WHAT'S YOUR POO TELLING YOU - THE CHINESE MEDICINE PERSPECTIVE OF DIGESTION

Let’s be real: a lot of people don’t love or feel comfortable talking about their poos. But as a Chinese and Functional Medicine practitioner, chatting about poo is as natural to me as talking about the weather.

And for a good reason – there’s a gold mine of information stored in that poo-package you drop off at the porcelain throne each day (or every few days).

Your gut health is the root of all health, and your digestive health speaks volumes about what’s going on inside. Sometimes, it’s the simplest signs that reveal the most about our well-being. So, let’s dig into what your poo might be trying to tell you!

Your Poos May Be “Normal”, But Are They “Healthy”? 🤷🏽‍♀️

So What Does a “Healthy” Poo Look Like? 😎

A healthy poop generally should:

• Look like a smooth log: Well-formed and solid without being too hard or too soft.
• Be easy to pass: You shouldn’t feel like you’re forcing or straining.
• Feel complete: There shouldn’t be a sensation of unfinished business.
• Require minimal wiping: A clean exit typically means good digestion and well-formed stool. I refer to these as a ‘ghost poo’.

From a Chinese medicine perspective, this type of healthy poop reflects a body in harmony, easily turning food into fuel. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), digestion is linked to the Spleen and Stomach, which are central to our “digestive fire.” When this fire is balanced, the body efficiently processes nutrients, eliminates waste, and maintains steady energy levels, supporting healthy metabolism.

This ‘perfect poo’ suggests that your digestive system is processing foods efficiently and that your gut is healthy, nourished, and ready to fuel you with clean, steady energy.

Signs Your Poo Isn’t Healthy 😟

When something’s off with our digestion, our stools can offer clues to what might be going on. Here are some signs that your digestion could use a little support:

1. Irregularity
   If you’re not going at least once a day, or if you often go more than three times daily, it could be a sign that your digestive system needs balance. In TCM, we’d look at whether there’s too much “heat” or “cold” in the intestines, affecting regular elimination. Heat burns up the fluids in the intestines and can cause hard, constipated stool or spicy, burny poos. Cold can cause watery, frequent loose stools or diarrhea.
2. Loose or Watery Stools
   Diarrhea, or stools that are loose and watery, can indicate that the body is having trouble absorbing nutrients. In Chinese medicine, this is often linked to a weakened Spleen energy or excess dampness, which can be caused by a diet high in sugar, dairy, alcohol or processed foods.
3. Dry, Hard Stools
   In TCM, constipation can have different root causes. For instance, Yang deficiency can lead to a lack of warmth and energy in the body, making it feel sluggish and like you don’t have the energy to push the stool out. On the other hand, heat or inflammation can dry out stools, making them hard and difficult to pass. Addressing constipation in TCM may involve adding warming foods to boost Yang energy or hydrating and cooling foods to relieve excess heat, helping to restore balance and ease digestion.
4. Incomplete Elimination

   If you frequently feel like there’s more left to pass, this could be due to various imbalances, including Liver Qi Stagnation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Stress and tension can disrupt the Liver’s role in maintaining the smooth flow of energy throughout the body, leading to a sense of incomplete elimination. Other factors, such as weak digestion or Qi deficiency, can also contribute to this sensation. Addressing these issues often involves practices that support relaxation, improve digestive strength, and promote regularity.

5. Floating, Mucus, or Greasy Poo
   If your stool is floating, coated in mucus, or looks greasy, it could be an indicator of malabsorption or an imbalance in bile production. In TCM, this points to dampness and an imbalance in the Spleen and Stomach, often stemming from a diet that is too rich or fatty. This also includes sugar, processed foods, alcohol and cold foods too.
6. ‘Rabbit’ Turds

   Small, hard stools that look like “rabbit pellets” can often be linked to Liver Qi Stagnation. When stress or tension disrupts the smooth flow of Liver Qi, it can affect the nervous system, including the sphincters in the digestive tract. This tension causes the intestines to contract in a way that cuts stool into smaller pieces, resulting in those “rabbit turd” pellets. By addressing the underlying stress and supporting the Liver’s natural flow, TCM can help promote relaxation in the digestive muscles and support smoother, more complete elimination.

Tips for Healthier Digestion and Poo 🤓

1. Eat Warm, Cooked Foods
   In TCM, we believe in “warming up” the digestive system, especially if you’re prone to bloating or cold hands and feet. Soups, stews, and steamed vegetables can be easier to digest than raw foods, which can create “cold” in the digestive system.
2.  Eat a Paleo or Whole30 Diet of Real, Unprocessed Foods

   Eating a diet focused on real, whole foods—like a Paleo or Whole30 approach—can help reduce inflammation caused by processed ingredients. Whether you’re dealing with constipation or loose stools, the more you stick to foods in their natural form and avoid those that come in bags or boxes, the better your digestive health will be.

3. Stay HydratedYa, ya, ya. We all know we need to ‘drink more water’ but hydration is key, especially if you’re dealing with dry, hard stools. Staying hydrated supports the yin energy in our bodies, keeping internal systems balanced and digestion running smoothly.
4. Chew Thoroughly and Eat Mindfully
   Taking time to chew your food and eating without distractions can support better digestion and prevent bloating. This mindful approach can help nourish the Spleen and Stomach, giving them a chance to work efficiently.
5. Reduce Stress
   The gut-brain connection is strong, and from a TCM view, emotions, especially stress and worry, directly impact the Liver and Spleen. Practices like meditation, breathwork, or even just taking a walk can help soothe the mind and keep our digestive energy flowing smoothly.
6. Consider Supplements or Herbs
   If digestion still feels off, herbs and supplements can help support a healthy diet. From herbal formulas tailored to specific needs to probiotics and immune system regulators, these can give an extra boost to keep things moving along. Check out my FAVORITE all-around gut-supporting supplements in my store here!