KOMPAS.com – Defecate ( CHAPTER) is an important biological function that cleanses the body of indigestible bacteria, fiber, cells, water and plant matter.
Although everyone does it, not all of them do it with the same frequency.
Some people may go to the bathroom every morning very regularly, while others don’t have a predictable defecation schedule.
Then, how often do we have to defecate?
Jean Marie Houghton, MD, doctor practicing gastroenterology at UMass Memorial Health Care in Worcester, Massachusetts, explains to Health that the average frequency of defecating is between three and every three days, and the frequency in between.
So if the frequency of your BAB is among them, then it can be said that it is still within normal limits.
Dr. Houghton says that most people have a fairly routine bowel movement, although it can vary from time to time.
However, he warned not to be too fixated on numbers.
“If you CHAPTER three times a day and feel comfortable, then that’s perfect,” he said.
Conversely, if you have frequent bowel movements and even feel bloated, uncomfortable, or continue to have a bowel movement, then this is not normal and requires professional medical attention.
As an illustration, a survey was conducted Healthline towards more than 2,000 respondents, it was reported that their defecation patterns were as follows:
- Nearly 50 percent of respondents defecated once a day, while 28 percent defecated twice a day. Only 5.6 percent reported defecating only once or twice a week.
- Most respondents (61.3 percent) reported average defecation time in the morning, while 22 percent during the day and only 2.6 percent defecated at night.
- Nearly 31 percent of respondents reported the consistency of their stool similar to that of sausage or snake, with a smooth and creamy consistency.
Several things affect how often we defecate, including:
1. Eating patterns
Soluble and insoluble fiber in the form of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits can make stool more solid, which makes bowel movements easier. If you do not eat significant amounts of these foods, this may be the cause of irregular bowel movements. Consuming fluids also makes stools softer and easier to pass. This is why many doctors recommend increasing fluid intake if a person experiences frequent constipation.
2. Age
The older a person is, the more likely it is to experience constipation. The condition is caused by a number of factors, including reduced gastric movements that promote digestion, reduced mobility, and taking more medications that can slow intestinal health.
3. Level of activity
Peristalsis is the movement of the inner intestine that encourages digested food to be excreted as waste. Peristalsis can be helped through physical activity, such as walking or doing other forms of exercise.
4. Chronic or acute disease
Some chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, can affect bowel patterns, followed by periods of constipation. Acute illness, such as viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) or an injury that requires you to take pain medication, can cause changes in bowel pattern. Because, these drugs can slow down intestinal activity.
Also read: Is it safe to depend on coffee to keep your bowels smooth?
When is it necessary to see a doctor?
Everyone has a change in bowel movements from time to time. However, changes lasting more than a week may need serious attention.
There are also a number of symptoms that indicate you may need to seek medical attention. Some of them:
- There is blood in the stool, which may appear red or black and have the consistency of coffee grounds.
- Vomiting blood, vomiting like ground coffee, or anything that looks like poop.
- Less defecation in more than three days.
- Severe, stabbing stomach pain.
If you often experience problems with constipation, bowel movements, or diarrhea, you may need to consult a doctor. Your doctor will likely look at your medical history and review the drugs you are taking to determine if any medications are causing constipation or diarrhea.
Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle and diet changes that can improve your regular bowel movements.
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