Gastroenterologist: “Regular bowel movement without discomfort is important, not frequency.”
Posted on 29.12.2023 17:37 Views 907 Posted on 29.12.2023 17:37 Modified 29.12.2023 17:38 Views 907
Is going to the bathroom every day good for your health? [사진=게티이미지뱅크]Many people think that going to the bathroom every day is healthy. This may seem plausible, considering that bowel movements are important for digestion and waste elimination. However, if you look around, there are people who go to the bathroom several times a day, and there are people who have no problem going to the bathroom only once or twice a week.
Many people say you have to poop once a day, but is going to the toilet every day good for your health? Let’s take a look at the information introduced by “Verywellhealth”, an American online health media.
The frequency of bowel movements varies from person to person
There is no universally recommended frequency for bowel movements, said Dr. Babak Firuzi, a gastroenterologist at Memorial Care Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.
In general, most people without specific medical problems or illnesses usually have a bowel movement frequency between three times a day and three times a week. This is based on a study published in 2010 in the “Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology”, which reported that the defecation frequency of 98% of randomly selected general adult subjects fell within the above range.
However, there’s no need to panic if you don’t poop as frequently as this study analyzed. Dr Piruzi said each person has their own routine and it is completely normal for there to be individual differences in bowel habits. The important thing is to stick to the patterns that are most common to you.
Understand your bowel movements and check for any problems.
Dr. Andrew Dupont, a gastroenterologist at UTHealth Houston, said not having a bowel movement every day doesn’t necessarily mean there is a problem or cause for concern. It is completely normal for each person to have different bowel movements.
According to Dr. Dupont’s explanation, bowel movements may be slow or contractions may be less frequent, resulting in fewer bowel movements than in other people. Some people may not be able to have a bowel movement every day due to illnesses that can compromise gut health, such as functional constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal discomfort, gastroenteritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Dr. Piruzi says the most important thing is to understand your regular patterns and pay attention to discomfort, pain or other digestive problems. In other words, even if you don’t go to the bathroom every day, it’s not a problem as long as you defecate regularly and don’t have bothersome symptoms. If you experience a sudden change in bowel habits, such as persistent constipation or an unexpected increase in the number of bowel movements, it is best to seek professional help.
Factors affecting bowel movements
Dr. Dupont and Dr. Firugi said a variety of factors can affect bowel movement frequency, including lifestyle changes, health conditions and biological factors.
eating habits If your diet lacks fiber, the likelihood of constipation increases. Additionally, drinking enough water helps soften stools and facilitate bowel movements, but if the body lacks moisture, constipation can occur.
physical activity Regular exercise stimulates bowel movement and improves digestion.
FIG Some conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and thyroid disease, can cause constipation or diarrhea. Diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and celiac disease are also diseases that can affect bowel movements.
drug Some medications can slow bowel movement and cause constipation or other side effects. Drugs that can affect bowel movements include cancer drugs used to treat cancer, drugs used to treat stomach ulcers or heartburn, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.
age As you age, your bowel habits may change. Constipation may become more common as you age because your metabolism slows and your bowel movement also slows.
Induce regular bowel movements by correcting lifestyle habits
If you have difficulty passing bowel movements regularly, changing your daily habits can help.
Dietary fibre You can add fiber to your diet through fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes or consider taking supplements. Fiber increases stool volume and improves symptoms of constipation.
hydration Drinking enough water helps with regular bowel movements. This is because it softens stool and promotes regular bowel movements. Dr. Firuzi recommended drinking at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.
regular exercise If you move your body regularly, your digestion will improve.
Create a routine Setting a time to go to the bathroom can help you develop healthy, regular bowel habits. For example, go to the bathroom in the morning or immediately after eating.
Over-the-counter medicine If these methods don’t work, you may consider over-the-counter laxatives.
If you continue to suffer from constipation or are unable to have regular bowel movements even after trying the methods listed above, we recommend that you seek professional help. Also, it’s a good idea to see a specialist if you have a family history of colon cancer, if you experience a sudden change in bowel habits, or if it is accompanied by bleeding or weight loss.
Journalist Ji Hae-mi
pcraemi@kormedi.com
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