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These are questions you may have already asked yourself: is there a better time of day to have a bowel movement? And how often is it necessary to relieve yourself when you have normal intestinal transit? Here are the answers provided by an American gastroenterologist.
The functioning of intestinal transit is specific to each individual. In addition, the time and number of times a person will need to go to the toilet depends on several factors. However, doctors establish averages to determine what is “normal” and what is not.
Having a bowel movement in the morning is more common
When it comes to bowel movement time, the most common time is in the morning, according to Dr. Kenneth Brown, a gastroenterologist in the United States. He gives three reasons for this:
- In the morning, just after taking a glass of water, the gastro-colic reflex begins, which is a contraction of the colon which allows pushing to evacuate stools;
- The colon is also more active in the morning and even shows a peak of activity upon waking up;
- Finally, the feces having accumulated in the latter during the night, it is normal to evacuate them in the morning.
How often should you have a bowel movement?
If you are used to going to the toilet only in the morning, this is normal. If you go there after every meal too. Doctors believe that the frequency of bowel movements varies – regardless of the presence of any pathology – and that it is possible to go three times a day or three times a week.
On the other hand, below this limit, we speak of constipation. To combat this phenomenon, Dr. Kenneth Brown recommends several things:
- Eat more fiber;
- Drink plenty of water, at least 1.5 L per day;
- Practicing regular physical activity, such as walking for example
- And avoid stress as much as possible, which can potentially modify intestinal transit.