We all poop, that’s a fact.
But how often we should be opening our bowels is often contested.
GettyThere’s a widespread misconception that we need to poop every day, when we first wake up[/caption]
In fact, there’s a widespread misconception that we need to poop every day, when we first wake up.
But how often and when can vary hugely from person to person, according to a GP.
Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical director of patientaccess.com explained that bowel movements are affected by a “huge range of factors”.
“Some of these you can’t influence – even if fed an identical diet, some people would open their bowels more often than others,” she added.
But it’s still worth keeping on eye on your bowel habits so you know when a visit to the GP is in order.
How many poos a day is normal?
According to Dr Sarah the majority of people have a “fairly regular pooing pattern”.
Studies suggest 98 per cent of people go between three times a day and three times a week.
And people tend to go the same time each day.
“Some medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or diverticular disease, can lead to frequent, loose bowel motions,” she added.
Diet and lifestyle can also impact your bowel habits.
Physical activity, for example, can help stimulate peristalsis – co-ordinated movements of the rings of muscle around your bowels that propel food through your digestive system.
So being physically active isn’t just good for fitness levels – it can help keep you regular too.
If you find yourself pooping less than usual, or less than three times a week, you could be suffering from constipation.
Making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can help treat constipation, the NHS says.
Try eating more fibre, which is found in fruits, vegetables and cereals or doing some exercise to help shift it.
Know what’s normal for you
Keeping an eye on what’s ‘normal’ for you though is crucial, as is being aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer.
The NHS says the five red-flag symptoms of bowel cancer include:
Bleeding from the back passage, or blood in your pooA change in your normal toilet habits – going more frequently for examplePain or a lump in your tummyExtreme tirednessLosing weight
If you notice any changes to your usual habits, don’t be embarrassed, speak to your GP.