Let’s Talk About Bowel Movements (Yep, We're Going There)

Let’s Talk About Bowel Movements (Yep, We're Going There)

Let’s face it - talking about poo isn’t exactly dinner party conversation. But when it comes to your health, your bowel movements say a lot about what’s going on inside.

So yes, we’re going there. And no, you don’t need to be embarrassed. Because behind every healthy glow, clear mind, and energised day… there’s often a well-functioning gut keeping things on track (literally).

Why Bowel Health Actually Matters

Your bowels are more than just a waste removal system. They’re part of a finely tuned digestive orchestra that affects:

• Your energy levels

• Bloating and discomfort

• Sleep and mood

• Even your immune system and brain function

• And - less talked about but oh so important - your pelvic floor health

When things slow down (or speed up), your entire system - including your pelvic floor - can be affected.

Wait - What Does Poo Have to Do With the Pelvic Floor?

A lot, actually.

Straining on the toilet (especially over long periods) puts excessive pressure on the pelvic floor muscles - the group of muscles that support your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs.

Over time, this can contribute to issues like:

• Urinary leakage or urgency

• Pelvic discomfort or heaviness

• Difficulty with bowel emptying or incomplete evacuation

A well-functioning bowel takes pressure off the pelvic floor, helping it stay strong, responsive, and relaxed - rather than overworked and overwhelmed.

So improving your bowel health isn’t just about comfort… it’s also about long-term core and pelvic floor support.

What Is a Healthy Bowel Routine, Anyway?

Everyone’s “normal” looks a little different, but in general:

• 1–2 well-formed bowel movements per day (or at least 3–5/week)

• Easy to pass - no straining or rushing

• No urgency, excessive bloating, or wiping for eternity

• A smooth, sausage-like shape (think Type 3 or 4 on the Bristol Stool Chart)

If that sounds a bit graphic - just know your body is giving you daily updates. It’s like a digestive report card, and it’s free!

What Impacts Bowel Health?

It’s not just about fibre (though that helps). Here are a few key players:

1. What You Eat
   Fibre from fruit, veggies, legumes, whole grains = gut fuel.
   Water = the vehicle that helps it move along.

2. How You Move
   Regular movement (even walking!) keeps your digestive muscles active.

3. Stress & Routine
   The gut and brain are besties - so anxiety, travel, or even skipping meals can cause, um… delays.

4. Your Microbiome
   Those trillions of gut bugs? They thrive on diverse, plant-rich diets and affect everything from mood to motility.

5. Toilet Habits & Posture
   Rushing, holding it in, or poor posture (yes, we’re looking at you, knees-lower-than-hips) can all impact smooth bowel motions - and your pelvic floor, too.

Signs Things Might Be Off Track

If you’re experiencing any of the following on a regular basis, it might be time for a gut check:

• Constipation or diarrhoea

• Bloating that doesn’t resolve

• Stomach pain or cramping

• A sudden change in bowel habits

• Feeling like you never fully “go”

• Leaking (wind, urine, or stool), especially with exertion or sneezing

These symptoms don’t make you “broken” - they’re just messages from your body. You deserve to feel comfortable and in control.

When to Reach Out for Support

You don’t have to wait until things feel really off to get help.
A dietitian can support your bowel health gently and sustainably - through nutrition, gut education, lifestyle tweaks. A pelvic floor physio will also be able to assist – they’re an essential for good pelvic floor function in particular.

Because when your digestion is smooth, your pelvic floor is less stressed, and your whole body works better together.

The Bottom Line (Pun Absolutely Intended)

Your bowel health is central to how you feel each day - physically, mentally, emotionally, and functionally. It’s not just about “going regularly.” It’s about quality of life, self-trust, and long-term wellbeing.

So let’s stop tiptoeing around it: good gut habits = better health from the inside out.

You’re allowed to talk about it. And you’re allowed to ask for help.

The information in this article is intended for general education purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised medical or dietary advice. Always consult with your doctor, dietitian, or qualified health professional before making any changes to your health or nutrition plan.