How often should you poop?
You may have wondered how many times a normal person should poop a day, but in fact, there is no standard answer for this question. When it comes to the frequency of bowel movements, it is hard to say what is normal as it varies from person to person.
Let’s see how frequently do others poops
As shown in a research of more than 2,000 people published by Healthline, respondents reported the following bowel patterns:
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Nearly 50% of people poop once a day while another 28% poop twice a day. And only 5.6% is going only once or twice per week.
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61.3% reported that they use to poop in the morning. Another 22% reported going in the afternoon while only 2.6% defecate at night.
The important thing is: Are you regular?
There is no specific number of times a normal person should poop in a day. As a broad rule, anywhere from three times a day to three times a week is considered normal. And, it is good to have a regular bowel pattern, to poop about the same number of times in a day or week, and at a similar time of a day.
Pooping regularly with soft and easy-to-pass poop is a healthy bowel habit that allows the colon to empty without pain or discomfort.
The frequency of bowel movements depends on many factors, such as age, diet, lifestyle, stress level, and so on.
Your overall health is more important than the number of bowel movements in a day. So instead of the number of times you poop, pay attention to how your bowel habits change.
If you are used to passing motion every other day in the morning and feel good, then this may be your "regular". However, if you change from pooping once every two days to twice a day and feeling uncomfortable, you should talk to your healthcare provider.
In addition, changes in stool consistency are as important as the frequency of bowel movements in a day. If you have a bowel movement every other day, but the stool changes from smooth to hard pellets, this may indicate a problem with your digestive system and you should consult your healthcare provider.
The bristol stool chart from MedicalNewsToday
Lifestyle, diet, Activity level, and more can affect the frequency you poop and how well you poop. For example, consuming more fluids and fiber can help promote and maintain regularity.
When to see a doctor?
Whether due to illness or changes in activity or diet, everyone will experience changes in bowel movements from time to time. However, changes that last longer than a week may cause concern. These are some of the symptoms that indicate that you need to seek emergency medical assistance:
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Black, tar-like poop (To note: If you are taking iron tablets, you may notice a darker shade of green-black poop and this is considered normal)
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Blood in the poop
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Severe, tingling abdominal pain
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Weight loss or fever that accompanies diarrhea or constipation
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Bowel changes (diarrhea/constipation) that last longer than 1 week
If you often have problems with constipation or diarrhea, you should see a doctor. Your doctor may take a medical history and check the medications you take to determine whether any of these medications can cause constipation or diarrhea. They can also recommend lifestyle and diet changes that promote regular bowel movements.
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