Have you ever heard of National Poop Day? I certainly have not, and am passing on the information in relation to the standard American diet. Hopefully, with the new dietary guidelines in place, more people will reset their dietary choices.
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National Poop Day started off lighthearted and is observed the day after Super Bowl Sunday annually, and it was created in 2016 to educate on digestive health and break the stigma around bodily functions. The day encourages awareness of bowel habits and health, emphasizing that regular, healthy elimination is crucial.
Key Aspects of National Poop Day
- Significance: National Poop Day serves as a fun, educational day to talk about the excretory system, often highlighting the need for proper hydration and diet to support healthy habits.
- Timing: While commonly February 9th, it often coincides with the day after the Super Bowl.
- Focus: It aims to reduce, not encourage, embarrassment regarding toilet habits, promoting healthy discussions on digestive health.
Poop Day Health Context
- Regularity and the “Three and Three” Rule: A normal, healthy bowel movement frequency ranges from three times a day to three times a week.
- Concerns: Consistently pooping less than three times a week may indicate constipation, while more than three times a day could suggest other issues.
- Support: National Poop Day serves as a reminder to monitor toilet habits, particularly for children, to ensure comfort and health.
A healthy gut microbiome is also a resilient gut that could more readily digest Sunday’s indulgent foods. But did you know that some foods can actually help you to stay full longer than others to help you resist indulging?
H-Angry
“Hangry” (hunger-induced anger) occurs when low blood sugar (glucose) causes the brain to trigger a survival-based stress response, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This reaction impairs impulse control and boosts irritability, making people more prone to anger, frustration, and, for example, impatience with others.
Key reasons for becoming hangry include
- Low Glucose Levels: The brain relies on glucose for energy; when levels drop, it struggles to manage emotions, reducing self-control.
- Stress Hormone Release: A drop in glucose triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol, which are linked to “fight-or-flight” behaviors.
- Biological Survival Mechanism:
The brain views low energy as a threat, stimulating a “fight” response. - Context and Personality: Emotions are magnified by environmental factors (e.g., stress) and personal susceptibility to mood swings when hungry.
Preventive measures include eating nutrient-dense snacks throughout the day, avoiding long fasting periods, and eating before feeling ravenous.
Hunger hormones such as ghrelin and leptin respond to what meals you eat, your digestion rate, and overall nutrient intake. Meals that are digested rapidly actually shorten your satiety and increase your hunger soon after eating.
Meals that digest easily and leave you feeling hungry relatively quickly are typically low in fat, low in fiber, and refined, such as white rice, white toast, bananas, applesauce, and broth-based soups. These foods provide quick energy without straining the digestive system, often leaving you ready for another meal within a few hours.
Poop Day: Promoting Digestive Health
National Poop Day serves to help us remember that maintaining our digestive health involves a combination of dietary choices, lifestyle habits, and mindful eating. Experts generally recommend the following strategies:
1. Prioritize Fiber and Hydration
- High-Fiber Diet: Aim for 25–35 grams of fiber daily to support regular bowel movements. Good sources include whole grains (oats, brown rice), legumes (beans, lentils), and various fruits and vegetables.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water (8–10 glasses daily) to help fiber work effectively and keep stool soft.
2. Optimize Your Microbiome
- Probiotics: Incorporate fermented foods like yogurt (with live cultures), kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi to introduce beneficial bacteria.
- Prebiotics: Feed your gut’s existing “good” bacteria with foods like garlic, onions, bananas, and asparagus.
3. Practice Mindful Eating Habits
- Chew Thoroughly: Break down food well in your mouth to ease the digestive process and reduce swallowed air.
- Consistent Schedule: Try to eat at the same times each day to maintain a stable digestive rhythm.
- Manage Portions: Avoid overeating, which can lead to acid reflux or discomfort.
4. Lifestyle Adjustments
- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity stimulates intestinal muscles, promoting regular bowel movements. Even a 10-minute walk after meals can help.
- Stress Management: High stress levels can trigger symptoms like diarrhea or stomach pain. Use relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing.
- Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep, as poor rest can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria.
5. Identify and Limit Triggers
- Limit Processed Foods: Avoid “Western” diets high in refined sugars and fats, which can negatively impact gut diversity.
- Identify Intolerances: If specific foods like dairy (lactose) or gluten consistently cause bloating or pain, consider limiting them or consulting a professional.
Signs of a healthy gut typically include regular, easy-to-pass bowel movements, minimal bloating, stable energy levels, and mental clarity
National Poop Day Inspired Trivia
- Poop Dance: Sloths are famous for their “poop dance,” leaving the safety of their trees only once a week to relieve themselves.
- Ancient History: Archaeologists have discovered human poop (coprolites) dating back 50,000 years, left by Neanderthals in Spain.
- Terminology: The word “poop” is thought to derive from the Indo-European word “pu,” which is also the root for “putrid”.
- Whale “Gold”: Sperm whale poop is vital for the planet. It is rich in iron, which fertilizes phytoplankton. These tiny plants absorb massive amounts of carbon from the atmosphere, meaning whale poop helps fight climate change.
- Explosive History: Bat guano is rich in saltpeter (potassium nitrate), a key ingredient for gunpowder. It was so valuable that it was heavily mined during the War of 1812 and the U.S. Civil War.
- Poop Day Fun Fact: Potty humor is not my favorite, but it is a strong number 2. (You’re welcome)
Poop Day Related Observances
- National Scoop the Poop Week: Observed annually during the last week of April to remind pet owners to clean up after their animals.
- World Toilet Day: A United Nations-recognized day on November 19, focused on global sanitation and the importance of safe toilets.
I wrote another article some time ago about what goes on Behind the Bathroom Door that is full of more information and quirky little puns to add a little levity to what some may feel uncomfortable with. This is actually just one of many, such as the one on flatulence; feel free to check them out and maybe have a little chuckle.
After all, laughter releases all those feel-good endorphins, and as another added bonus, laughter is beneficial for digestion as it reduces stress hormones, relaxes the gut, and provides an “internal massage” to the digestive system, which can promote better overall digestive health. Diaphragmatic belly laughter helps alleviate anxiety, which directly impacts the gut-brain connection, and stimulates the muscles involved in digestion.
This article was created by TJ Webber at the WHN News Desk.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN neither agrees nor disagrees with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
