How to Complete a Bowel Transit Test

Have you ever wondered if your bowel motions are ‘normal’?

One of the most common problems I see in clinic is constipation. The interesting thing is, many people are unaware that their bowel movements are less frequent than what is desired for healthy clearance of waste.

What’s even more interesting is when clients with daily bowel motions complete a transit test, and we see that it takes them multiple days to move waste through their digestive tract…

Just because you’re having a bowel motion every day, it does not mean that you have a healthy transit time!

One valuable tool in assessing and improving gut health is the Bowel Transit Test. Let’s learn a little more about it.

UNDERSTANDING BOWEL TRANSIT TIME

Firstly what does ‘bowel transit time’ actually mean? Bowel transit time refers to the duration it takes for food to travel through the digestive system and be eliminated as waste. A healthy transit time ensures that the body absorbs nutrients efficiently while preventing the accumulation of toxins and waste products. An imbalance in bowel transit time can lead to various digestive issues, including constipation, diarrhoea, and other discomforts.

For any of my friends who have completed a breath test and seen their ‘orocecal transit time’ (OTT) - this is different! This transit time is looking at the mouth to the end of the small intestine (aka the cecum).

WHY COMPLETE A BOWEL TRANSIT TEST?

Personalised Assessment

A bowel transit tests provides a personalised assessment of your digestive health. Everyone's body is unique, and factors such as diet, lifestyle, and genetics can influence bowel transit time. By understanding your specific transit time, we can tailor interventions to address your individual needs.

Early Detection of Issues

Monitoring bowel transit time allows for the early detection of potential digestive issues. Irregularities in transit time may indicate imbalances in the gut microbiome, insufficient fibre intake, or other underlying problems. Identifying these issues early on enables proactive measures to prevent more significant health concerns.

Nutrient Absorption Optimisation

Efficient nutrient absorption is vital for overall health. If transit time is too fast, nutrients may not be adequately absorbed. Conversely, a slow transit time can lead to nutrient stagnation and potential toxicity. Balancing bowel transit time promotes optimal nutrient absorption and utilisation.

Holistic Approach to Gut Health

The Bowel Transit Test supports a holistic approach to gut health. Instead of merely addressing symptoms, this test allows naturopaths to identify root causes and develop comprehensive treatment plans. Integrating dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and targeted supplements can help restore balance to the digestive system.

HOW TO COMPLETE A BOWEL TRANSIT TEST

There are many foods you can use to test bowel transit including corn, blue dye, beetroot, and black quinoa, but we will be using sesame seeds in our instructions below.

Step 1: Purchase some sesame seeds from the store.

Step 2: Add 3 Tablespoons to a tall glass of water, and drink immediately. The goal is not to chew the seeds.

Step 3: As soon as you’ve finished the glass, write down the day & time.

Step 4: Have a look in the toilet every time you have a bowel motion. Yep! We have to look at it. When the sesame seeds start to appear, your stool will look speckled. You want to write down the day & time you first see it in your stool. How many hours was this from when you drank the water? This is your first number.

Step 5: Keep checking your bowel movements every time you go to the bathroom, as you also want the day & time of when you last see it in your stool. How many hours was this from when you drank the water? This is your second number.

Step 6: Once you have these two numbers, you can analyse your results or speak to your health practitioner about your transit time.

THE MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION…

What is a healthy transit time? 

Optimal transit time is between 14-24 hours. 

If it’s less than this, things are moving through your system too quickly to properly absorbed the required nutrients.

If it’s more than this, things are moving too slowly. The body starts to re-absorb waste products (including hormones), waters gets absorbed resulting in hard stools, and over fermentation can occur resulting in bloating.

TIPS TO IMPROVE TRANSIT TIME

If you have a slow transit time (> 24 hours)

Ways to speed this up include:

• Consume ground flaxseeds, 1-2 Tablespoons daily mixed with water or food.

• Take Lactulose, 5ml daily at bedtime (This can be purchased from the chemist, the brand I recommend is Actilax).

If you have a fast transit time (< 14 hours)

Ways to slow this down include:

• Increase your consumption of soluble fibre. This dissolve in water to create a more viscous gel-like texture, and helps to firm up loose stools.

• Examples include psyllium husks, oat bran or barley bran. Add 1-2 Tablespoons daily to water or food.

** With any of the above treatments, ensure you consult with your health practitioner first if you are pregnant or taking any medications.

Congrats! You’ve just gotten intimate with your stool, and for good reason. In the realm of gut health, the Bowel Transit Test is such a valuable tool! By understanding and optimising bowel transit time, we can promote a healthier digestive system, enhance nutrient absorption, and contribute to overall well-being.

Brooke x

If you are ready to resolve your gut issues, please get in touch by booking in a Discovery Call HERE.