Episode 02: Shit or Get off the Pot

Meg and Tessa discuss another common bathroom problem, constipation, and why the heck we just can’t go sometimes. Maybe this is a recent development, or maybe it’s a long term fear that started in grade school when you just refused to go unless you had access to the fancy teacher’s lavatory.

Some questions to ask yourself:

• Are you drinking enough water? Aim to drink half your weight in ounces daily.
• Are you eating enough fiber? Fiber normalizes bowel movements. Men need around 38 g/day and around 25 g/day for women.
• Are you eating enough? Not eating enough food stuffs could lead to not making enough of the stool stuffs.
• Are you moving enough? A change in activity habits can slow things down.
• Do you have conditions that can cause constipation? Like hypothyroidism, IBD, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Eating Disorders, Depression, SIBO, history of food poisoning, or an altered gut microbiome and periods can make us backed up!
• Is it from medications? Certain medications are known for causing constipation like Aluminum Containing Antacids- Alamag, Diuretics, Psychopharm, NSAIDS- Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Opioids- codeine, morphine, oxycontin, Antihistamines- Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra, Benadryl, Anticholinergics- muscle relaxants, Imodium, etc., Calcium Channel Blockers- for high blood pressure
• Or supplementation? Iron supplements are well known for causing constipation. If you need to supplement iron try a liquid like the one in our store. You can also get liver from foods like meat, seafood, dark chocolate (yes please!), green peas, spinach, lentils, or cooking in a cast iron skillet. Pair with some Vitamin C rich foods to increase absorption.

What can you do?

• Drink more fluids. If you’re routine has changed recently, try setting reminder for yourself to drink more or try a cup of hot water with lemon to start your day. Sparkling water can help too!
• Increase that fiber intake. Try adding some ground flax seed to soups, salads, or granola.
• Supplements- You can purchase these from our online store here. Prokinetics help with movement in the gastrointestinal tract, Ginger- try drink a cup or two of ginger tea, MotilPro, Motility Activator, Probiotics, Magnesium Citrate- has a bowel tolerance, start low and slow and Vitamin C.
• Squatty Potty

When to see your doctor

If you are experiencing bleeding, pain, severe bloating, have a history of hemorrhoids or if it’s affecting your quality of life, make an appointment with your doctor please.

Homework What’s your TP square usage? We want to know. There seems to be some conflicting data on how many squares of toilet paper the average human uses per bathroom trip, so we’re conducting our own study.

However, Tessa’s recent buzz purchase of a bidet may disqualify her.

Snarky Nutrition Disclaimer:

Before starting any new food plans, supplements, or exercise programs, check with your doctor because you are a special unicorn with unique needs. We don’t claim to cure any condition or disease and do not provide individualized medical or nutrition advice because that would be dumb without doing an intake. Any products recommended are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, although they may make your personality sparkle. Our statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, they wouldn’t approve of the fart jokes.