If you’ve ever wondered whether your bloating is normal, what your poop is supposed to look like, or why your stomach seems to have a mind of its own… you are definitely not the only one.

This conversation is hilarious, science-backed, and packed with the answers to questions we all have but rarely ask.

By the end, you’ll understand your body better, feel less embarrassed about what it’s doing, and finally have a practical guide to taking care of your gut instead of guessing.

Today, Dr. Trisha Pasricha is here to answer every question you’ve been too embarrassed to ask out loud.

Dr. Pasricha is a Harvard Medical School physician-scientist, a board-certified gastroenterologist, director of the Institute for Gut-Brain Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and the longtime “Ask a Doctor” columnist for The Washington Post. She’s also the author of the new book You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong.

She’s funny, brilliant, and completely unafraid to talk about the things most doctors avoid, from poop and bloating to hemorrhoids, colon cancer risk, and the surprising ways your gut influences your mood and brain.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

-What a normal poop looks like and when you should go to a doctor

-Why you’re bloated and what to do about it

-Why looking at your phone on the toilet dramatically increases hemorrhoid risk (and the 5‑minute rule every GI doctor follows)

-The #1 mistake make that causes constipation

-Why more young people are getting colon cancer, and the early warning signs of colon cancer you should never ignore

-What your gut is telling you about your stress and mental health

-The simple habits that support digestion, gut health, and long-term wellness

This is the ultimate no-shame conversation that will help you finally understand how to listen to your gut.

Dr. Pasricha will change the way you think about digestion, gut health, and yes, even poop.

For more resources related to today’s episode, click here for the podcast episode page:

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I’m just your friend. I am not a licensed therapist, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. Got it? Good. I’ll see you in the next episode.

In this episode:

0:00 Meet The Guest

4:59 Digestive System Explained: How Digestion Works

13:20 Stress and Stomach Pain: Why Anxiety Causes Gut Symptoms

19:24 What Is a Gut Feeling? The Science Behind Trusting Your Gut

26:20 Why Gut Health Problems Are Increasing: What Doctors Are Seeing

32:08 Chronic Constipation: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

38:06 Gut Symptoms You Should Not Ignore: When to See a Doctor

40:40 Colon Cancer Warning Signs: The 4 Symptoms to Take Seriously

48:16 How Often Should You Poop? What’s Normal vs. Not Normal

49:44 What Shape Should Your Poop Be?

54:29 Is It Bad to Hold in Poop? Side Effects Explained

59:37 Poop Color Guide: What Color Should Your Poop Be?

1:11:20 Why You Should Never Bring Your Phone In The Bathroom

1:15:19 How to Wipe Properly: Toilet Hygiene Tips That Work

1:20:34 Gut Health Myths: Leaky Gut, Bloating, Probiotics, and Supplements

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