The Surprising Reality Behind How Often You Should Poop

Will this new knowledge change your view?

It’s a common belief that everyone should have a daily bowel movement, but according to gastroenterologists like Dr. Folasade May from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, that’s not necessarily the case.

Dr. May often encounters patients who worry because their daily routine has changed, assuming it’s a health concern. This perception traces back to a Victorian-era belief that daily bowel movements are a sign of good health, explained Dr. Michael Camilleri, a consultant at the Mayo Clinic.

In reality, the frequency of bowel movements varies widely among individuals. Dr. May emphasizes that having bowel movements from three times a day to three times a week falls within the normal range.

However, health isn’t solely determined by frequency. Dr. Trisha Pasricha from Massachusetts General Hospital notes that factors like diet, hydration, stress, age, medications, and lifestyle influence our bowel habits. It’s not just how often you go, but also what your stool looks like that matters.

Doctors use the Bristol Stool Chart to assess stool quality, categorizing it into seven types. Stools resembling sausages with cracks or smooth and snakelike are considered healthiest (types three and four).

If someone is having infrequent bowel movements but their quality of life remains unchanged, it might not be a concern, says Pasricha. However, excessive straining or the sensation of incomplete emptying may indicate the need for adjustments in frequency or stool quality.

Simple changes like using a toilet stool to elevate the knees above the hips can aid bowel movements by relaxing pelvic floor muscles. Dr. Pasricha highlights that our bodies weren’t designed for seated bowel movements but rather squatting ones.

Diet plays a crucial role. A fiber-rich diet sourced from fruits, veggies, whole grains, and nuts (around 25 grams daily) prevents constipation. Additionally, staying hydrated softens stool, easing passage. Some studies suggest foods like kiwis and prunes can aid constipation, but excessive fiber intake may lead to bloating or loose stools.

Caffeine, found in beverages like coffee, can stimulate colon contractions, facilitating bowel movements. Conversely, a high-fat diet may slow down digestion, according to Dr. May.