Okay, here’s a wild fact: when astronauts first landed on the moon, they left behind four bags of poop. So, human waste is literally part of our space legacy.

As natural as it is, we don't talk about poop often. Some people believe that's because our brains evolved to be grossed out by poop - it helped keep us safe from disease. While there are benefits to this disgust, a lack of openness can leave us wondering if what we are experiencing is normal. This may cause us to miss important messages the body is giving.

Pooping is one of the most honest things our body does - it doesn’t lie and it doesn’t sugarcoat messages. The frequency, consistency, and color of our poop are great indicators of our digestive health, which has a tremendous impact on our overall health.

So What’s “Normal” Anyway?

Let’s break it down. A healthy poop should:

• Be soft and smooth, like a ripe banana

• Hold its shape when flushed (no crumbling confetti)

• Be chocolate brown - not too dark, not too pale

• Smell - okay-ish. Not great, but not really terrible

• Come out easily - no straining, no drama

You should poop 1 - 3 times a day. If it hurts or you find yourself pushing like you’re in a gym squat competition, something’s off.

Your Poop Is Talking - Are You Listening?

Here’s what different poop signals might mean:

• Too soft or mushy - You might need more fiber

• Hard and dry - Probably not drinking enough water

• Very dark - Could be internal bleeding (don’t ignore this)

• Pale or clay-colored - Might be a liver or absorption issue

• Less than once a day - Constipation alert

• More than three times a day - That’s diarrhea territory

• Super stinky - Could mean toxins or gut imbalance

If you experience any of these symptoms for more than a few days, it’s worth talking with your doctor. Your poop might be telling you something important.

Squat Like a King

Squatting is actually the most natural way to poop. A researcher named Dov Sikirov found that squatting helps everything line up better, so you don’t have to strain.

That’s why the Squatty Potty exists - it’s a little stool that helps you get into a squat position while still using a regular toilet. It’s simple, smart, and yes, their unicorn commercials are legendary.

You can buy the classic 7” white squatty potty here or an adjustable height bamboo squatty potty here.) 

Normalize the Weird Stuff

Poop isn’t glamorous. It’s not something you bring up over brunch. But it’s one of the clearest ways your body communicates with you. So let’s stop pretending it’s gross and start treating it like the health signal it is.

I’m here for the awkward conversations. Bring it up at your next appointment—or heck, bring it up with your friends. You might be surprised how many people are wondering the same things.

Dr. Jamie

P.S. I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate - but I only recommend things I believe in.