Usually, what happens on the toilet stays on the toilet. (Or at least it stays between you and your Instagram feed that you’re scrolling through while you go.) But lately, you’re wondering if you’re pooping often enough. So, you’ve finally turned to Google to ask, “How often should I poop?”
We get it; discussing your poop schedule and its consistency can be awkward, even with your doctor. Luckily, we’re here with answers for you including why fiber can help you become an elite pooper. Read on friends and as always if you are genuinely concerned about your health, talk to your doctor right away.
How Many Times a Day Should You Poop?
It’s time for the moment of truth: how many times a day should you poop? There is no hard and fast rule about how many times a day you should poop! Some people go three times every day. Other people go three times a week. Both of these are normal.
All our bodies are beautiful and different. A poop a day doesn’t necessarily mean you are healthy. However, there might be an issue if you’re going less than three times a week or more than three times a day. (Again, you may want to consult your doctor.) Though we all may experience constipation or diarrhea occasionally, you might need a fix if you are experiencing these concerns consistently.
Constipation is more than just annoying. It is a real issue. Constipation causes about 2.5 million visits to healthcare providers each year in the United States. That’s way too many people who are full of it!
Although there is a wide range of normalcy when it comes to how often you poop, the frequency of your bathroom trips indicates the state of your gut health.
What is a Normal Bowel Movement?
Nobodies / Via media.giphy.com
If you do not have regular, normal bowel movements, you’re probably not feeling your best. Irregularity can also be a sign that your body isn’t running well. Think of it like that little orange light that goes on in your car’s dashboard to let you know something’s up. After all, bowel movements eliminate waste, bacteria, and any substances that your body can’t digest. You need to get rid of the gunk in your gut.
Many people have a regular bowel pattern, meaning they might go around the same number of times a day and around the same time each day. You know your body best and what is average for you.
However, maybe you’ve never really had a regular bowel schedule. Perhaps you have in the past, but lately, you’ve been constipated and are having trouble keeping yourself consistent. So, what’s the answer? How do you get a regular bowel movement?
How to Up Your Bowel Movement Frequency
There are a lot of myths out there about what can help relieve constipation and help you poop more often. There are tons of factors that might affect how often you go #2 like your diet, your activity level, your fluid intake, hormonal changes, aging, and more.
But the most likely answer is that, like most Americans, you probably lack enough fiber in your diet. You might think that fiber is only something older people like your grandpa and grandma need to worry about, but it’s essential to take care of your gut, too. Fiber is for ALL ages.
Okay, But What Is Fiber?
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that our bodies can’t digest. Your body breaks down most other carbs into sugar molecules, but not fiber! Fiber is like a superhero that passes through your body undigested. It helps regulate your body’s use of sugars, which keeps your hunger and blood sugar in check.
According to a 2021 study, only 5% of men and 9% of women get the recommended amount of dietary fiber daily. This is a bummer because fiber is fantastic and helps your body in so many different ways! There are so many benefits of adding more fiber to your diet: it allows you to feel fuller longer, gives you more pleasant and regular poops, reduces bloating, boosts your immunity, and generally helps you look and feel fabulous!
Okay, I’m Sold on Fiber. How Much Do I Need?
Most doctors recommend that you eat 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories consumed. So, the typical woman needs about 25 grams of fiber daily, and men should aim for about 38 grams daily. Think whole fruits and veggies, beans, nuts, and whole grains. We have a comprehensive guide on how to get more fiber in your diet here.
Not getting enough fiber can lead to major issues and more than just occasional constipation. Lack of fiber can lead to hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, IBS, colon cancer, and other severe medical conditions.
If you are constantly feeling bloated and like you just can’t go, add more fiber to your diet!
We get that getting more fiber into your diet can be a struggle. There are only so many apples, prunes, beans, and other high-fiber foods that you can fit in your belly each day. That's where Bonny comes in.
Bonny Can Help You Poop More Often
Fox TV / Via media.giphy.com
A fiber supplement can help you add all that necessary fiber to your diet without having to craft three fiber-rich meals every day. (Let’s be honest, very few of us have time for that.)
The best fiber supplement for constipation is Bonny. Bonny is an all-natural, plant-based fiber powder that contains psyllium husk and prebiotic inulin, which provides a custom blend of soluble and insoluble fibers. These prebiotic supplements are vegan, gluten-free, and delicious. Bonny has amazing flavors like Mixed Ripe Berries, Apple Pie, and Super Strawberry.
As always, we wish you pleasant poops!
