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Stressed, Blessed, & a Little Gut-Obsessed: The Impact of Seasonal Changes on Gut & Bowel Health
It’s that time of year again when everything begins to shift: the temps drop (or in some places rise), your routine adjusts to accommodate school and holidays, and you start getting less hours of daylight. Believe it or not, your gut health and bowel habits can also be shifting due to all of these changes. Let’s dive into why your digestive system can act up during seasonal shifts and high-stress times, how it’s all connected, and what you can do to stay comfortable. 1. Your Gut Changes with the Seasons Yep, your gut microbiome (the trillions of gut microbes + their genes + their little chemical factories) shifts as the seasons shift. For instance: In one study of 60 members of a communal lifestyle group, microbiome diversity and major bacterial groups changed between summer and winter. PLOS+1 A recent review points out how diet, environmental factors (temperature, humidity, sunlight), behavior (time outdoors, activity), and infections all play into seasonal gut-microbiome shifts. MDPI+1 Why this matters for your bowel habits: When your microbiome composition shifts, the balance of digestion-helpers, gas-producing microbes, mucus-layer maintainers and gut-barrier guards may shift too. Seasonal changes often bring changes in diet (less fresh produce, more preserved foods, foods higher in fats/oils), changes in activity (colder weather → less movement), changes in hydration (less thirst in winter), changes in daylight/circadian rhythm → all these ripple into digestion. So if you notice more constipation, bloating, or just “off” bowel habits when we move into fall or winter (or maybe when things warm up again) - there is a biological plausibility. 2. Stress: The Gut’s Uninvited Guest Your gut and your brain have a hotline. It’s called the gut-brain axis (and yes, your poop is part of the conversation). Here’s what happens: Under stress, your body activates its “fight or flight” pathways, which can divert blood flow away from digestion, alter motility (either speed things up or slow them down), change gut-barrier permeability and stimulate immune/inflammatory responses. ScienceDirect+1 Reviews show stress contributes to symptom severity in many digestive disorders (like IBS, IBD, functional gut disorders) because of these gut-brain-microbiome loops. Frontiers+1 The gut microbiome itself is sensitive to stress — stress can alter microbial composition, reduce diversity, influence microbial metabolites that affect gut health. International Fellowship of Missionaries So why do your gut & bowels take a hit when you’re stressed / during holidays? Holidays mean disrupted routines: eating at odd hours, heavier foods, more alcohol, travel, less sleep — all of which stress your gut. Seasonal changes + stress = “double whammy” for gut health: imagine your microbiome is already shifting because the season changed and you’ve jacked up your stress levels and thrown off your diet/routine. For someone with a sensitive gut (e.g., IBS, prior digestive issues), this can trigger flares: constipation, diarrhea, urgency, bloating. 3. Putting It All Together: Let’s connect the dots: The season changes → your diet/activity/hydration/possibly daylight changes → your microbiome shifts (studies confirm). At the same time, if stress is elevated (holiday demands, family, travel, workload) → your gut-brain axis is activated → digestion is less efficient, gut motility might change, barrier/inflammation & microbial interactions might get less optimal. Result: Your bowel habits might take a hit (you might be more constipated, or maybe looser, bloated, feeling off). Note: This doesn’t mean everyone will have dramatic gut issues — but many people do notice “something’s off” during seasonal or holiday transitions. 4. The Squat-light: Tips for Supporting your Body during this Seasonal Shift All these adjustments can be hard enough to manage even before adding gut/bowel changes to the list, but these helpful suggestions could help keep your bathroom operations flowing smoothly: Routine & environment Try to keep a consistent eating schedule, even when meals are “holiday-style”. Prioritize hydration (colder weather or busy holiday times may reduce fluid intake). Keep moving, even short walks and gentle stretching ca help gut motility. Diet & microbiome support Fiber-rich foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains) support a healthy microbiome, which can help prevent “backlog” during shifts. Consider fermented or probiotic-rich foods (yogurt, kefir, kimchi) to support microbial balance. Limit excess alcohol, heavy ultra-processed foods, large meals late at night — all of which can stress digestion. Stress reduction Try simple breathing/relaxation practices (even 5 minutes) to calm the gut-brain axis. Prioritize sleep (less sleep = higher stress for your gut too). Recognize your gut is part of the stress response: when you feel “butterflies” or “I have to go ASAP” after a stressful meeting — yup, your brain-gut axis is doing its thing. Squatty Support: We’ve got your back(side)! Reduce stress on your bowels and pelvic floor muscles by using your Squatty Potty stool whenever you go. Even if you’re traveling, we’ve got compact options that can help improve your bathroom experience no matter where the season takes you: Original 7” Squatty - the OG for pooping comfort! Travel Porta Squatty - your travel companion that fits neatly into a suitcase or carry-on (under 15” when folded) Slim Teak - if you you and your guests want to