Bowel movements: How often is healthy? New study warns of risks!

Bowel movements: How often is healthy? New study warns of risks!

Bowel movements are an everyday issue that many often find uncomfortable. But frequency and consistency can say a lot about health. According to the AOK, a normal bowel movement frequency is between three times a day and three times a week. But what is really healthy and what does the stool tell us about our bodies?

A new study published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine draws interesting connections between stool frequency and serious illnesses such as dementia. This research involved scientists from the Institute of Systems Biology (ISB) in Seattle, who examined data from over 1,400 healthy-seeming adults. Health data as well as information about lifestyle and microbial analyzes were included.

connection with chronic diseases

The results show that stool frequency has a direct impact on health. Johannes Johnson-Martínez, the lead author of the study, explains that previous research shows how important regular bowel movements are for the function of the gut microbiome. If stool stays in the intestines for too long, the microbes tend to use up available fiber and then switch to fermenting proteins. This process can produce toxic substances that enter the bloodstream.

John P. Johnson-Martínez
ISB

The study highlights that low stool frequency may be associated with a buildup of pollutants in the intestines. This accumulation, in turn, is potentially harmful and can lead to organ damage, particularly in chronic kidney disease or the progression of dementia.

Factors for a healthy stool frequency

The scientists recommend that a stool frequency of once or twice a day is optimal. Increased bowel movements can be an indication of a healthy lifestyle characterized by a diet rich in fiber, sufficient fluid intake and regular physical activity.

These findings not only offer new insights into health research, but also raise awareness of the importance of one's own body functions. Whether it's the way we eat or the exercise we do - everything has an impact on our well-being. Changing to a healthier lifestyle could have a positive impact on stool frequency and therefore overall health.

It remains exciting to see how current and future research on this topic will develop and what further health implications may arise from better knowledge of stool frequency. More details on this topic can be found in a detailed report on www.brisant.de.