Mini Blog - Why Daily Pooping Matters

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough airtime — pooing, poops, stools, number 2s... whatever makes you comfortable! We all do it, but few people realise just how important a daily bowel movement is for both gut and brain health. As unglamorous as it sounds, your bowel habits are one of the clearest windows into your body’s overall wellbeing. As a naturopath, I am always asking about poo!

The gut–brain axis: a two-way conversation

Your gut and brain are in constant communication via the gut–brain axis — a network of nerves, hormones, and chemical messengers that link your digestive system to your mood, focus, and energy. When your bowels are sluggish or irregular, it’s not just your gut that suffers; your brain feels it too.

Constipation can lead to a build-up of gut-derived toxins and inflammatory compounds, which may influence the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Remember, around 95% of serotonin — your feel-good chemical — is made in the gut. When things get “backed up”, you may notice mood dips, brain fog, irritability, or fatigue.

What’s considered “normal”?

A healthy bowel pattern usually means one to three comfortable, formed bowel movements per day — no straining, no urgency, and no feeling of incompleteness. Skipping days might seem harmless, but over time it can contribute to bloating, sluggishness, and even an increased risk of gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of good and bad bacteria).

Why regular elimination matters

• Detoxification: The bowel is one of the body’s main exit routes for waste, hormones, and metabolic by-products. When elimination slows, these can be reabsorbed, placing extra load on the liver and immune system.

• Microbiome balance: Stagnant waste can promote the growth of less beneficial microbes and increase intestinal inflammation.

• Hormone health: Especially for women, constipation can raise circulating oestrogen levels by reducing excretion, contributing to PMS symptoms, headaches, and mood swings.

• Mental clarity: Clients often report feeling “lighter” and more focused once their bowels normalise — it’s not just psychological; it’s biochemical.

Simple strategies for smoother moves

1. Hydration is key — aim for around 30 mL of water per kg of body weight daily (more in hot weather).

2. Eat your fibre — include vegetables, fruit, legumes, seeds, and wholegrains. If you’re increasing fibre, do it gradually and pair with extra water.

3. Add magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, almonds, avocado, and pumpkin seeds, or discuss a supplement with your practitioner if appropriate.

4. Move daily — walking, yoga, or gentle stretching stimulates peristalsis (gut movement).

5. Mind the microbiome — fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, or kombucha can help support beneficial bacteria.

6. Create a routine — your gut loves rhythm. Try sitting on the toilet at the same time each morning, ideally after breakfast when digestion naturally kicks in.

Healthy bowel habits aren’t just about comfort — they’re central to how your gut and brain communicate. If you’re constipated, bloated, or relying on coffee to get things moving, it might be your body’s way of asking for better nourishment, hydration, and rest.

Supporting daily elimination is one of the simplest, most natural ways to boost not only your digestion, but also your mood, focus, and vitality. Because let’s face it — when your gut’s happy, everything flows a little better.