She Strengthens

The Lowdown on Frequent Bowel Movements

Are you curious about why you’re making frequent trips to the bathroom? From your morning coffee to your exercise routine, there are several factors that could be contributing to your bathroom habits. Let’s dive in and explore what’s normal, when to worry, and how to get your bowels under control.

What’s a Normal Pooping Frequency?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you should be pooping. Normal pooping frequency can range from three times a day to three times a week, as long as you’re not straining. It’s all about your personal pooping pattern, which is influenced by your diet, exercise, and lifestyle.

13 Reasons You Might Be Pooping a Lot

So, what’s behind your frequent bathroom trips? Here are 13 possible reasons:

1. Diet: What you eat can affect your bowel movements. A diet high in fiber, spices, or dairy can lead to more frequent pooping.
2. Illness: Certain illnesses, such as C. difficile, worms, or parasites, can cause frequent bowel movements.
3. Exercise: Exercise can stimulate your digestive system, leading to more frequent pooping.
4. Coffee: Caffeine can increase colon activity, making you want to go more often.
5. Stress: Stress can disrupt your digestive system, leading to changes in bowel movements.
6. Period: Hormonal changes during your period can cause GI distress and more frequent pooping.
7. Lactose Intolerance: If you’re lactose intolerant, consuming dairy can lead to more frequent trips to the bathroom.
8. Celiac Disease and Gluten: Gluten sensitivity or celiac disease can cause GI irritation, leading to more frequent pooping.
9. IBS: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can cause abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements.
10. Crohn’s Disease: This inflammatory bowel disease can lead to frequent bowel movements, abdominal pain, and other symptoms.
11. Medication: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, antacids, and NSAIDs, can affect your bowel movements.
12. Drinking: Consuming alcohol can accelerate your GI tract, leading to more frequent pooping.
13. Traveling: Traveling to new places can disrupt your digestive system, leading to more frequent bowel movements.

Getting Your Bowels Under Control

If you’re experiencing frequent bowel movements, try these tips to get back on track:

• Change your diet: Eat less fiber-rich or irritating foods, and limit your coffee consumption.
• Exercise wisely: Be careful what you eat before a workout, and consider meditation or therapy to manage stress.
• Travel smart: Take precautions when eating and drinking abroad, and consider packing Imodium.
• Check your meds: Look into what medications you’re taking and how they might be affecting your bowel movements.
• Schedule a doctor’s visit: Discuss potential illnesses, diseases, or food sensitivities with your doctor.

Pooping PSA

Remember, it’s essential to listen to your body and take care of your bowels. Here are some basic steps to keep your bathroom breaks in check:

• Drink enough water
• Eat a whole food diet
• Stop eating foods that disagree with you
• Get plenty of exercise
• Don’t hold in your poops!
• Realign your pooping angle

If you’re experiencing weird-colored, odd-shaped, bloody, or watery poop, seek medical attention ASAP. Otherwise, take control of your bowel movements with healthy habits and lifestyle changes.