Deny it all you want, but the reality is that everyone poops. This is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, in most cases, bowel movements are completely normal and an important part of digestion—the body’s way of getting rid of waste. “They keep our digestive systems functioning properly and help us stay healthy and comfortable,” says Sarah Robbins, MD, MS, FRCPC. But what happens when you suddenly poop more than usual?
“Pooping, also known as stool, plays a vital role in our bodies because when we eat food, our digestive system breaks it down into smaller particles so that our bodies can absorb the food’s contents. Nutrition and energy,” Dr. Robbins said. “However, not everything in food can be fully digested or utilized by our bodies, and these undigested parts, along with other waste products such as dead cells and bacteria, need to be removed from our systems so they don’t build up and cause Hurt,” she explained. If you start having more bowel movements than usual, this could be the result of recent lifestyle changes (such as stress or new medications), but it could also be a sign of a larger underlying health problem.
Curious why you poop so much all of a sudden? To learn more, we asked experts about some common reasons for having more bowel movements, and how much you should be pooping.
Experts featured in this article:
Sarah Robbins, MD, MS, FRCPC, is a board-certified gastroenterologist, gut health expert, and founder of Well Sunday.
Amy Lee, MD, is a triple board certified internist and chief medical officer of Lindora Clinic.
How often should you have a bowel movement?
The short answer is: it depends. “It really depends on the individual’s gut health and the food and fluid basis [they eat] “Some people have a bowel movement every day, while others may only have a bowel movement a few times a week,” says Amy Lee, M.D. “Everyone is different, but as a general guideline, most adults have a bowel movement no more than a few times a week.” Over 3 Times Dr. Robbins says, “Regularity and consistency are key indicators of a healthy digestive system, not necessarily the frequency of bowel movements, so if you’re comfortable and having bowel movements doesn’t cause any disruption to your body.” In your daily life, your bowel habits are most likely within normal limits.
Why do you poop so much?
If you suddenly have more bowel movements throughout the day, there are some common causes to be aware of. Please note that it is best to consult a doctor for the best personalized medical advice, especially if your symptoms persist or get worse over time.
- Gastroenteritis“Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a viral or bacterial infection, which can lead to diarrhea, abdominal cramping and frequent bowel movements,” says Dr. Robbins. Hydration is crucial to managing gastroenteritis, she explains. Important, so be sure to drink clear fluids like water and electrolyte solutions. You should also avoid spicy, fatty and sugary foods to help reduce symptoms, she says. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s time to see your doctor.
- dietary changes: If you eat a lot of prebiotics (dietary fiber found in foods like whole grains, almonds, onions) or probiotics (dietary fiber found in foods like yogurt, kimchi, and tempeh), you may suddenly notice an increase in bowel movements, says Dr. Lee . She says this is due to changes in healthy gut bacteria and dietary fiber, which speeds up digestion and changes the bacterial flora in the gut. Dr. Robbins says your bowel movements should regulate over time as your diet changes, but it may be helpful to gradually introduce these foods into your diet and drink plenty of water to aid bowel regulation.
- pressureEmotional stress and anxiety can affect gut health and lead to increased bowel movements, Dr. Robbins says, explaining that stress activates the body’s fight-or-flight response, which changes digestive dynamics. To help relieve symptoms, Dr. Robbins recommends stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and regular exercise. Additional support from a mental health professional may also be needed.
- food poisoning: Dr. Robbins says consuming contaminated food or drinks can trigger diarrhea and increased bowel movements. “It is important to stay hydrated, drink light fluids, eat light, easy-to-digest foods, and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms are severe, accompanied by fever, or last longer than a few days.”
- drug: Dr. Robbins says certain medications, such as antibiotics, laxatives and some supplements, may cause diarrhea and increased bowel movements. Dr. Lee adds that this is because certain medications draw water into the large intestine and colon, causing frequent bowel movements. If you have recently started taking a new medication and are experiencing these side effects, talk to your prescribing healthcare provider to discuss possible alternatives or strategies to manage your symptoms.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)“IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits,” Dr. Robbins says, adding that some people with irritable bowel syndrome may also experience bowel movements during an episode. increased circumstances. Dr. Robbins says dietary modifications, stress management and prescription medications can relieve symptoms, so be sure to talk to your doctor to help manage irritable bowel symptoms.
