Gut Health Questions You’re Too Embarrassed to Ask

Many of those managing chronic digestive symptoms often delay getting assistance because they are too embarrassed to talk about what they’ve been experiencing. While the embarrassment that accompanies digestive symptoms is understandable, delaying consultation with a specialist can be detrimental to overall health, leading to malnutrition and chronic inflammation.

As a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in gut health and anti-inflammatory nutrition and with over 20 years of experience in the field, I help people reduce inflammation and manage their digestive and overall health symptoms, regardless of whether they have a specific diagnosis. Here I’m answering some common questions that people are often too embarrassed to ask.

Is it Normal to Poop Just Once or Twice a Week?

There is no “normal” when it comes to bowel movements—it really varies from person to person. What we know is that a healthy poop schedule can range from three times a day to three times a week. Any more or less than that may indicate diarrhea or constipation, respectively.

In addition to frequency, it’s important to note whether your stools are formed, whether you’re straining excessively while pooping and if it’s painful to do so. Signs of constipation, as defined by the Rome IV criteria, which serve as the diagnostic standard for functional disorders, include having fewer than three bowel movements per week, especially if accompanied by straining and discomfort.

It’s remarkable how much better my clients feel when they improve their regularity. Sometimes, all it takes is an increase in fiber, hydration and movement to get their bowels functioning more regularly.  

I Get Bloated With Just About Everything I Eat. Is That Normal?

Bloating is one of the most common complaints I hear in my practice, and this is not surprising, as studies show that bloating is reported by about 18% of the global population. Some people experience bloating due to overeating, not chewing their meals thoroughly before swallowing, consuming carbonated beverages or experiencing hormonal fluctuations.

No, it is not normal to experience bloating regardless of what you eat. If this is the case, it could be a sign of more serious issues, such as food intolerances, gut microbiome imbalances or conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). If you are consistently experiencing bloating regardless of what you eat, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider. In my experience as a gut health dietitian, finding the root cause of symptoms and addressing them is a great way to bring relief.

Why Does My Poop Smell So Bad? Is It Something I’m Eating? 

Yes, it could be something you are eating, and you are not alone! I’ve had clients who are so embarrassed that they feel the need to whisper this question to me, and they are at a loss about what to do. What you eat can significantly impact the smell of your poop. Certain foods, such as cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, etc.), red meat, eggs and even garlic and onion, can increase your chances of having foul-smelling poop.

This smell is a result of the sulfuric compounds produced by bacteria in our gut during digestion. These foods are not bad for you; they are actually nutrient-dense and full of antioxidants that are beneficial to the gut microbiome.

But there are also certain conditions, such as Celiac disease and steatorrhea, that can also cause these strong orders, as well as other symptoms, including greasy or loose stools and unintentional weight loss. As embarrassing as the experience may be, you should talk to a healthcare professional if you are having extremely foul-smelling poop no matter what you eat.

Why Do I Fart So Much? Is Being Too Gassy a Bad Thing?

While most people may think that passing gas is a bad thing, it is actually a normal and healthy sign that your digestive system is functioning properly. If your diet is rich in fiber, then there’s a high chance you’re producing gas—a healthy byproduct of gut fermentation— several times a day.

However, if you are passing excessively foul-smelling gas that is associated with bloating and changes in your bowel movements, it could be a sign of bigger issues. While my clients may be mortified that they are constantly passing gas at work and other events, once we pinpoint food triggers, the difference for them can be life-changing. A little gas is fine, but when it starts to interfere with your everyday life, it is time to speak with a health professional and dig a little deeper.

Is It Normal to Rush to the Bathroom After Consuming Certain Foods, Like Coffee?

Coffee contains several compounds that are known to stimulate what is called the gastrocolic reflex, which is a signal that tells your colon to contract after you eat or drink. What we know is that coffee can have a laxative effect by stimulating gut motility.

I’ve had clients who often plan their mornings around coffee and a trip to the bathroom right after. When these symptoms occur occasionally, it can be normal; however, if they occur frequently (across various foods and beverages), it may also be a sign of an underlying condition, and it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider or a dietitian.

Why Does My Belly Get Really Bloated and Distended After Eating?

That extremely bloated, distended feeling is more common than you may think. Typically, bloating and distention are observed in individuals managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and are most common in women. These symptoms may be attributed to the production of gas, delayed digestion or poor communication between the brain and the gut.

Please don’t feel alone—I’ve had many clients who report extreme distention after eating. It is not in your head. Consulting with a dietitian can help you make the necessary adjustments to your diet and help you feel more comfortable in your body.

I Feel Like I Burp A Lot. Is Something Wrong with My Gut? 

While burping is a way for your body to release swallowed air, consistently burping could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis or the bacterial infection H. pylori.

Pay attention to how fast you’re eating or if you’re chewing a lot of gum, which can cause you to swallow a lot of air. Often, when chewing is slowed down and consumption of gas-producing foods is limited, symptoms subside. If you are experiencing persistent burping, it is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider. 

GI Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For

If you are unsure when you should see a gastroenterologist, here’s a list of symptoms that may be of concern and should prompt you to make an appointment as soon as possible.

• Unexplained or persistent abdominal pain, especially if it’s disrupting your daily routine.
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation that lasts more than 2 weeks, and if it is alternating or cyclical.
• Blood in your poop should be a reason to contact your doctor ASAP, whether bright red or black like tar.
• Weight loss that you can’t explain and are not intentionally trying to lose.
• Severe or frequent heartburn, especially if changes in your diet do not resolve them.
• Persistent nausea or vomiting, especially when accompanied with blood.
• Severe fatigue can be due to malabsorption or internal bleeding.
• Changes in your poop, whether the smell, the size, or the shape, that are abnormal to your regular habits.
• Persistent bloating and distention that is not resolved by dietary changes.
• Difficulty swallowing, where you feel that food is getting stuck in your throat.

The Bottom Line

Digestive symptoms can be embarrassing, but the truth is that you’re not alone. As a gut health dietitian, I often hear questions about bowel movements, bloating and gas. Whether you’re wondering how often you should poop, experiencing persistent bloating or stressing about the smell of your poop, these questions are all common and valid, and you should ask them.

Although most of these symptoms can be part of normal digestion, they can also be a sign of more significant digestive issues such as food intolerances, IBS, inflammatory bowel disease or other serious GI conditions. When in doubt, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any serious conditions. With the right changes in your daily lifestyle and nutrition, your gut can be supported, helping you feel more confident about your health and wellness. Asking these “embarrassing” questions is the first step towards better gut health.