How Often Should You Poop? What Your Bowel Movements Tell You

Hello, Shirley!!

Well, I can confidently say this is a first for this column. Today, we are talking about poop.

Yes, poop.

It may not be the most glamorous health topic, but bowel movements are something every single one of us has in common. Despite that, we really don’t talk about them enough. Your bowel movements can actually tell you quite a bit about what is happening inside your body.

So, let’s make an uncomfortable health conversation a little more comfortable.

How Often Should You Poop?

There isn’t one magical number. Some people go multiple times per day, while others may go every other day. A generally accepted healthy range is anywhere from about three times per day to three times per week.

What matters most is what is normal for you and whether going feels comfortable.

Pay attention to changes. If you normally go every morning and suddenly haven’t gone for several days, your body may be telling you something. Ideally, you shouldn’t regularly need to strain excessively, spend forever on the toilet, or feel like you still need to go when you’re finished.

What Should It Look Like?

Yes, there is actually a poop chart.

The Bristol Stool Chart categorizes poop into seven types. Types 1 and 2 are hard and lumpy and are generally associated with constipation. Types 3 and 4 are formed, smooth, sausage or snake-like stools and are considered the sweet spot. Types 5 through 7 become progressively softer and more watery.

If your poop looks like little hard pebbles, take note. If it is soft, formed, and passes easily, congratulations. You probably never expected to have your poop complimented in the Shirley Local.

Size can vary based on what you eat, how much fiber you get, hydration, and how frequently you go. Again, we care more about significant changes than finding the “perfect” poop.

What About Color?

Brown is what we generally expect, but other colors don't automatically mean something is wrong.

Green can happen from leafy vegetables, food coloring, or stool moving quickly through your system. Yellow can occasionally be normal, although persistently yellow, greasy stools are worth mentioning to your healthcare provider.

Red could simply mean you ate beets, but it can also indicate blood. Black stool can occur with iron supplements or certain medications, but black, tarry stool can also be a sign of bleeding. Pale, white, or clay-colored stools that persist should also be discussed with a healthcare provider.

The key word is persistent. One weird poop happens. A consistent unexplained change deserves more attention.

Help Your Body Out

Hydration, fiber, regular movement, sleep, stress, medications, and nutrition can all affect your bowel movements.

Your bathroom position matters too. Putting your feet on a small stool so your knees are slightly higher than your hips can help put your body in a better position. Relax, breathe, and try not to strain.

And if nothing is happening, you don't need to sit on the toilet scrolling through your phone for 30 minutes. Get up and try again later.

Know Your Normal

Occasional changes happen, but persistent changes in your bowel habits deserve attention, especially with blood in the stool, black and tarry stool, significant abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, fever, or ongoing diarrhea or constipation.

And please don't let embarrassment stop you from talking to your healthcare provider. Healthcare professionals talk about poop all the time.

This week's Helpful Health Hint is simple: know your normal.

Your bowel movements are another way your body communicates with you. Pay attention to frequency, color, shape, consistency, comfort, and changes over time.

Because sometimes being proactive about your health starts with being comfortable enough to ask, “Hey…is my poop supposed to look like that?”