What Your Poop Schedule Says About Your Health
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 31, 2024
We need to talk about something we ALL do.
I’ll admit, it isn’t dinner table conversation, but it IS important.
While discussing your bathroom habits might make you blush, new research suggests they could be a crystal ball for your long-term health.
A groundbreaking study from the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) uncovered a vital link between bowel movement frequency and health.
The details might surprise you…
Scientists recently studied the bathroom habits of more than 1,400 healthy adults, and their findings, published in Cell Reports Medicine, are eye-opening.
Here’s how they broke it down:
- Constipation: 1-2 bowel movements weekly
- Low-normal: 3-6 bowel movements weekly
- High-normal: 1-3 bowel movements daily
- Diarrhea: More frequent
But why does this matter?
Well, previous research has shown that bowel movement frequency significantly impacts the function of your gut ecosystem.
When stool hangs around too long, microbes use up all the available dietary fiber, switching to protein fermentation, which leaks toxins into your bloodstream.
The study revealed some startling connections…
Diarrhea was associated with elevated liver damage indicators. And constipation was linked to higher levels of microbially derived toxins known to cause kidney and other organ damage (often before any disease diagnosis).
So, how can you aim for the bowel movement “Goldilocks zone”?
The researchers found that participants who reported eating a fiber-rich diet, staying well-hydrated, and regularly exercising tended to have the healthiest bowel movement schedules.
And that’s an excellent place to start:
- Boost your fiber: Aim to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Get moving: Regular exercise helps keep things moving in your gut.
- Consider probiotics: These beneficial bacteria can support a healthy gut microbiome.
- Manage stress: High stress levels can disrupt your digestive system.
Paying more attention to your bowel habits and making these simple lifestyle changes could help you flush some serious health risks down the drain.
P.S. Humble gut bugs are heart disease superheroes. Here’s why…
Source:
Aberrant bowel movement frequencies coincide with increased microbe-derived blood metabolites associated with reduced organ function, Cell Reports Medicine, Volume 5, ISSUE 7, 101646, July 16, 2024
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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