Let’s be honest—poop isn’t the most glamorous health topic, but it’s one of the most revealing. A new study shows your bowel habits could offer real insight into your long-term health—far beyond what you eat.
While it’s been long known that frequent constipation or diarrhea can be linked to health problems, researchers at the University of Washington dug deeper. They studied 1,400 healthy adults to see if bowel movement frequency itself could predict future risk. Spoiler: it can.
They found that people who had one to three bowel movements per day—dubbed “high-normal”—had the healthiest gut microbiomes, packed with beneficial bacteria. On the flip side, those who pooped just once or twice a week had more toxic byproducts in their blood—compounds linked to diseases like kidney issues and Alzheimer’s. Surprisingly, those with more than three bowel movements a day also showed signs of inflammation and liver stress.
Why? If poop hangs out too long, gut microbes shift from digesting healthy fibers to breaking down proteins—producing harmful waste. But if you go too often, your body might be losing bile and nutrients too quickly.
The sweet spot? Pooping every other day to twice daily. This balance supports a thriving gut microbiome and limits exposure to harmful toxins.
Your bathroom routine also reflects your lifestyle. Regular poopers tend to eat more fruits and veggies, drink more water, and stay active. Want to improve? Boost your fiber intake, stay hydrated, and move daily.
If your habits suddenly change, or if you notice issues like blood, pain, or extreme frequency, it’s time to talk to a doctor.
