It’s time to get to the bottom of this age-old question: How often should you be pooping?
Our body absorbs the protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals of the food we eat, leaving behind undigested food particles, bacteria and cell debris from the digestive tract. Going No. 2 is a natural process that removes this waste.
Dr. Peyton Berookim, a board-certified gastroenterologist at the Gastroenterology Institute of Southern California, recently told Well+Good that a “normal” number of bowel movements could be three or four a week or even up to three a day.
“What really matters is that people have complete, spontaneous bowel movements,” Berookim explained. “This means having soft stool, evacuating completely without straining.”
There are lifestyle changes you can make to achieve a spontaneous bowel movement, which occurs without the help of laxatives and a complete spontaneous bowel movement, which means the bowels have been fully emptied. Here’s how to improve your poo routine — and when to seek help.
What affects how often you poop
Dr. Crystal Antoine-Pepeljugoski told The Post that it’s healthy to answer nature’s call every day or every two days, but going less than three times a week would indicate constipation.
Factors that can influence your scat schedule include dietary fiber intake, hydration, stress, activity level, underlying medical issues and medication use.
“Sometimes bathroom habits can play a role, such as ignoring the urge to go, [which] can lead to constipation over time,” said Antoine-Pepeljugoski, a GI oncologist at Northwell Northern Westchester and Phelps Hospitals.
How to go more often
Antoine-Pepeljugoski recommends eating at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day — go for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
She also suggests naturally fermented probiotic foods such as yogurt, kefir or sauerkraut or probiotic supplements. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help restore balance to the gut and soften stools.
“Complement this with adequate hydration to keep things moving smoothly, aiming for at least eight cups of water a day,” Antoine-Pepeljugoski counseled.
Exercising, such as walking daily, can stimulate digestion and bowel movements as well.
Finally, and maybe most importantly, try not to ignore the urge to go.
Dr. Peter Stein, director of endoscopy at the Phelps Hospital Northwell Health, advises setting aside the same time every day to make it happen.
“Consistency is key, as is eating your vegetables!” Stein told The Post.
When to see a doctor
- You notice significant changes in the frequency or quality of your bowel movements.
- You suffer from persistent or worsening constipation, especially if accompanied by pain or bloating.
- You experience worsening diarrhea lasting more than a few days.
- You have bright red blood in your stool or even dark tarry stools, which may indicate a GI bleed.
- You observe stool discoloration, such as pale stools, which may suggest liver or gallbladder issues.
- You produce narrow caliber or thin stool.
- You endure severe abdominal pain while being unable to poop, which may mean there’s a blockage.
