We all defecate, hence, culturally, many have developed all kinds of rituals for their routine of going to the bathroom and it is even possible that you take for valid certain common concepts -when you discover that they are wrong-.
For example, is pooping daily optimal?
Gastroenterologists say that going to the bathroom between three times a day and three times a week is normal, assuming the stool is not too loose or too hard. That is, regularity does not mean that defecation must occur daily, but rather that it must happen consistently. Frequency only becomes a concern when it changes suddenly, in any direction.
Constipation is caused by many factors, such as poor diet, dehydration, lack of exercise, change of schedule or change of diet during travel, pregnancy, and certain medications. Getting plenty of rest, drinking more water, exercising, and eating a diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables should remedy constipation. If not, poor bowel movements could indicate (or lead to) a serious medical condition.
Diarrhea, or loose bowel movements, is also caused by many factors, most commonly viruses, bacteria, or an allergic reaction. Constant leaking bowel movements can be a sign of a chronic condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Another example, does poop always smell bad?
Poop might not smell like roses, of course, but it shouldn’t smell like rotten swamp, either. A truly horrible smelling bowel movement, something that is certainly difficult to quantify in writing as you might imagine, can be a sign of infection or something more serious, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or ulcerative colitis.
Giardiasis, an infection from parasites ofGiardia lamblia, is a well known cause of poop with a foul smell. If the bad smell persists over time, it is always advisable to go to the doctor’s office. The same happens with flatulence, these are normal and healthy, they are the natural by-product of intestinal bacteria that digest food; But as with poop, if it regularly smells powerfully bad, it could be a sign of something serious. As always, when in doubt, go to the doctor’s office.
