How Often Should You Poop?

What Are Regular Bowel Movements?

Bowel movements are an indicator of gut health and circadian rhythms. So how often should you poop, and what is considered healthy?  This article explains the benefits of pooping daily and takes this conversation one step further by linking bowel habits with mental health. Gut health is also relevant to emotional health and is mediated by the immune system. 

How Often Should You Really Go?

The average person poops between three times a day and three times a week. However, it is crucial to be aware of poop consistency and regularity. When you poop, your stools should be soft, formed, and easy to pass, no matter how often you go.  There is no generally accepted number of times a person should poop, but daily is a good goal! Many people have a regular bowel pattern: they’ll poop about the same number of times a day and at a similar time.

The question of how often one should have a bowel movement is a common one, and the answer varies depending on several factors. As mentioned earlier, having at least one bowel movement per day is generally recommended. However, it's important to remember that everyone's body is different, and what's normal for one person may not be the same for another.

Some individuals may have bowel movements less frequently, such as every other day or even once every few days, and still be considered within the normal range as long as they don't experience any discomfort or other symptoms. On the other hand, going more than three times a day could indicate an issue with digestion or an overly rapid transit time.

Bowel Movements and Mental Health

Believe it or not, pooping can make you feel happy! When humans have a bowel movement, our bodies release endorphins, neurotransmitters that promote happiness and well-being [1]. This is why some people may experience a sense of relief or even euphoria after having a good poop!

In addition to the release of endorphins, having regular bowel movements can also improve our overall health and well-being [2]. When we eliminate waste from our bodies regularly, we reduce the risk of developing constipation, hemorrhoids, and other digestive disorders [2,3].

Pooping regularly can help you feel more comfortable and energized throughout the day. Furthermore, having a healthy bowel movement schedule can reduce stress and anxiety. When we are regular, we don't have to worry about unexpected bowel movements or discomfort, which can be a source of stress for some people [4]. By establishing a regular bowel movement routine, we can feel more in control of our bodies and reduce anxiety.

Overall, having a healthy bowel movement schedule is vital for both our physical and mental health. So, the next time you have a good poop, remember that it is a feeling of relief and can also represent happiness and well-being!

Can Medications Impact Bowel Movements?

Research has shown that certain medications can affect bowel movement frequency [5]. For example, opiates are commonly used to manage pain but can cause constipation as a side effect [5]. Up to 90% of individuals who take opiates regularly may experience constipation [5]. This can be managed with medications that target the gastrointestinal system or adjusting the dosage or type of opiate medication used [5].

However, it's important to note that changing our diet can also significantly impact bowel movement frequency and overall digestive health. By altering our dietary intake, we can improve our output and reduce the likelihood of constipation and other digestive disorders [2].

A high-fiber diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation [2]. Staying hydrated by drinking enough water and other fluids can promote healthy bowel function [2]. However, it's important to note that diet alone may not be enough to manage bowel movement changes caused by medication or underlying health conditions, and it's essential to seek medical advice in these cases [6].

Another medication linked to changes in bowel movement frequency is Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), commonly prescribed to treat depression and anxiety [6]. While some individuals may experience diarrhea as a side effect, others may experience constipation [6]. The exact mechanism behind this side effect is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to serotonin's role in regulating gut function [6].

Individuals concerned about their bowel movement frequency or experiencing changes in their bowel habits should speak to their healthcare provider [2,6]. It's important to note that changes in bowel movements can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health condition, and it's essential to rule this out with a medical evaluation [2].

Treatment Options

Wise Mind Nutrition may be worth considering if you're looking for a comprehensive approach to improving your digestive health and bowel movements. The personalized program offers nutrition and lifestyle recommendations tailored to your needs and goals, helping you optimize your gut health and improve bowel function.

With a focus on whole foods and natural remedies, Wise Mind Nutrition can help you achieve long-term results without interventions that may have unwanted side effects. Wise Mind Nutrition may be a valuable resource to explore if you want to improve your bowel movements and overall digestive health. Feel free to reach out!

Blog Contributor:

Persefone Pappas

References

1. Freedman, D. H. (2015, September). "It's in the air": Why might some people be happy poopers? Discover, 36(7), 66.

2. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2021, January 14). Constipation. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354253

3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2017, November). Hemorrhoids. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/hemorrhoids

4. Sood, R., Ford, A. C., & Camilleri, M. (2021, January 6). Association between stress, anxiety, and depression with gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with and without gastrointestinal disorders. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 19(1), 61-69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2020.07.042

5. Bell, T., & Annunziata, K. (2016). Opioid-induced constipation. Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America, 28(2), 223-230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnc.2016.01.006

6. Talley, N. J., Holtmann, G. J., Agreus, L., et al. (2020). Challenges in the management of functional bowel disorders: Focus on regulatory hurdles and limitations of current therapies. Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology, 11(5), e00140. https://doi.org/10.14309/ctg.0000000000000140