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.
View More Free Articles
The Air You Breathe Is Silently Stealing Your Memory
You already know that air pollution damages your lungs. Chances are you’ve heard it can also harm your heart. And I bet you won’t be surprised when I tell you it claims millions of lives annually. But now, alarming new research suggests polluted air might also damage your brain. This study found that long-term exposure...
Get Intermittent Fasting Benefits Without Going Hungry
Intermittent fasting, which involves cycling between eating and fasting periods, is effective. There’s plenty of evidence for that. It’s not just weight loss, either. Intermittent fasting has significant benefits for metabolic health. However, many people find fasting difficult to stick to—and others can’t do it at all due to medical issues—so they miss out on...
Just Diagnosed with Hypertension? —6 Things to Do Next
You’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure—now what? First, take a breath. You’re not alone—over 30 percent of adults worldwide have hypertension. That makes it one of the most common health issues… and a top cause of preventable deaths. The good news is that, unlike some conditions that can leave you feeling helpless, high blood...
Brain Games Are USELESS—Do These 5 Things Instead
I’ve seen a lot of lists lately claiming to have the secrets that keep your brain from turning into mush as you age. They typically advise activities such as doing crosswords, learning Spanish, or taking up the accordion. Challenging your mind with new learning experiences is definitely a great way to keep your brain engaged...
This $5 Fix REVERSES Cellular Aging in Just 6 Months
You take your vitamins, eat your vegetables, and feel healthy—so your nutrition is covered… right? Well, new research suggests that even health-conscious older adults may be missing crucial nutrients that keep their cells functioning like those of younger people. The trouble is that as we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from...
Mailbag: Doctors Get Bone Health WRONG—Here's What Really Works
“Thank you so much for answering this. With millions of women who are seniors over 70 facing a diagnosis of osteoporosis, this is my question. What can we do naturally to help improve our bone density, especially in the spine lumber 1 and 2? Also, how do we help improve bone density in the femur...
Critical Brain Nutrient Missing In 9 Out of 10 American Diets
You’ve probably heard plenty about brain-boosting omega-3s, antioxidants, and B vitamins. But there’s another nutrient that’s just as critical for your cognitive health. However, it’s been flying under the radar… until now. Mounting evidence suggests this overlooked compound could be key to protecting your brain and enhancing memory. It may even reduce your risk of...
"Miracle Berry" Supercharges Your Microbiome
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and granddads who’ve shared their wisdom, strength, and love through the years. Thank you for teaching us that the best medicine is laughter, love, and a father’s caring heart. Want to upgrade your health but don’t want complicated diets or expensive supplements? Science just revealed a delicious way...
This "Healthy" Sweetener is Sabotaging Your Weight Loss
Everyone knows that a balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. But what if the “diet” products you’re using to cut calories make you hungrier, so you eat more? Well, a shocking new study suggests that a popular artificial sweetener is secretly sabotaging your weight loss efforts. Let’s dig into...
“Banned in Europe” Food Additive Triggers Hormone Chaos
If you’ve ever enjoyed the bright white frosting on a cookie or vibrantly colored candy, you’ve likely consumed titanium dioxide. This common food additive, used to make products look more appealing, is now at the center of a growing health debate. Titanium dioxide is essentially makeup for food—a white powder that enhances colors and makes...