A new study published in Cell Reports Medicine shows that how often you go to the bathroom can impact your health. The best results were linked to having one or two daily bowel movements.
Scientists have previously connected constipation to a higher risk of infections and diarrhoea to neurodegenerative diseases. However, it was unclear if irregular bowel movements caused these problems or were just symptoms of an illness. Study Details
Researchers from the Institute for Systems Biology collected data from over 1,400 healthy adults. They examined blood samples, gut bacteria, genetics, and lifestyle habits. Participants also reported their bowel movement frequency, which was divided into four groups: Constipation – 1 to 2 times per week
Low-normal – 3 to 6 times per week
High-normal – 1 to 3 times per day
Diarrhea – More than 3 times per day
The Dangers of Constipation and Diarrhea
The study found that when stool stays in the gut for too long, gut bacteria switch from fermenting fiber (which is good) to fermenting proteins, which produces harmful toxins. These toxins, like p-cresol sulfate and indoxyl sulfate, can stress the kidneys.
On the other hand, frequent diarrhea was linked to inflammation and possible liver damage. This happens because the body loses too much bile acid, which helps digest fats. The Best Gut Health Habits The healthiest gut bacteria were found in people who had one or two daily bowel movements. These bacteria help break down fiber and produce beneficial compounds.The study also found that diet and lifestyle played a big role in bowel movement frequency. The people who had the healthiest gut habits tended to: Eat more fruits and vegetables Drink plenty of water Stay physically active Follow a plant-based diet Younger people, women, and those with a lower body mass index (BMI) tended to have fewer bowel movements. Researchers believe hormonal and neurological differences may explain this. What’s Next? Lead researcher Sean Gibbons hopes the study will encourage doctors to take bowel movement frequency more seriously. The next step in research could involve a long-term study to see if managing bowel […]
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