poop in luxury, this stylish, modern stool gives you clean lines and a clear digestive tract! The perfect poop isn’t complete without the perfect wipe - our Flushable Wipes clean more effectively than toilet paper, and are gentle and safe (even for those with sensitive or eczema prone skin) 150ct Bundle - 50 per pouch, and plenty of pouches to put one in each bathroom. Grab ‘N Go Bundle - your travel bestie! Soothing, gentle, and perfect for any form of travel you might go on during the holidays. Give Your Gut Some Grace During The Seasonal Shift! Your gut is not in isolation. It’s tied to your diet, your brain, your stress levels, your environment. Seasonal changes and stress are like two sneaky companions that often come together and both silently tweak your gut ecosystem — altering microbiome, gut-brain communication, motility, and barrier function. When your gut ecosystem shifts, your bowel health can shift too. If you tend to feel digestive changes during holiday seasons or when things get busy/stressful — you’re not imagining it. It’s real. And the good news: with a little awareness (hydration, fiber, movement, stress-management, and the right bathroom support) you can help your throne-experience stay smooth. Citations (if you feel like diving deep) Davenport E. R. et al. Seasonal Variation in Human Gut Microbiome Composition. PLoS ONE (2014). Link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0090731 PLOS+1 Koliada A. et al. Seasonal variation in gut microbiota composition: cross-sectional evidence from Ukrainian population. BMC Microbiology (2020). Link: https://bmcmicrobiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12866-020-01786-8 BioMed Central Review: The influence of climate, weather, seasonal transitions, and diurnal cycles on human health via gut microbiome. Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10482-025-02097-6 SpringerLink+1 Review: Stress, microbiota, and the gut–brain axis in mental and digestive health. ScienceDirect (2024). Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025775324007723 ScienceDirect+2Frontiers+2 Institute for Functional Medicine: The Impact of Stress on Gut Health. Link: https://www.ifm.org/articles/gut-stress-changes-gut-function International Fellowship of Missionaries
Learn moreDookie's Digest - Episode 1: Dookie's Curated List of Fall Favorite Items!
As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, our favorite magical friend, Dookie, is trotting straight into autumn with all the cozy vibes and pumpkin spice goodness he can handle! He's got all his go to items to support his fall adventures, and can't wait to share his must-haves with you all!🦄✨ 🎃 Fall Adventures with Dookie This season, Dookie has been spotted frolicking through pumpkin patches, surrounded by pumpkins of every size, picking out the perfect ones to place around his house. He's also been visiting farmer's markets, book stores, and bakeries, finding little treats and treasures along the way. Naturally, he takes a few selfies (he’s got a loyal following to keep updated, after all) before sipping on his Pumpkin Spice Latte. Yes, even unicorns can’t resist that sweet, spicy magic in a PSL! 🧣 Cozy Unicorn Vibes When he’s not out embracing the crisp fall air, Dookie is snuggled up indoors, wrapped in his favorite oversized sweater and cozy slippers. He's got a pot of soup slowly simmering on the stove, and his coat reflects the warm glow of fairy lights he put up around the house. Between sips of warm cider and writing in his journal, Dookie takes a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures of the season: the golden light filtering through the trees, the warmth of a fresh batch of cookies, and the sensation of cool air filling his lungs with each breath. If there’s one thing Dookie knows, it’s that fall isn’t just about being festive — it’s about gratitude, self-care, and finding the magic in the quiet moments. 🍁 Dookie’s Fall Must-Haves Because unicorns are known for their impeccable taste, Dookie has curated a list of his top fall essentials to share: Hydrating Lip balm: He loves the crisp air, but knows that it can usually dry out his skin, so he's always carrying a good, moisturizing lip balm. His favorite is Hurraw Balm in Huckleberry or Earl Grey - hurrawbalm.com The Hit Autumn Tote Bag: It's roomy, it's sturdy, and it's perfect for carrying all the little treasures he finds on his adventures. He's collected quote a few over the years, but his two favorites are from his local library, and his Land's End Gold Star Tote - landsend.com His Cozy Slippers: Ideal for slow mornings spent leaf-peeping and drinking coffee from the porch. He treated himself to a pair of Bombas Gripper Slipper Booties and absolutely loves how cozy they are - bombas.com The Slim Teak Squatty Potty: What's a fall favorites list without his favorite product of all time: Squatty Potty! The Oslo Teak is his go to fall stool because it has a stylish, natural wood finish that gives his royal bathroom a warm, spa-like touch for the season - amazon.com Squatty Potty Grab 'N Go Flushable Wipes: Because even a unicorn who poops rainbow soft serve appreciates staying fresh on the go - best fall life and best bathroom experience no matter where or when nature calls - amazon.com ☕️ A Fall to Remember Between pumpkin picking, sipping lattes, and keeping things magically comfortable in the bathroom, Dookie is prepped and ready for all the excitement that fall has to offer. Whether you’re a unicorn, human, or somewhere in between, you can take a page from Dookie’s book: get cozy, stay fresh, and embrace the magic of autumn!
