There’s a new movement taking shape in the bathroom.
With rates of colorectal cancer on the rise among younger patients, more people are paying closer attention to the status of their poop than ever: what’s healthy, what’s cause for concern and what they can do to support their guts long term.
Emerging studies point to things like microplastic exposure, too much sitting and ultra-processed foods as possible culprits for the surge in cases, with experts calling for a radical shift in the way we structure our diets and our days.
Dr. Wendi LeBrett, board-certified gastroenterologist and gut health specialist, is one such expert. On her Instagram and through her practice, she’s an advocate for getting more fiber through the whole foods we eat, supporting the gut with a probiotic boost and employing proper pooping posture, among other things.
Here, she tells The Post the top five tweaks she recommends to transform your trips to the toilet.
1. Fiber for regularity
LeBrett says fiber “is the unsung hero of gut health” because it helps keep bowel movements regular by softening and bulking stool.
But the average American gets less than half the daily amount recommended by the USDA. And the popularity of diets like keto — which restricts the intake of many fibrous foods like whole grains and sweet potatoes — may only be widening that gap.
This is concerning primarily because high-fiber diets are a predictor of lower cardiovascular, diabetes and cancer risk.
But there is good news. It’s relatively easy to incorporate more fiber into your meals, like adding beans to mac and cheese, loading soups and stews like chili with extra vegetables or sprinkling chia seeds on oatmeal.
In addition to prioritizing fiber-packed whole foods in your daily diet, LeBrett says a fiber supplement can provide the boost you need. She takes one first thing in the morning “to help manage constipation and keep my routine predictable.”
As a TUSHY partner, one of her favorites is the brand’s new Reboot Fiber Gummies because they use inulin, “a prebiotic fiber that supports regularity without the ‘urgency effect’ people associate with laxatives.”
2. Probiotics for a balanced gut
Gut disruptors like ultra-processed foods can upset the ratio of good and bad bacteria in the gut, leading to inflammation and chronic diseases. Whenever possible, it’s best to cut out these foods — but it’s also a good idea to up your probiotic intake, which essentially pads your insides with lots of healthy micro-organisms and helps the good bacteria to flourish.
“[Probiotics] support a healthy gut microbiome, which can improve stool consistency and help prevent bloating or irregularity,” LeBrett says.
Some forms of probiotics like kimchi have even been shown to help rid the body of toxins like microplastics, by attaching to them in the gut and expelling them from the body when you poop.
Probiotic pills can be helpful, but the dosage of over-the-counter options can be unpredictable. For the most consistent and effective dose of probiotics, look to the foods you eat. LeBrett recommends adding fermented goodies like yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir or kimchi to your regular rotation.
“Wildbrine has a great selection of sauerkraut and kimchi, which I eat regularly,” she adds.
3. Bidet for gentle, effective clean-up
They’re not just reserved for fancy hotels and Japanese train stations; bidets are for everyone!
“A bidet is imperative to any bathroom routine because it offers a superior level of cleanliness and is gentle on the skin,” LeBrett explains.
A replacement for toilet paper, a bidet is a toilet attachment that sprays a stream of water at the anus and butt to gently cleanse the area after going to the bathroom.
Not only is toilet paper wasteful, the act of wiping can have health consequences of its own. According to LeBrett, it can leave residue on the skin that “contributes to or exacerbates common health conditions” including hemorrhoids, UTIs, yeast infections, anal itching and fissures.
She recommends the TUSHY Classic 3.0 bidet attachment “for its simplicity and easy installation.”
4. Bathroom stool for optimal pooping posture
Not that kinda stool.
Giving your feet a little lift while sitting on the toilet can make a big difference in the way you poop.
“The way you sit on the toilet matters more than you think. A squatting position naturally straightens the rectum, making bowel movements easier, faster and more complete,” LeBrett explains.
A bathroom stool, like the TUSHY Arc, can be a “game-changer for regularity.”
“Its smooth, rounded shape and non-slip design make it comfortable to use, while also elevating your feet to open the rectal canal to an optimal 100 to 120 degrees. This helps reduce straining and constipation, easing overall digestive comfort.”
5. Walking pad for better digestion
Movement matters.
“Moving your body helps your gut do its job. Gentle activity, like taking a walk after meals or spending a few minutes on a walking pad, can stimulate your intestines and support regular bowel movements,” LeBrett says.
“The key isn’t intensity, it’s consistency. Your digestive system responds well to routine, so small, regular movement can make a meaningful difference for overall gut comfort and function.”
She uses a walking pad from Urevo with a standing desk so she can get her steps in “while catching up on emails.”
