Transcript
Is pooping every day really necessary? I ask as some of you sit on the toilet right now. I'm Avisha, a scientist who helps you use the latest research to unclog life's practical question. So, how often do you poop? Once a day, twice a day, couple times a week, comment TMI down below. But it turns out there's a Goldilocks zone for poop frequency. Too frequent and the healthy microbes can't properly set up shop, leading to inflammation and increased susceptibility to nefarious bacterial invaders. But on the flip side, when the poop stays too long in your bowels, the bacteria run through all the available fiber and start howing down on protein instead, which makes them poop out chemicals that can be toxic to your liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Seattle researchers analyzed the poop and pooping habits and blood of 1,400 participants, looking at their gut bacteria, blood chemistry, the whole shebang. They divided them up between constipated, pooping twice a week or less, low normal, three to six times per week, high normal, one to three times per day, and diarrhea, four or more times per day. As expected, the constipated and diarrhea groups had all sorts of problems. But it turns out that even the low normal group had significantly different bacteria. and some buildup of toxins like three endoxyl sulfate, which is linked to reduced kidney function. Also PCS, or P-Cresol sulfate, which is also linked to cognitive decline and neuroinflammation. And these are both produced when bacteria switch over to processing protein instead of fiber. They also found some weaker links to anxiety and depression, both in the people themselves and in their family histories. But we're still very early on in the science of understanding all the cool connections between the gut and the brain. But in case this study has you worried, there are lots of great things you can do to improve your regularity. are the basic eating more fiber, drinking more water, and exercising. But let me know if you want more detailed nuance tips in another video.
Additional notes
YOU should pay attention to this study if you are not in the 1-3x/day group. The source caption notes possible build-up of problematic byproducts when gut bacteria switch from fiber to amino acid metabolism, and mentions coffee as a possible regularity-supporting habit.
References
- Aberrant bowel movement frequencies coincide with increased microbe-derived blood metabolites associated with reduced organ function - DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101646.