Too Often or Too Rarely? What Bowel Movements Reveal About Your Health

How often we need to go to the toilet might reveal more about our health condition than previously thought.

Researchers from the University of Washington and the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) analyzed data from 1,425 healthy adults in a study published in July 2024 – including information on stool frequency, blood values, genetic information, and the composition of the gut flora. The aim was to uncover potential connections between bowel habits and general health characteristics.

Health Risks with Deviating Rhythm

The participants were divided into four groups based on stool frequency: from severely restricted digestion (once or twice a week) to frequent diarrhea (more than four watery stools per day). The healthiest group had bowel movements one to three times daily. According to the study, this "Goldilocks zone" was associated with favorable biomarkers and a balanced gut flora.

Notably, both people with infrequent and excessive bowel movements showed signs of health stress. Participants with diarrhea more often carried bacteria that normally occur in the upper digestive tract. Their blood samples showed markers for potential liver damage.

Danger from Protein Breakdown in the Gut

In people with infrequent bowel movements, increased amounts of bacteria that ferment proteins were found – a process that produces toxic byproducts. One of these substances, indoxyl sulfate, known to be harmful to the kidneys, was detected in higher levels in the blood. According to study author Johannes Johnson-Martínez, this suggests a possible connection between slowed digestion and organ stress.

Improvement Possible Through Diet and Exercise

The "healthy" group with optimal stool frequency was characterized by a fiber-rich diet, adequate fluid intake, and regular exercise. Their gut flora contained more bacteria that break down plant fibers into short-chain fatty acids – substances considered to be anti-inflammatory.

The findings emphasize that our individual digestive behavior can provide clues to health risks. Study leader Sean Gibbons sees potential in this for future prevention strategies.

Source: This article is partially based on information from ScienceAlert, as of July 8, 2025.

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