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
"Invisible" Food Ingredients SABOTAGE Blood Sugar
If you’re trying to keep your blood sugar in check, you know the drill. Cut way back on sugar in your diet. While you’re at it, rein in your fat intake too, which can lead to insulin resistance. And don’t forget the extra calories—they add up fast and can sabotage your blood sugar control. But...
The Alarming Microplastic Secret Hidden in Your Chewing Gum
Today I want to honor and thank mothers and mother figures whose caring hearts have guided us through life’s journey. Your love has shaped generations. Happy Mother’s Day! That pack of gum in your pocket may be doing far more than just freshening your breath. A disturbing new study finds chewing gum is a surprising...
Plant Compound SLASHES A1c Levels in 12 Weeks
Diabetes is skyrocketing in the United States. And the trend shows no sign of slowing down. The projected number of adults with diabetes is expected to increase from 22.3 million (9.1 percent) in 2014 to 39.7 million (13.9 percent) in 2030, and further to 60.6 million (17.9 percent) by 2060. That’s a massive 165 percent...
Two-Week Diet Switch Transforms Your Health
You know how you feel sluggish and “off” after a vacation filled with fast foods and processed snacks? Well, it’s not all in your head (or merely guilt). When you switch to an unhealthy Western-style diet, there are physical consequences—and they kick in faster than you might think… The Western diet is characterized by ultra-processed...
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...