Bowel Movement Frequency: A Key to Lifespan?

Bowel Movement Frequency: A Key to Lifespan?

The frequency of bowel movements could reveal more about our health than meets the eye. Researchers have found that there are significant links between stool frequency and serious illnesses, including dementia. These findings could not only expand our understanding of gut health, but also provide clues about how lifestyle and diet influence our life expectancy.

Even in childhood, many people notice that the frequency of bowel movements can vary greatly. This continues into adulthood. According to the AOK, a frequency of three times a day to three times a week is considered normal. But what exactly does this tell us about our health?

The connection between bowel movements and disease

Researchers from the USA, including Sean M. Gibbons from the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Washington in Seattle, have found that the frequency of bowel movements has a direct influence on the microbiome in the intestine. This played a crucial role in their study, which was published in the journalCell Reports Medicinewas published. Using 1,400 healthy Americans, they examined how individual stool frequency is related to the colonization of the intestine by bacteria and the development of chronic diseases.

The study results show that one of the risk factors for chronic diseases such as dementia and kidney damage is the abnormalities in the frequency of bowel movements. Gibbons noted, "The accumulation of harmful substances in stool can lead to organ damage and potentially trigger chronic, age-related diseases." This suggests that healthy bowel movements are not only important for well-being, but also play a key role in longevity.

According to the researchers, bowel movements once or twice a day are ideal, which indicates a healthy lifestyle and a lower risk of chronic diseases. This frequency also supports the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria, which are responsible for processing fiber.

What does constipation mean?

Constipation, defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week, can be detrimental. In this case, the intestinal bacteria produce toxins that can promote chronic diseases. Gibbons went on to say that diarrhea – defined as more than three loose stool movements within 24 hours – indicates high levels of inflammation in the blood and can affect liver function. Both are signs that there is an imbalance in the body.

Healthy bowel movements should require little effort. Ideally, emptying should be easy and painless. When constipated, many people complain of hard stools, pain and the feeling of having to push hard, while diarrhea often causes discomfort and frequent trips to the toilet.

The study also took into account the role of lifestyle. A healthy diet rich in fiber and regular physical activity can positively influence bowel movement frequency. Rolando Gibbons emphasizes the importance of a conscious diet in this context, as certain foods such as yogurt, oatmeal, broccoli and cauliflower can promote digestion.

Detailed information can be found for a deeper insight into the connections between bowel movement frequency, microbiome and health here. Surprisingly, careful observation of your stool frequency can provide important information about your own health and even have an impact on your life expectancy. So it's worth not neglecting this aspect of health.

It is important to emphasize that this article does not constitute medical advice and a doctor should always be consulted if you have any health questions.