Learn moreThe World of Personal Hygiene Wipes: Understanding the Difference
When it comes to personal hygiene, wipes have become an everyday essential — whether you’re cleaning up a baby, freshening your face, or using them in the bathroom. But not all wipes are created equal. Although they might look similar, baby wipes, facial wipes, and flushable toilet wipes differ in both composition and intended use — and those differences matter a lot, especially when it comes to what should (and shouldn’t) go down your toilet. Baby Wipes: Gentle for Skin, Designed for Messes Material: Baby wipes are made from a soft, durable, nonwoven fabric, often a blend of polyester and polypropylene fibers. These synthetic materials make them strong enough to handle tough cleanup jobs and resist tearing, even when wet. However, these same qualities also mean they don’t break down easily in water. And while more and more brands are moving to a 100% plant based material for baby wipes now, they are still designed to resist tearing and breakdown, meaning even though they are plant based they are still not flushable. Use: Formulated for sensitive skin, baby wipes are designed with moisturizing and soothing ingredients like aloe, chamomile, or mild cleansers. They’re perfect for diaper changes and gentle cleaning, but their durability means they’re not meant to be flushed. Even one or two wipes can cause clogs or contribute to larger blockages in plumbing and sewer systems, known as “fatbergs.” Facial Wipes: Designed for Beauty, Not the Bathroom Material: Facial wipes share a similar construction to baby wipes, they’re typically made of nonwoven synthetic fibers or blends that give them a smooth, cloth-like texture. This makes them ideal for wiping away makeup, oil, and dirt without disintegrating. In other words, they are designed to feel soft while still being relatively difficult to tear. And just like baby wipes, more companies are moving over to plant based fibers for their facial wipes, even going so far as to claim that they are biodegradable and/or compostable - but again it’s important to note that these fibers are not constructed to disintegrate quickly in water, meaning they are also not designed to be flushed. Use: Since facial wipes are formulated with ingredients like micellar water, exfoliants, or skin conditioners, they’re a convenient alternative to washing your face. But despite their softness, they are not flushable either. These specific fibers don’t disperse or degrade in water, and they can easily cause blockages in household pipes or municipal systems. Flushable Toilet Wipes: Built to Clean, and then Break Down Material: The major difference with flushable toilet wipes lies in the fiber technology. True flushable wipes are made from plant-based materials, such as cellulose, wood pulp, cotton, or regenerated fibers like viscose or lyocell. Unlike synthetic polymers, these natural fibers are hydrophilic, meaning they absorb water and begin to lose strength almost immediately after flushing. This is often why they feel thinner than baby wipes or facial wipes - it’s an intentional design that combines functional structure for an effective clean while dispersing quickly in water to prevent clogs in sewers and septic systems. Most flushable wipes use hydroentangling (spunlace) technology, which bonds the fibers together with high-pressure water jets instead of chemical binders. This gives the wipe a soft, strong texture when dry and in use — but allows it to break apart once it’s agitated in water, mimicking the dispersibility of toilet paper. Use: Obviously, flushable wipes are designed for use after going to the bathroom and offer a fresher, cleaner feel as compared to toilet paper, and usually contains ingredients designed to help care for skin and reduce irritation in those sensitive areas. However, not all products labeled “flushable” meet rigorous disintegration standards. There are testing protocols designed to validate flushability, which are subject to change to meet shifting federal and local regulations for sewage and water systems. That’s why it’s best to look for wipes certified by industry standards like INDA/IWSFG Flushability Guidelines. Squatty Potty Flushable Wipes - The Right Wipe for the Right Time Squatty Potty Flushable wipes have undergone independent lab testing to confirm that they meet INDA GD4 Flushable Product Guidelines, so you can trust that they are flushable and septic safe when you flush according to disposal instructions. But, they aren’t just the perfect option for your post-potty cleanup, they’re also: Hypoallergenic & Dermatologically Tested Made with 100% plant based fibers Formulated with 99% water and plant based ingredients pH balanced & alcohol free FSC certified Infused with chamomile, green tea, aloe, cucumber, & vitamin e Formulated without harsh chemicals, oils, parabens, or sulfates Cruelty Free On top of all that, these wipes are tested and proven safe for sensitive and eczema-prone skin, making them gentle enough for the whole family. They’re perfect for removing dirt, sweat, and everyday grime, and they double as a refreshing pick-me-up after a workout or a long day. The only thing they’re not designed for is makeup removal or use directly on eyes - their formula and material are optimized to break down easily in water and remain safe for sewer and septic systems. But aside from that, they’re an excellent go-to for nearly all your daily wipe needs - with the added bonus of being flushable!
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