Is it normal to have 5 bowel movements a day?
As mentioned before, there is no universally defined “normal” number of bowel movements per day. In some cases, three or even five bowel movements a day may be normal. “Five bowel movements a day may be higher than average for some people, but in and of itself, it’s not necessarily a cause for concern,” Dr. Robbins says. “What’s most important is the overall picture of your digestive health and whether there are changes that accompany symptoms or raise red flags.” That is, if you have five bowel movements a day and are experiencing abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss Symptoms such as relief or signs of dehydration are not normal and you should see a doctor as soon as possible, says Dr. Robbins.
How to stop pooping
First things first. Dr. Lee says you want to know the reason for the sudden increase in bowel movements. From there, you can determine the best course of action and appropriate treatment, she explains. In some cases, you may need to seek medical assistance from a health care professional. Beyond that, these simple remedies may also help your gut:
- Identify trigger foods: Keep a food diary to identify potential triggers and irritants in your diet, says Dr. Robbins. “Avoiding spicy, greasy, and high-fiber foods may help reduce bowel movements and instead focus on easily digestible, bland foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, also known as the BRAT diet,” she explains. Then, gradually reintroduce other foods to identify specific triggers.
- Pay attention to hydration: Staying well hydrated is crucial, but avoid excessive consumption of caffeinated or carbonated drinks, which can worsen bowel movements, says Dr. Robbins.
- keep Calm: Dr. Robbins says high stress levels can affect your bowel habits, so try to reduce stress through relaxation exercises like yoga, meditation and deep breathing.
- over-the-counter drugs“Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-diarrheal medications containing loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate can help relieve frequent bowel movements,” Dr. Robbins says. However, she adds, it’s best to use these medications with caution if symptoms persist. , always consult a healthcare professional.
- Reduce fiber usage: If you have diarrhea, consider temporarily reducing your fiber intake, says Dr. Lee. She explains that eating too much fiber too quickly can lead to gas, bloating, and diarrhea, so be patient and start eating fiber slowly.
- prescription drugsDr. Robbins says if the underlying cause of frequent bowel movements is related to a condition such as irritable bowel syndrome or other gastrointestinal disorders, a health care professional may recommend prescription medications.
- Adjust your eating habits: Dr. Robbins says eating small, frequent meals may help prevent overstimulation of the digestive system. Try to eat slowly and add snacks when needed.
- stay active: Dr. Robbins says regular exercise can help regulate bowel movements and promote overall gastrointestinal health.
When to see a doctor
Dr. Lee says if you notice blood in your stool, or have a fever, malaise, or severe abdominal cramping, you should see your doctor immediately. If you have diarrhea and start feeling unusually tired, dizzy, confused or extremely thirsty, that’s another reason to see your doctor, as you could be severely dehydrated, she adds. You should also schedule a visit if you notice significant and unexplained changes in your bowel habits over a few days, experience chronic constipation, unintentional weight loss, or have a family history of digestive disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease Or colon cancer, says Dr. Robbins.
“Gastrointestinal health is vital to overall health, and early detection of symptoms and appropriate treatment can lead to better outcomes, so if you are unsure or concerned about any aspect of your bowel or digestive health, talk to your healthcare provider who.
— Additional reporting by Chandler Plante
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance writer and a graduate of Emory University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Her work has been published in PS, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan and other magazines.
Chandler Plante is an assistant editor at PS Health and Fitness. She has more than four years of professional journalism experience, previously serving as an editorial assistant at People magazine and writing for Ladygunn, Millie and Bustle Digital Group. In her free time, she enjoys finding new ways to rock her 18 (!) different eye patches and making videos about chronic illness, beauty, and disability.
