Bowel movements and health: How often is normal? An expert explains it!
A doctor from Fulda explains how often bowel movements are healthy and what role they play in general health.

Bowel movements and health: How often is normal? An expert explains it!
In Fulda, a health expert dealt with a topic that is often considered unpleasant but is of great importance for our health: the frequency of bowel movements. Dr. Daniel Jaspersen, an experienced doctor, highlights the relevance of the chair for our general health and gives valuable tips for everyday life.
Most people rarely think about how often they have to go to the bathroom. "Anyone who normally has bowel movements once or twice a day is generally healthy. It becomes problematic if someone suffers from chronic constipation," explains Jaspersen. If bowel movements occur less than three times a week, it is called pathological constipation, and frequent, uncontrollable bowel movements are also a warning sign.
The importance of bowel movement frequency for health
Dr. Jaspersen points this out that not only the frequency of bowel movements is crucial, but also the associated health consequences. Constant neglect of this issue can lead to serious health problems. He recommends familiarizing yourself with popular scientific literature, such as the book “Intestine with Charm” by Giulia Enders, in order to learn about how the intestine works and the importance of the bacteria that live in it.
An interesting fact is that the frequency of bowel movements is directly related to the microbiome, the community of microbes that live in the intestines. A recent study from the University of Washington in Seattle has found that harmful substances in stool can promote chronic age-related diseases.
“If stool stays in the intestines for too long, the microbes use up the fiber that is necessary for their healthy function,” says Jaspersen. This poses a risk that the microbes will switch to an alternative mode of fermentation, leading to the development of various toxins that can enter the bloodstream.
Measuring gastrointestinal health
Examining the microbial composition can reveal a lot about the hygiene of the intestinal system and the frequency of bowel movements. Jaspersen emphasizes that healthy bacteria that are responsible for the fermentation of fiber thrive particularly well with an ideal bowel movement frequency of once or twice a day. Bowel movements that are too rare or too frequent can therefore be a risk factor for chronic diseases.
To resolve problems with bowel movements, Dr. Jaspersen to contact gastroenterologists. These specialists can diagnose possible health problems using standardized examinations, including a colonoscopy.
The topic of bowel movements should no longer be taboo, because it is clear that intestinal health has a direct impact on our well-being. An enlightened discussion of bowel movement frequency could surprise many people and trigger a rethink in the perception of this everyday but important topic.