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Bowel Movements as Health Indicators: What They Can Tell You About Your Health

06/28/2023 | 4 min. read

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Maintaining optimal gut health is the cornerstone of overall well-being according to Ayurveda. In this ancient holistic system, bowel movements play a crucial role in assessing and understanding an individual's physical, mental, and emotional health. As an Ayurvedic practitioner, I emphasize the importance of closely examining bowel movement patterns as they reveal vital insights into an individual's overall health – physically, mentally and emotionally.

Determining Healthy Bowel Movement Patterns Based on Dosha

To ascertain healthy bowel movements, it is essential to consider an individual's dosha, which represents their unique constitution in Ayurveda. Each dosha has its own characteristics and corresponding bowel movement patterns. By honoring and understanding these doshic traits, we can identify what constitutes "normal" for each individual.

Each dosha—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—exhibits distinct indicators of a healthy bowel movement. By recognizing these signs, individuals can gain insights into their digestive health and overall well-being.

  • Vata individuals typically have firm, average-sized bowel movements with a darker brown color and minimal odor. They should be able to eliminate completely in one trip to the bathroom without excessive gas.
  • Pitta individuals usually experience firm bowel movements that easily break up when flushed, with a brownish/yellow color and a mild odor.
  • Kapha individuals have large, well-formed bowel movements that are brown in color. When balanced, their bowel movements may have no odor or even a slightly sweet scent.

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                                                            What is your dosha? Find out now by taking the dosha quiz

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Dealing with Constipation: Ayurvedic Recommendations

If constipation is an issue, it may indicate a Vata or Kapha imbalance. Both imbalances often result in weak digestive fire, leading to constipation as the body's ability to process food diminishes. Here are some Ayurvedic recommendations to alleviate constipation:

  • Take triphala each evening, as it is renowned for supporting gut health.
  • Drink 8oz of warm water with half a lemon squeezed into it every morning upon waking to stimulate digestion.
  • Incorporate ginger into your meals or consume a small piece of ginger at the beginning or end of your meal to kindle a weak digestive fire.
  • Consume Prime Tea throughout the day, as its combination of seeds aids in boosting digestive function.
  • Engage in 20 minutes of daily yoga, focusing on the Sun Salutation series to strengthen digestive fire.
  • Take a 5-minute walk after each meal to aid digestion by encouraging downward movement of energy in the gut.
  • Use a small stool to elevate your feet while sitting on the toilet, promoting a more natural squatting position for easier elimination.

Alleviating Diarrhea and Loose Bowel Movements: Ayurvedic Solutions

Experiencing regular diarrhea or loose bowel movements often indicates an excess of Pitta. This excess heat leads to gut inflammation, causing such issues. Consider the following Ayurvedic steps to alleviate this issue:

  • Take triphala  each evening, as it promotes gut healing from within. A lower dosage is required for diarrhea compared to constipation.
  • Start your day with 8oz of warm water mixed with 1 tsp of aloe vera juice to soothe the gut. If the symptoms persist, add an additional 1 tsp of aloe vera juice to 1/3 cup of water and consume it during lunch.
  • Cook with amla powder, which adds a sour taste and helps cool an overheated Pitta. A quarter to half a teaspoon in a meal is typically sufficient.
  • Drink Prime Tea throughout the day, removing cumin seeds to create a Pitta cooling elixir. Once the bowels return to normal, cumin seeds can be added back to the tea.
  • Practice Sitali Pranayama, a cooling breathing exercise, for seven breaths daily. This exercise involves inhaling through a curled tongue and exhaling through the nostrils.
  • Find moments to relax and have fun throughout the day, as stress reduction and light-heartedness help keep Pitta cool.

Seeds of Wisdom

In Ayurveda, gut health is foundational for overall well-being. By paying attention to our daily bowel movements and identifying dosha-specific indicators, we can gain invaluable insights into our physical, mental, and emotional health. Addressing constipation or diarrhea through Ayurvedic remedies and adopting lifestyle practices such as yoga and mindful walks further supports optimal gut function. Embracing this holistic approach to gut health allows us to cultivate a healthier and more vibrant life.

Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary

Meet Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary

Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary is an integrative neurologist, Ayurvedic practitioner, and author of The Prime and Sound Medicine. Her combined expertise in both modern neurology and the ancient science of health known as Ayurveda gives her a truly unique perspective that has helped thousands of people to feel better and achieve health goals they never thought possible.

More About Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary