A Post on Poops
WARNING: This post discusses poop. The good, the bad, and the smelly.
Before going to a plant based diet I had frequent heartburn, painful gas in my chest (that one time I thought was a heart attack it was so painful), and diarrhea almost all the time. I tried different OTC medications which may have lessened the symptoms from time to time - but never addressed the issue. I lived like that so long it just became my normal.
A plant based diet changed all this for the better.
Obligatory Disclaimer
I am not a doctor. I don’t mean that in the funny way like at the end of Brooklyn 911. I’m really not. This is an account of my experience - like poop - yours may vary.
Bristol Stool Chart
wait what??
I know. I was surprised too. There is a poo chart, it’s a real thing. There is even a Wikipedia entry, so you know it has to be real! It is also on WebMD and other sites as well. Including continence.org which is where the image below comes from.
![Bristol Stool Chart](https://www.continence.org.au/sites/default/files/styles/webp/public/images/Bristol_stool_chart_fin.png.webp?itok=Oc27kVNS)
According the interwebs, the ideal poo is a 3 or 4 on the chart. (Side note: both of them being described as ‘like a sausage … #goVegan.)
My experience
Since going to a plant based diet I have been consistently passing a four on the chart. Don’t worry - no photos included. (Unless you join my Patreon at the brown level.)
Click here to learn how to join
OMG I am totally kidding. I have no Patreon, I have no poop photos. Sorry to disappoint.
For the first two weeks there was A LOT of four… but four all the same. Ever since it has been a consistent four. It is a joy to poop now. Every morning, consistent consistency, and no real cramping to speak of.
The downside ?
The amount of gas I produce is amazing
Seriously, I was not prepared for the amount of gas my stomach started producing on a plant based diet. It is not painful gas, it is not particularly foul smelling, but there is a lot of it. But it has also had benefits.
I work in an open office area with open cubicles. It is mostly developers or server admins and we are a very quiet bunch. With that in mind I usually like to go for a quick 10 minute walk a few times a day. A few laps around the building certainly is not bad for my overall health, but also a much needed time to release some built up pressure.
If you see me outside walking, wave at me. When I wave back, know there is a good chance I am farting while I do it. 😈