Emunctory function refers to the body's ability to eliminate waste and toxins through various organs and systems, such as the kidneys, liver, lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. These organs and systems play a crucial role in maintaining the body's internal balance by removing harmful substances and waste products from the body.

Our kidneys filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood, which are then excreted in the form of urine. The liver processes and detoxifies substances that could be harmful to the body, such as alcohol, drugs, and pollutants. The lungs remove carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular respiration, through exhalation. The skin eliminates waste products through sweat, and the gastrointestinal tract removes waste products from food through the process of digestion and elimination.

Our most valuable bodily function of elimination consists of our stool or poop. While the topic of poop or stool is taboo for some, naturopathic physicians find our body’s elimination to be most valuable in ascertaining our patients' overall health. About 70-80% of our immune system is in your digestive tract. This is why it is so critical to optimize digestive in any condition of the immune system (ie. allergies, asthma, Irritable bowel disease and most autoimmune conditions). What's most fascinating and humbling at the same time is that within an estimated 30 trillion cells in your body, only less than a third are human. The other 70-90% are bacterial and fungal.

Ninety-nine percent of the unique genes in our digestive system are responsible for transforming food into energy and nutrients, which are essential for maintaining good health. The stool is the end product of this process, and its quality and characteristics can reveal important information about the health of your digestive system.

Have you ever wondered what your poop says about your health? Here's what you need to know:

• Consistency: The consistency of your poop can provide valuable cues about your digestive health. Ideally, your poop should be soft and well formed, similar to an “OK” sign or in the shape of a sausage or snake. In Ayurveda, there are seven types of stool, ranging from dry and hard to loose and watery. Ideally, the stool should be well-formed, soft, and easy to pass. If your poop is hard and difficult to pass, it could be a sign of constipation. On the other hand, if your poop is loose or watery, it could be a sign of diarrhea.

• Color: Most of the time, your poop should be a shade of brown. That suggests healthy metabolism where nutrients are well absorbed. If your poop is black, it could be a sign of internal bleeding. If it's red, it could be a sign of bleeding in the lower digestive tract. If it's yellow, it could indicate liver problems, while green poop could indicate that your food is moving through your system too quickly.

• Smell: Let's face it, poop isn't exactly known for its pleasant odor. A healthy stool should have a mild, earthy smell. Strong or foul-smelling stools may indicate an imbalance in the digestive system. However, if your poop suddenly has an unusually strong or foul smell, it could be a sign of a bacterial infection in your digestive system.

• The proper functioning of these emunctory organs and systems is essential for overall health and wellbeing. Imbalances or dysfunction in any of these organs can lead to a buildup of toxins and waste products in the body, which can contribute to a variety of health problems.

• Frequency: Regular bowel movements are considered essential for maintaining good health. Ideally, you should have one to two bowel movements per day. If you're pooping less once a day, it is a sign of constipation. On the other hand, if you're pooping more than three times a day, it could be a sign of diarrhea or an underlying digestive issue.

• Shape: Believe it or not, the shape of your poop can also provide some clues about your digestive health. Ideally, your poop should be a smooth, continuous shape, similar to a sausage or snake. If your poop is broken up into small pieces or is difficult to pass, it could be a sign of constipation.

• Digestive symptoms: If you experience digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas, or constipation, it may indicate an imbalance in your digestive system that can affect the quality of your stool.

Paying attention to your poop can provide important insights into your digestive health. If you notice any sudden changes in the consistency, color, smell, frequency, or shape of your poop, it's important to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan to get your digestive system back on track. The proper functioning of all our emunctory organs and systems is essential for overall health and wellbeing. Imbalances or dysfunction in any of these organs can lead to a buildup of toxins and waste products in the body, which can contribute to a variety of health problems.