Why do bowel movements matter?
Everyone poops, but the frequency and consistency of bowel movements can vary widely among individuals. While this might seem like a trivial aspect of daily life, new findings published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine highlight how these differences can impact long-term health. Researchers from ISB have demonstrated that bowel movement frequency is not only influenced by demographic factors but also plays an important role in overall physiological health.
What is the analysis of bowel movement patterns?
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Researchers at ISB examined data from over 1,400 healthy adults, categorising their bowel movement frequency into four groups: constipation (1-2 times per week), low-normal (3-6 times per week), high-normal (1-3 times per day), and diarrhoea. This comprehensive analysis involved clinical, lifestyle, and multi-omic data, providing an overall view of how bowel movement frequency correlates with various health factors.
The study revealed that younger people, women, and individuals with lower BMI tend to have less frequent bowel movements. This finding aligns with previous research showing that bowel movement frequency significantly affects gut ecosystem function. According to Johannes Johnson-Martinez, the study’s lead author, when stool remains in the gut for too long, it leads to the fermentation of proteins by gut microbes, producing toxins that can enter the bloodstream.
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The gut microbiomes of participants displayed distinct patterns based on their bowel movement frequency. Fibre-fermenting bacteria, which are beneficial for health, were most prevalent in those with 1-2 bowel movements per day, while those with constipation or diarrhoea had a higher presence of bacteria associated with protein fermentation or upper gastrointestinal tract issues, respectively.
What are the health implications that follow?
The research also connected bowel movement frequency with various health markers. Individuals with constipation had higher levels of microbially derived protein fermentation byproducts, such as p-cresol-sulfate and indoxyl-sulfate, which are known to harm kidney function. On the other hand, those experiencing diarrhoea exhibited elevated clinical chemistries associated with liver damage.
Blood levels of indoxyl-sulfate were notably linked to reduced kidney function, suggesting a potential causal relationship between bowel movement frequency and organ damage, even before any disease diagnosis. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining a healthy bowel movement frequency to prevent chronic diseases and organ damage.
Diet, hydration, and exercise: The “Goldilocks zone”
Maintaining a fibre-rich diet, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular exercise were common habits among individuals with optimal bowel movement frequency. These lifestyle factors contribute to the “Goldilocks zone” of bowel movements, where one poops just the right amount to support gut health and overall well-being.
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