Most of us pay attention to gut health when our body begins to show signs of illness and inflammation, but there is little that we know about what a healthy gut actually feels like. In his new post on Instagram, gastroenterologist Dr Joseph Salhab shared five weird signs that indicate you have a healthy gut.
Some of them may have actually made you think otherwise. Take a look!
If you think a growling and rumbling stomach is a sign of an unhealthy gut, you may be wrong. It’s actually your gut’s way of cleaning itself. “Those sounds happen when waves of contractions move gas, fluid, and leftover food through your intestines between meals,” Dr Salhab explained. This process is called the migrating motor complex, which helps move bacteria and waste through the small intestine and into the colon.
Also read | Boost gut health: 10 healthy habits to prevent bloating, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome
A lot of us think excessive farting is not great and feel embarrassed about it, but it’s actually a good sign. The gastroenterologist said, “Your gut bacteria are extracting antioxidants from your food, fermenting fibre, producing anti-inflammatory compounds, and producing gas as a byproduct.”
The normal frequency of passing gas in healthy individuals is about 10–20 times per day.
Dr Salhab shared that this is known as the gastrocolic reflex. This happens when your stomach stretches after enjoying a meal or when your body is stimulated by things like excitement. It makes the colon contract and push the stool forward. It is the body’s way of creating space for more food.
Also read | 7 best foods that will keep your gut healthy in 2026, according to top US gastroenterologist
When stool passes swiftly with minimal residue, it is considered a good sign, unlike what most people think. So there is little or nothing left behind to wipe. This indicates that your fibre intake and hydration are up to the mark, and that your gut bacteria are balanced.
Many think you should poop just once a day, but pooping up to about 3 times per day is also considered normal. “The key is that the stool should be formed and easy to pass. Frequent watery stools or diarrhoea would be abnormal,” he concluded.
1. Why does my stomach growl loudly sometimes?
A growling stomach is a sign of a healthy gut working to clean itself by moving gas, fluid, and leftover food through the intestines between meals, a process called the migrating motor complex.
2. Is excessive farting a bad sign?
No, frequent farting indicates your gut bacteria are extracting antioxidants, fermenting fibre, and producing anti-inflammatory compounds, with gas as a byproduct. Passing gas 10-20 times a day is normal.
3. Why do I poop shortly after eating or when excited?
This is due to the gastrocolic reflex, where your colon contracts to make space for more food after your stomach stretches, or when your body is stimulated by excitement.
4. What is a ghost poop?
A ghost poop happens when stool passes swiftly with minimal residue left behind to wipe. It indicates good fibre intake, hydration, and balanced gut bacteria.
5. Is it normal to poop more than once a day?
Yes, pooping up to 3 times a day is normal as long as the stool is formed and easy to pass. Frequent watery stools or diarrhoea would be abnormal.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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