Podcast Summary: Forever35

Episode 396: "The Truth About Poop" with Dr. Trisha Pasricha

Date: April 6, 2026
Hosts: Doree Shafrir & Elise Hu
Guest: Dr. Trisha Pasricha

Main Theme

This episode dives deep into gut health, bowel habits, and everything you’ve wanted to ask about poop—but were too embarrassed to. Hosts Doree and Elise welcome gastroenterologist Dr. Trisha Pasricha to answer burning questions about the microbiome, normalize “bathroom talk,” discuss the modern science of pooping, and address practical ways to improve digestive health for overall well-being.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Catch-up & Opening Banter

• Personal Updates & Self-Care
  • Doree and Elise discuss tennis season transitions, family trips, and the joys and pains of sports leagues (03:11–05:10).
  • Elise shares traveling updates about her daughter’s transformative (but exhausting) trip to Peru and reflects on how childhood travel experiences shape us later, even if the memories are unclear (06:00–10:50):

    “There are experiences that seep into your pores… It doesn’t really matter if she remembers the facts of where she was… it’s just how the experience itself is written on you.” — Elise (09:39)

Introducing Dr. Trisha Pasricha (11:28)

• Dr. Pasricha’s credentials: Instructor at Harvard Medical School, Washington Post “Ask a Doctor” columnist, and director of gut-brain research at Beth Israel Deaconess.
• Known for her approachable, science-backed, myth-busting takes on social media and her new book: "You've Been Pooping All Wrong."

Interview With Dr. Trisha Pasricha – Segment Highlights

Building a Microbiome-Friendly Routine (18:15–19:26)

• Self-Care Practice: Dr. Pasricha focuses daily on feeding her microbiome—choosing high-fiber, prebiotic, and probiotic foods.
• Kid Hack: “Kiwis help us all poop. I give them two kiwis before bedtime, and they do great.” (19:36)

Gut Health 101 (20:05–22:14)

• The Gut Defined: A complex system from mouth to “exit hatch,” including its own “brain” (enteric nervous system) and trillions of microbes.
• Gut health = Whole body health.
• Fads & reality: “There’s often not a quick fix… Most of what I talk about is about building habits and lifelong changes.” (21:43)

You’re Probably Pooping Wrong (22:14–26:33)

• The Issue: 40% of Americans have bowel habits that disrupt their lives. Most knowledge is from childhood potty training, not science.

  “40% of us are dealing with these problems, but we don’t talk about it as much as we should.” — Dr. Pasricha (22:25)

• What’s Normal Pooping?

  • Not about pooping once a day.
  • “Normal” is effortless, comfortable, not disruptive to daily life.
  • “Pooping should be the least important thing of your whole day.” (26:26)

Knowing Your Normal (26:37–29:22)

• Tune In: Know what your typical patterns look like for you.
• Changes might signal issues like colorectal cancer, so even subtle shifts are a reason to check in with a doctor.

  “Colorectal cancer cases are rising in younger people… Sometimes the only sign is new diarrhea or pencil-thin stools.” (27:10)

Colorectal Cancer Rising in Young People (29:22–32:01)

• Causal factors: Shift away from smoking, unchanged genetics; biggest culprit is environment, especially ultra-processed foods and low-fiber diets linked to inflammation.
• Danger linked to what we ate as kids—sugary drinks, processed snacks, etc.

  “Today, the average American is getting about 60% of their foods from ultra processed foods… [which are] very low in fiber.” (31:21)

Why Bloating Happens—and How to Fix It (40:18–44:50)

• Bloating is super common (especially in women), mostly from:

  • Foods that are tough to digest (cruciferous veggies, artificial sweeteners)
  • Constipation (“many people who say they go every day—if they strain a lot, they may still be constipated”)

• Quick fix: The “fart walk”—walking after meals moves intestinal gas and aids digestion.

  “Intestinal gas moves about 33% more efficiently when you’re sitting upright, as opposed to going fully horizontal.” (44:00)

• Warning: For postmenopausal women, new bloating can be a sign of ovarian cancer—talk to your doctor.

Travel & Poop: Staying Regular Away from Home (45:09–47:45)

• Why we get constipated on trips: The colon has a circadian rhythm; travel disrupts signals.
• Eat, sleep, and light cues should adjust as early as possible to local time—this “tells” your colon where it is.
• “Order a real vegetable, not a weak salad. Pack your own fiber supplement if necessary!” (46:45)

Fiber Maxing, Social Media, & Shame Busting (37:19–40:18)

• Social trends like “fiber maxing” get Dr. Pasricha’s approval—most supplement fads are overblown but fiber is still chronically underconsumed.
• Many readers are embarrassed, often writing in “for a friend”—it’s normal and okay to talk about this stuff.

“Does my CPAP make me gassier?” (48:49–49:49)

• Answer: Yes, an ill-fitting CPAP mask can cause swallowed air, leading to bloating and gas. See a specialist for fit adjustments.

Notable Quotes

• “Your end is our means.” — Dr. Pasricha, on family gastroenterology legacy (36:49)
• “It should be effortless and comfortable… pooping should be the least important thing of your day.” — Dr. Pasricha (26:26)
• “We want you to talk to your doctor early and often. It doesn’t have to be a crisis, it just has to be a change.” — Dr. Pasricha (28:34)
• “Ultra-processed foods cover a lot of [the problem].” — Dr. Pasricha (29:51)
• “I love a fart walk. If you can’t do the fart walk, at very least stay upright after a meal.” — Dr. Pasricha (43:16)

Key Timestamps

• Microbiome self-care: 18:15–19:26
• Gut and microbiome basics: 20:05–22:14
• Pooping misconceptions/statistics: 22:14–26:33
• Defining "normal" poop: 25:12–26:33
• Cancer risk and bowel changes: 27:10–29:22
• Diet, fiber, and cancer risk: 29:22–32:01
• Bloating myths and causes: 40:34–44:08
• Travel and bowel habits: 45:09–47:45
• CPAP and gas: 48:49–49:49

Memorable Moments

• Dr. Pasricha’s “kiwi hack” for kids and adults.
• Elise and Doree normalize being “poop positive,” shattering taboos around gut health.
• “Fart walk” as official medical advice.
• Direct affirmation that most issues can be improved with slow, steady, boring (but effective) habit changes—not the latest cleanse or supplement.

Takeaways

• Gastrointestinal issues are extremely common and nothing to be ashamed about.
• “Normal” is personal: know your habits and tune into what’s different for you.
• The modern rise in younger colorectal cancer cases is probably linked to processed food exposure early in life.
• Fiber, movement, and honest conversations with your physician are your most valuable tools.
• Even when traveling, a little prep (fiber, veggie-forward meals, schedule shifts) goes a long way.

Where to Find Dr. Trisha Pasricha

• Instagram
• “Ask a Doctor” column, Washington Post
• Book: You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong (available where books are sold)

Closing Remarks

Doree and Elise reflect on the power of incremental change, intentions for the week, and sustaining healthy routines in everyday life. The episode ends with gratitude to Patreon supporters and a reminder that taking care of ourselves, from decluttering to digestive health, is a process of small, ongoing choices.