You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong: How to Make Your Bowel Movements a Joy

This smart and funny debut guide from gastroenterologist Pasricha teaches readers the fundamentals of gut health. During her medical training, Pasricha came to realize that “people quite simply do not know how to poop,” and due to cultural taboos, many steer clear of talking about the issue. She details how the gut works and the steps required to make trips to the bathroom effortless and predictable—or, in her words, achieve “poophoria.” Debunking myths like “healthy people poop once a day” and juice cleanses “detox” the gut, she assures readers that frequency differs by person and notes that juicing removes beneficial fiber from fruits and vegetables. Elsewhere, she explains that psychological stress can cause digestive issues but it’s also possible stomach injuries impact the brain; her lab, for example, is studying how Parkinson’s disease may start in the gut. She also offers tips for healthy bowel movements and bathroom habits, like eating more whole foods as opposed to ultraprocessed ones, using a bidet to support cleanliness, and listening to music to calm nerves when attempting to poop in a public restroom. Filled with science-backed, practical advice and frank discussions of issues that can induce embarrassment, this is a comforting resource for anyone battling bathroom anxiety. (Apr.)