Some individuals have regular bowel movements. They do it daily, either after their morning exercise or during a regular bathroom stop in the afternoon. Some people may only need to defecate every several days. Knowing your regular bowel movement frequency can help you recognize a change if it occurs more often than usual.
Dr. Mejdi Ahmad, a board-certified gastroenterologist with Medical Offices of Manhattan, mentioned in a recent article several reasons for increased bowel movements. We’ll go over the list in brief here.
If your stools are easy to pass and otherwise consistent with the Bristol Stool Chart, you can relax. But here are ten potential causes of increased bowel movements:
Changes in Diet
Emphasize how dietary adjustments, such as eating more fiber-rich foods (such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains), may result in more frequent bowel movements. These foods are high in fiber, which makes stools bulkier and easier to pass.
Hydration
An increase in bowel regularity may arise from drinking enough water, which helps soften stool and speed up its transit through the intestines. Other liquids, like coffee, can also help you go to the bathroom.
New Workout Routine
If you do more exercise or start a new habit, you might poop more. Physical movement helps your body handle food better and makes the muscles in your stomach contract more, which makes it easier to poop.
Laxatives
Certain dietary supplements and other drugs should be mentioned as potential causes of loose stools. It’s crucial to know about any recent changes in their medicine or supplement regimen.
Infections
Gastroenteritis may irritate the bowels, causing more frequent bowel movements as the body attempts to flush out the offending microorganisms
Stress
Changes in bowel patterns and an increase in stool frequency have been linked to elevated stress levels
GI Condition
Conditions that might induce changes in bowel habits, such as increased frequency, include inflammatory bowel diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Hyperthyroidism
This happens when your thyroid makes too much of the hormone thyroxine. This can speed up your metabolism. This can accelerate digestion and bowel movements.
Bowel patterns are very individual, with some individuals having more regular bowel movements by nature and without any underlying health concerns. If the increased frequency persists for a while or is associated with other unsettling symptoms like blood in the stool, severe stomach discomfort, or unexplained weight loss, seeing a doctor is a good idea.
