How often one has a bowel movement influences the risk of developing chronic diseases. Researchers indicate the optimal frequency.
Fulda – Some people have bowel movements several times a day, while others only a few times per week. According to AOK, a frequency of three times daily to three times weekly is considered normal from a medical perspective. The consistency of stool can also vary greatly and is mainly dependent on dietary and drinking habits. Apotheken Umschau classifies stools that are shaped like a sausage as healthy and normal, writes 24vita.de.
Connection between bowel movements and diseases like dementia discovered
Those who have bowel movements less frequently than three times a week suffer from pathological constipation. And constant diarrhea is a sign that something in the organism is out of balance. American researchers have found, as part of a study, how significant the influence of healthy bowel movements is on our health.
“The frequency of bowel movements directly affects the gut microbiome and is associated with diseases such as chronic kidney disease or dementia,” write the study authors led by Sean M. Gibbons from the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Washington in Seattle, USA.
How often one visits the toilet may provide insight into life expectancy, according to researchers. (Symbolic image) © Heiko Kueverling/Imago
In the study published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine, researchers examined how the frequency of bowel movements of approximately 1,400 healthy Americans relates to the gut bacteria present and the development of chronic diseases.
The researchers analyzed the feces of the participants, took blood samples, and questioned participants about their dietary habits, physical activity, and stress levels.
Infrequent or too frequent bowel movements as a risk factor for chronic diseases
They found markers for impaired organ function in those with abnormal bowel movement frequency: “This result suggests (…) that the accumulation of harmful substances in the stool associated with abnormal bowel movement frequency leads to organ damage and may possibly be the cause of chronic, age-related diseases,” the US researchers concluded.
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As optimal, study author Gibbons classifies a bowel movement frequency of one to two times per day. This is the number that indicates a healthy lifestyle and a low risk of chronic diseases, according to the researcher.
How do I promote healthy bowel movements?
Three tips: consume more fiber-rich foods, drink enough fluids, and exercise regularly. In case of bowel movement issues, experts recommend visiting a specialist.
With constipation (fewer than three bowel movements per week), gut bacteria would produce toxins that could promote chronic diseases and kidney dysfunction, Gibbons is quoted by the news portal Today. On the other hand, diarrhea is a sign of high inflammation levels in the blood and impaired liver function. All health problems that negatively affect life expectancy.
More information about the study “Aberrant bowel movement frequencies coincide with increased microbe-derived blood metabolites associated with reduced organ function”
Publication date: July 16, 2024
Published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine
Scope: 1425 study participants
Study authors: American research team led by Sean M. Gibbons from the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Washington in Seattle
This article contains only general information on the respective health topic and is not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment, or medication. It does not replace a doctor’s visit. Individual questions regarding diseases will not be answered by our editorial team.
Understanding Gut Health: Future Trends in Bowel Movement and Chronic Disease Research
By Juliane Gutmann | Published: 14.08.2024
Recent studies highlight a significant connection between bowel movement frequency and the risk of chronic diseases, such as dementia and kidney dysfunction. Researchers at the University of Washington, led by Sean M. Gibbons, have found that the optimal frequency for bowel movements is between one to two times a day, providing a gauge for healthy living.
Link Between Regularity and Health Outcomes
Being aware of your bowel movement patterns could become a more regularly discussed topic among health professionals and patients alike. As medical technology advances, we may see more emphasis on monitoring gut health through devices and apps, potentially leading to personalized dietary and lifestyle recommendations based on an individual’s bowel habits.
Impact of Diet on Gut Health
Research suggests that diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bowel functions. Expect future trends to include greater public awareness regarding the importance of fiber-rich foods like oats, broccoli, and yogurt in promoting regular bowel movements. This could lead to increased research funding for dietary interventions aimed at preventing chronic diseases through gut health optimization.
Probiotic and Prebiotic Innovations
The interest in probiotics and prebiotics is predicted to soar as individuals become more aware of their gut microbiome’s influence on overall health. Future trends may encompass advances in developing new probiotic strains that specifically help regulate bowel movement frequency and improve gut flora. Enhanced collaborations between culinary experts and health scientists could result in innovative food products aimed at enhancing digestive health.
Personalized Health Tracking
The future will likely see an increase in personalized health tracking. Wearable devices could evolve to track gut health metrics, providing valuable insights into how diet impacts bowel movements and overall health. This trend towards individual health monitoring can empower people to make informed dietary choices and lifestyle changes.
Public Health Initiatives
As research continues to demonstrate the critical connection between bowel health and chronic diseases, public health initiatives may begin to raise awareness about digestive health. Campaigns focused on bowel health could be launched in schools, workplaces, and health institutions, emphasizing preventive measures and the benefits of regular check-ups.
Future Research Directions
Going forward, more extensive studies involving diverse populations will be crucial in establishing concrete links between bowel movement frequency and chronic diseases. Greater attention will be devoted to gathering data on individuals’ dietary patterns, lifestyle choices, and their impact on bowel health, paving the way for targeted interventions.