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Always on the porcelain throne? This might explain why.
By Christine Schoenwald — Written on Apr 07, 2021
We've all asked "Am I normal?" at one time or another, especially when it comes to our pooping habits. When should we be going? How much is too much?
Instead of asking what is "normal," consider what being "regular" looks like for you. Being "regular" isn't just about going often; it's about trying to poop at the same time every day.
But not all of us have our bowels on a strict timetable. We have no choice and have to go when the need hits us.
It's not always easy to go right when nature calls. You may be on a long car trip miles away from a rest stop, on a hike with a hot guy, or at work. Some people have major anxiety about pooping at work and will hold it in until they get home.
This isn't a good idea; constantly being in a holding-pattern can lead to some rather nasty health issues like constipation, bloating and abdominal pain.
When is the best time to poop?
Dr. Kenneth Koch, M.D., AKA Dr. Poo-Good, revealed that the perfect time for your poo is right after you wake up.
"For most people, the best time and their regular time is in the morning," he said. First thing in the morning is the ideal time because, while we're fast asleep, our small intestines and colon are busily processing the food we ate the day before. (Hopefully, they aren't judging our poor eating habits.)
By the morning, the waste is ready to be eliminated. However, a regular schedule only works if you're consistent.
Your bowels, like many of us, prefer to have a routine and they would appreciate it if you could aim to do your poo at the same time each day. If you establish a regular routine, your system will be ecstatic.
"You can think of 100 reasons you don't have time, but have that breakfast, recognize the urge to have a bowel movement, and then take the time. That's how you get into a regular movement," Dr. Koch added.
But what if your poo is consistently excessive? Don't freak out just yet — pooping a lot isn't always a cause for alarm.
What does it mean if you poop a lot?
If you're pooping more than normal, it could mean many different things. There are a few harmless reasons you're pooping more than usual: dietary changes, exercise, menstruation, stress, or medications.
But pooping a lot can be a cause for concern when it is part of a bigger issue and is accompanied by abdominal pain. Going number two so much that it disrupts your day can be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), infection (like the flu or E.coli), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), Celiac disease, or hyperthyroidism.
These conditions usually give you diarrhea or other irregularities in your stool, so frequent pooping alone isn't necessarily a sign of disease or trouble.
Do you poop more when losing weight?
If you have changed your diet to include more fiber, you are bound to poop more often, and an increase in exercise can also cause things to move through you more quickly.
Since dietary changes and exercise are the keys to weight loss, it makes sense that you would poop more when losing weight. On the other hand, dietary changes can also cause gas, constipation, and diarrhea, so it's important to check your stool when you start eating differently.
How often should you poop?
There is no magic number for how often you should poop. Studies have shown that pooping anywhere from three times a week to three times a day can be considered normal and healthy.
If you are pooping regularly (meaning the same number of times a day, at the same time of day), that is a good sign. It all depends on the individual.
It is not abnormal to poop four times a day, unless it is out of the ordinary for you. Even pooping five times a day can be considered normal if it is your normal. If you are concerned, pay attention to how your poop looks and how you feel before and after going.
11 Reasons Why You Poop So Much
1. Dietary changes
If you've recently begun to incorporate more fiber into your diet (like vegetables and whole grains), that will cause you to poop more often or change the color and consistency of your waste. Look at your eating habits first to explain your pooping habits.
2. Coffee
Frequent bathroom trips are the price we have to pay for our caffeine addiction because the drug stimulates muscle contractions in the intestines. That's why a few too many cups of coffee can cause excessive pooping — so maybe a coffee date isn't the best idea for a first meeting with that guy from a dating app.
3. Exercise
Working out gets things moving due to muscle contractions, so if you've taken up a new exercise routine, you can expect to take more bathroom breaks.
4. Menstruation
If you poop a lot while on your period, there is nothing to worry about. The hormonal shifts that come with menstruation are the reason you are going so much, and it is normal. (It doesn't make it any less awful since you already feel terrible.)
5. Stress
Stress and anxiety can also trigger bowel movements by altering your digestive process. You may have heard of anxious poops, which occur when the serotonin in your gut increases, causing spasms in your colon.
6. Medication
If you still can't figure out why you are always on the toilet, double-check any medications you are taking to see if the side effects say anything about bowel movements.
7. Infection
Common viral and bacterial infections can cause excessive pooping, including salmonella, rotavirus, giardia or other infections from parasites. Be sure to consult a doctor if your symptoms continue to worsen.
8. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a disorder in the colon, though the causes aren't completely known. Pooping a lot may be a sign of IBS if you also have bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or sudden urges to go.
9. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
If your poop is excessive and alarming (bloody or loose), and you're also experiencing abdominal pain and fatigue, you may want to get checked by a gastroenterologist for Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, which are both disorders that cause swelling and irritation in the digestive tract.
10. Celiac disease
Gluten intolerance can be an obvious cause of excessive pooping. If you notice your bathroom trips happen after consuming gluten products, you might want to be tested for celiac.
Other symptoms may include gas, diarrhea, fatigue, anemia, bloating, weight loss, headaches, mouth ulcers, and acid reflux.
11. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a hormonal imbalance that can cause diarrhea, weight loss, brittle hair, sweating, and increased heart rate. If you suspect you may have this autoimmune disorder, consult an endocrinologist.
When your bowels are happy, you're happy!
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Christine Schoenwald is a writer and performer. She's had articles in The Los Angeles Times, Salon, Bustle, Medium, and Woman's Day. Visit her website or her Instagram.