How Often You Poop Could Suggest More Than You Think, Study Finds

How often you poop can reveal a lot about your body’s state of health. Regarding bowel movement frequency, it is essential to strive to stay regular. But have you ever really given much thought to how often you should poop to stay regular and healthy? A recent study published in Cell Reports Medicine has shed light on how often you should poop and the critical role of the gut microbiome.

Normal Bowel Movement Frequency

There is not a one-size-fits-all answer regarding the question of how often you should poop. Bowel movement frequency in healthy individuals can range from three times a day to three times a week. [1] However, having less than three bowel movements a week is typically regarded as experiencing constipation. Bowel movement frequency can also have an impact on your gut microbiome. Additionally, it can also increase your risk of developing chronic diseases. In the study, participants who pooped once or twice every day had a higher level of gut bacteria that is responsible for digesting fiber. However, those who were experiencing constipation had higher levels of bacteria that are associated with protein fermentation.  

The Motivation Behind the Bowel Movement Frequency Study

Many people with chronic diseases, such as chronic kidney disease, reported experiencing constipation for years before they received their diagnosis. [2] However, it remained a mystery whether these bowel movement frequency irregularities are a cause of the disease or a symptom. This mystery motivated the researchers to explore the link between bowel movement frequency, the gut microbiome, genetics, blood plasma chemistries, and blood metabolites. They aimed to determine if abnormal bowel movement patterns could negatively affect the body even before the disease was diagnosed. 

Read More: How Many Times You Should Poop Per Day? Experts Weigh In

The Bowel Movement Study

The researchers examined the lifestyle and health data of around 1,400 adults in good health who had all taken part in a scientific wellness program. The program was run by a health company called Arivale, which operated in Seattle for four years, from 2015 to 2019. The participants in the study consented to having their stool and blood sampled and also took questionnaires. More than 80% of the participants in the study were white. 

Results of the Bowel Movement Study

The bowel movement frequency of the participants was labeled into four distinct groups. One to two bowel movements per week (constipation), three to six times per week (low-normal), one to three per day (high-normal), and diarrhea. Byproducts of protein fermentation, such as indoxyl sulfate, are known to cause kidney damage. [3] Higher concentrations were noted in participants who suffered from constipation. Additionally, elevated blood levels of indoxyl sulfate were linked to a reduction in kidney function. In participants who suffered from diarrhea, chemistries associated with liver damage were higher, and they also displayed increased inflammation.

Further Findings of the Study

The researchers also discovered that several blood plasma chemistries and blood metabolites were linked with different bowel movement frequencies. The researchers feel that these findings represent “preliminary support for a causal link between bowel movement frequency, gut microbial metabolism, and organ damage,” as stated in a news release. What doctors find exciting about this study is that they have long known about the link between chronic kidney disease and constipation, yet an understanding of the potential mechanisms had always seemed to elude them. The study has now provided a pathway by which subsequent studies can research this link. This will hopefully allow them to find out whether individuals with lower bowel movement frequency produce larger amounts of toxic metabolites and consequently develop kidney diseases. [4]

Read More: 5 Signs of Bowel Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore

Factors Affecting How Often You Poop

Several factors influence how often you poop. Genetics plays an important role, with research suggesting that genetic factors can affect your stool frequency and consistency. The gut microbiome is also known to impact bowel movement frequency and an imbalance can potentially cause chronic constipation in individuals. Age is yet another factor. Around one-third of Americans over the age of 60 reportedly experience constipation. Certain lifestyle choices, such as fiber intake, diet, and hydration, also significantly affect one’s bowel movements. Several health conditions, such as  IBS, IBD, and thyroid disease, can affect one’s bowel habits. Additionally, there are certain medications, including metformin, NSAIDs, heartburn medication, and chemotherapy drugs, that can cause constipation or diarrhea.

How to Regulate How Often You Poop

There are several gastroenterologist-recommended strategies you can incorporate into your life to regulate how often you poop. First off, eat a fiber-rich diet to help move the poop through your intestines, focusing on foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes. Make sure that you stay hydrated, as water helps to soften stool, making it easier to pass through your system. Regular exercise is also vital as it stimulates digestive muscles, promoting bowel movement frequency. It is recommended that you try to aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week to keep things moving smoothly.

The Bottom Line

There is no fixed amount of how often you should poop in order to be healthy. [5] However, if you are experiencing constipation or diarrhea, you should consider seeing a doctor. Staying regular is an important part of maintaining overall health, and a change in bowel movement frequency could represent other underlying issues – or even be causing them. Make sure to eat healthy, drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly to help maintain and improve how often you poop.  

Read More: 12 Foods To Eat If You Need To Poop