The number of times you poop each day can vary, and everyone has different bowel habits.
Normal bowel movements can range anywhere from three times a day to four times a week.
Its important to be aware of any changes in your regular bowel habits.
Peter Cade / Getty Images
Most people have a rhythm or general bowel schedule.
If you find yourself running to the bathroom more than usual, thats something to take note of.
Reviewing any changes in behavior can help you figure out the issue.
Dietary Changes
Changes in your diet can affect your pooping habits.
Too much fibercan cause more bowel movements, as well as very high-fat meals.
Exercise
When you exercise, your colon responds to movement.
Your bowel muscles contract, helping to move bowel movements along.
Aerobic exercise like walking has also been found to increase healthy gut bacteria, contributing to regular bowel movements.
Alcohol Consumption
Drinkingalcoholspeeds up thedigestiveprocess and increases colon contractions.
This causes more frequent bowel movements.
This also means your body also cant absorb fluid, making your stool looser and more watery.
Stress
Stresscan cause constipation, frequent bowel movements, ordiarrhea.
It can also change the physiology of the intestine.
There are neurons in the bowel that communicate with the brain.
Stress is also linked to changes in gut bacteria, which can impact bowel habits.
Diarrhea
Diarrheais defined as loose and watery stools being passed at least three times a day.
It can be acute or chronic, and acute diarrhea is a common occurrence.
The dosage may need to be adjusted or a different drug may need to be used.
If the medication is over-the-counter, ask your healthcare provider if you should continue taking it.
Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS affects between 25 and 45 million people in the United States.
Celiac Disease
Celiac diseaseis a chronic digestive and immune disorder.
Its triggered by eatinggluten, and damages the smallintestine, along with other organs.
It can cause diarrhea, constipation, loose stool, and foul-smelling stool.
How many people have Celiac disease?
Celiac disease affects about 2 million Americans.
Crohns Disease
Crohns diseaseis a chronic inflammatory GI disorder.
Its a common disorder and can significantly impact quality of life.
Along withfatigue, fever,joint pain, andnausea, a symptom ofCrohns diseaseis diarrhea.
How Common Is Crohns disease?
Dietary management is often part of the treatment for the above diseases.
Learning tools forstress managementcan help you reduce the impact stress has on your body and mind.
This may include yoga,meditation,relaxation techniques, and more.
Prevention
Frequent bowel movements arent always preventable.
But knowing what triggers your body can help you make choices that reduce the likelihood of pooping too much.
Staying active with physical activity can also help to regulate bowel habits.
Summary
Everyones pooping habits are different.
Its important to notice any changes in your bowel habits and talk with your healthcare provider about them.
Taking stock of any lifestyle or dietary changes can help you figure out whats going on.
If youre still concerned about these changes, call your healthcare provider.
Its important to see your healthcare provider if you arent aware of a cause for these changes.
Finding out the reason behind the frequent pooping can help you get the appropriate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Normal can vary across individuals.
People often have a pattern of whats right for them.
Typically, it can range from anywhere from three times a day to three times a week.
Some people may not poop every day.
Some GI disorders cause bulky and frequent stools even when you dont eat a lot.
Even without a GI disorder, what you eat has a lot to do with your stools.
Maybe, but what it really reflects is the speed of your digestive system.
Metabolism and digestion are two separate and different processes.
Harvard Health Publishing.Common causes of constipation.
2019;11(4):868. doi:10.3390/nu11040868
American Psychological Association.Stress effects on the body.
Yang P-L, Heitkemper MH, Kamp KJ.Irritable bowel syndrome in midlife women: a narrative review.Womens Midlife Health.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of diarrhea.
University of Michigan Health.Medicines that can cause diarrhea.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for irritable bowel syndrome.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Facts about IBS.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for celiac disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of celiac disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of Crohn’s disease.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.IBD facts and stats.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating, diet, & nutrition for diarrhea.
2018;113(1):115-123. doi:10.1038/ajg.2017.213
U.S. News & World Report.Digestion vs metabolism.
