How Often Should You Poop Per Day?

There’s a lot of chatter on digestive health these days. From high-fiber diets to probiotics, there’s plenty of evidence that staying regular has substantial health benefits. But what’s a healthy number of bowel movements per day? We get into the science!

There Isn’t a Magic Poop Number

As important as it is to stay regular, there’s no specific healthy number of poops per day. One study found that only about 50% of respondents poop every single day. About 28% go twice a day. That means 22%, or nearly a quarter of us, go more than 24 hours without a bowel movement – and we’re probably okay.

Bowel movement regularity can change based on activity level, diet, illness, and medication. So how many times should you poop per day? Or are you pooping too much?

If you’re not experiencing constipation symptoms for three days or more, you don’t need to see a doctor about staying regular unless you notice the following:

• Blood in your stool
• Severe abdominal pain
• Pain or difficulty passing stool

How Long Can You Go Without Pooping?

There’s no specific amount of time you can go without pooping. In most cases, symptoms associated with constipation will be painful enough for us to seek treatment. If you’ve gone three days or more without a bowel movement, talk to your healthcare provider if you notice:

• Bloating
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• An urge to poop but can’t pass stool

How to Stay Regular Naturally

Staying regular without over-the-counter laxatives comes down to following basic guidelines. These habits can reduce the risk of constipation, improve overall gut health, and give your overall health a boost, too!

Drink water. Drinking enough water improves digestion and keeps things moving. Adult men should aim for 15.5 cups daily, while women need 11.5 cups daily. Every morning, make a point of downing a glass of water to jump-start digestion!

Avoid fatty foods. Fatty foods like cheese, chips, and ice cream are low in fiber and hard to digest. Keep fatty food intake to a minimum, especially if you’ve gone a day without pooping or feeling bloated.

Keep moving. Exercise is an excellent way to stay regular naturally. Long walks, running, cycling, yoga, and other forms of cardiovascular activity help maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, and support regular bowel movements.

Related: What Does It Mean If My Poop Is Green

What Else Regulates Bowel Movements?

Certain foods, beverages, and activities can stimulate bowel movements. Caffeine is a common diuretic that explains why your morning cup might make you poop. High-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts also stimulate bowel movements, possibly reducing your chances of developing colorectal cancer. If you struggle with regular bowel movements, stick to a routine of exercise, healthy water intake, and get plenty of fiber. Focus on pooping regularly “for you,” instead of focusing on pooping “every day.”

Supporting Healthy Habits

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