By: Ana Garcia, CSUN Dietetic Intern Cohort 2021-2022
Discussing bowel movements, commonly known as “poop”, may be an uncomfortable or embarrassing topic. However, the frequency of our bowel movements and the consistency of stools actually reveals a lot of useful information regarding our health and diet. After a meal, the coordinated contractions and relaxations of smooth muscles in the gut transport food throughout the intestines so water, electrolytes, and nutrients can be absorbed while waste is eliminated.1 Assuming normal gut function, a person can expect between 3 bowel movements per day to 3 bowel movements per week.2
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What are probiotics? The definition for probiotics vary, but the one most accepted by the scientific community is that they are “live microorganisms, that when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host” (FAO 2001, as revised by Hill et al. 2014).