00:45:02 Ideal poop session recap
00:46:04 Outro + voicemail and sources
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