New Study: How Many Times a Day Should You Poop For Optimal Health?

Paula Gallagher on

Maintaining a healthy bowel movement pattern is crucial for overall well-being, as recent research shows. The study explored the bowel habits of over 1,400 healthy adults, providing a comprehensive look at how different frequencies of bowel movements can affect our health.

Understanding Bowel Movement Frequencies

Participants in the study reported their bowel movement frequencies, which were categorized into four groups:

  • Constipation: One or two bowel movements per week.
  • Low-normal: Three to six per week.
  • High-normal: One to three per day.
  • Diarrhea: Three or more loose or watery stools per day.

Each group exhibited distinct biological and clinical characteristics, underscoring the importance of maintaining a balanced bowel movement frequency.

The Role of the Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiome, consisting of trillions of microorganisms living in our intestines, plays a crucial role in digestion and overall health. When stool remains in the gut for too long, the microbes exhaust the available fiber, typically fermenting it into beneficial short-chain fatty acids. If fiber is depleted, they start fermenting proteins, producing toxins like p-cresol sulfate and indoxyl sulfate, which can enter the bloodstream and adversely affect the kidneys, even in otherwise healthy individuals with constipation.

Conversely, diarrhea was associated with clinical markers indicating inflammation and liver damage. This occurs because during diarrhea, the body excretes excessive bile acid, which would typically be recycled by the liver to dissolve and absorb dietary fats.

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The "Goldilocks Zone"

The study found that the ideal bowel movement frequency—the "Goldilocks zone"—is around one to two poops per day. In this range, fiber-fermenting gut bacteria, known as "strict anaerobes" and associated with good health, thrive. However, Gibbons emphasized the need for further research to more precisely define this optimal range.

Lifestyle Factors for Optimal Bowel Health

Researchers identified key habits associated with the optimal bowel movement frequency. The most significant factor was a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Additionally, drinking plenty of water, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a plant-dominant diet were crucial for achieving the "Goldilocks zone."

Prebiotic and probiotic foods are useful in balancing the gut bacteria. Prebiotics fuel healthy bacteria in the gut microbiome. But if you don't already have enough healthy bacteria, probiotic foods (such as fermented foods) and supplements can supply more beneficial bacteria for the gut.

Striking the right balance in bowel movement frequency is vital for maintaining overall health. By incorporating more fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity, we can support our gut microbiome and overall well-being. 

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