Bowel Movement Frequency: A Key to Lifespan?

Bowel Movement Frequency: A Key to Lifespan?

The frequency and type of bowel movements are not only everyday issues, but can also provide important information about our health. A new study by US researchers has now discovered a remarkable connection between the frequency of bowel movements and life expectancy. The findings suggest that our toilet habits may reveal more about our well-being than we thought.

The frequency of bowel movements varies from person to person. Even in childhood, the numbers can vary greatly, while adults usually consider between three times a day to three times a week as normal. The AOK (Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse) has set these values ​​as a guideline.

The connection between health and bowel movements

The regularity and frequency of bowel movements depends largely on diet and drinking habits. A healthy stool is shaped like a sausage, while fewer than three bowel movements per week are considered constipation. Constant diarrhea can also be an indication that something is wrong in the body. A report from 24vita.de assumes that the relationship between bowel movement frequency and various diseases such as dementia is of great importance. The study by Sean M. Gibbons from the University of Washington in Seattle examined this theory.

The study, published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine, analyzed more than 1,400 healthy Americans. It examined in detail how the frequency of bowel movements is related to the community of intestinal bacteria and the severity of chronic diseases. The researchers found that abnormal bowel movements are linked to increased risks of kidney disease and dementia.

The researchers put it simply: “The frequency of bowel movements has a direct impact on the gut microbiome and is associated with chronic diseases.” By analyzing stool samples, blood tests and detailed lifestyle and diet interviews, they found that irregular bowel movement frequency may precede organ damage. This could also lead to a shortened lifespan.

The results clearly show that a bowel movement frequency of one to two times per day is optimal. This number is associated with a healthy lifestyle and a lower risk of chronic diseases. Daniel Jaspersen, a doctor from Fulda, confirms this connection and explains that healthy intestinal bacteria thrive best at this frequency. This means that bowel movements that are both too infrequent and too frequent can pose health risks.

Particular attention is paid to constipation. It is defined as having bowel movements less than three times a week, which can lead to the buildup of toxins in the intestines. These toxins are not only unhealthy, but could also promote chronic diseases. Gibbons points out that high levels of inflammation in the blood during diarrhea can be an indicator of possible liver problems. The AOK defines diarrhea as at least three very liquid or loose stools within 24 hours.

According to the study, five major risk factors for the development of dementia have been identified, making it easier for researchers to fully understand the disease. It should be noted that individual health questions and diagnoses should always be clarified by a specialist.

The connections between bowel movements and health shown in the study can be an incentive for many people to rethink their eating habits and pay attention to a balanced diet. Regulated and healthy bowel movements could make a significant difference in personal health and possibly the life expectancy that each of us strives for.

For further information on health topics, you can consult the advice department, where more comprehensive information is available. Caution is advised: The article does not claim to be complete and does not replace a visit to a doctor.