“We should all do it in the toilet”: this gesture takes a second and can say a lot about your health
Going to the bathroom is a mundane but intimate act that we rarely talk about. Yet, many scientists are taking a close interest in our stools and intestinal transit. And for good reason: they are true indicators of our overall health! So it's worth adopting a little habit...
The first thing that no one really pays attention to is knowing how often you have bowel movements. Few people would be able to answer this question precisely. However, it can provide valuable information about your health, especially during a medical appointment. So it's worth counting... Is there an ideal frequency? No, there is no absolute standard, but Dr. Sean Gibbons, from the Institute of Biological Systems in Seattle, defined an optimal average: between 1 and 3 bowel movements per day. His study classified bowel movements into 4 categories: constipation (1-2 bowel movements/week), low normal (3-6 bowel movements/week), high normal (1-3 bowel movements/day), and diarrhea (more than 3 bowel movements/day).
Those who go to the bathroom 1 to 3 times a day have better intestinal flora, with more "good" bacteria producing anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids. Conversely, constipated people have more toxins in their blood. However, previous studies have linked these toxins to an increased risk of infections.
The explanation? According to a study published in Cell Reports Medicine in 2024, bowel movement frequency directly influences the gut microbiota and is associated with diseases such as chronic kidney disease and dementia. Analysis of healthy adults revealed that bowel movement frequency impacts the number of certain gut microbes, linked to inflammation, heart, liver, and kidney health. Constipation, in particular, leads to a buildup of microbial toxins. This suggests that these toxins accumulate before organ damage occurs and could then contribute to age-related chronic diseases.
Beyond frequency, you also need to observe the appearance of your stools. According to Emily Leeming, a researcher at King's College London, observing the shape and appearance of your stools is important. "We should all examine our stools, as it's like a free gut health test." Ideally, you should have smooth sausage-shaped stools or ones with fissures (type 3-4 on the Bristol Scale). The presence of blood (black or red stools) should raise alarm bells and prompt a consultation, as should frequent and sudden diarrhea or abdominal pain after meals.
To promote bowel movements, three simple tips emerge from the studies: eat more fruits and vegetables, stay well hydrated, and engage in regular physical activity. More than the appearance or frequency, experts emphasize the importance of being aware of this small daily reflex and knowing how to react if necessary. For them, any unexplained or persistent changes in your bowel movements should prompt you to consult a doctor.
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