Rena Malik, MD Podcast The 5-Minute Poop Rule (And Why It Matters) ft. Dr. Trisha Parischa
Apr 4, 2026
Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a Harvard-trained gastroenterologist and gut–brain researcher, explains bathroom habits and bowel basics. She highlights the five-minute rule and why long toilet sits and phones raise hemorrhoid risk. They cover rising colorectal cancer in young people, diet impacts, leaky gut myths, and the gut–brain connection in stress and chronic symptoms.
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Ultra-Processed Foods Link To Early Colorectal Cancer
- Insight: Ultra-processed foods and low fiber intake are major contributors to rising early-onset colorectal cancer.
- Pasricha links additives/emulsifiers that weaken mucus and microbiome plus low fiber that reduces protective short-chain fatty acids.
Choose Colonoscopy To Prevent Colon Cancer
- Do prioritize screening colonoscopy to prevent cancer because it finds and removes precancerous polyps.
- Pasricha emphasizes colonoscopy is a polyp hunt; stool kits or blood tests detect cancer but don't prevent it like colonoscopy does.
Use Low FODMAP With A Dietitian To Find Triggers
- Do use a structured low FODMAP elimination and reintroduction under a dietitian to identify true food triggers.
- Pasricha recommends two-week elimination, then two-week reintroductions with a food diary and dietitian guidance.
