Mastering Pet Health: A Deep Dive into Gastrointestinal Wellness & Nutrition – Hollywood Feed University
Whether you refer to it as pooping, No. 2, or a bowel movement, it’s high time we embrace discussing it openly. After all, as the children’s book taught us, Everyone Poops.
Our stools hold valuable clues about our dietary fiber, hydration levels, and even potential health issues such as infections or diseases.1 The frequency, quantity, and appearance of our poop can provide significant insights into our overall internal well-being.
Crafting a 3-Day Meal Plan to Enhance Your Bowel Health Research indicates that the “normal” range for pooping frequency spans from twice daily to thrice weekly. But now, we’ve enlisted the expertise of two gastroenterologists to delve into another burning question: What is the prime time of day to poop?
The Optimal Time of Day to Poop, as Advised by Gastroenterologists Let’s get straight to the point: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the best time to poop, acknowledges Will Bulsiewicz, M.D., a gastroenterologist based in Charleston, South Carolina, and the author of Fiber Fueled. Instead of fixating on a specific hour, consistency reigns supreme. “Much like all living organisms, our bodies operate in sync with the natural cycles of the sun. Consistency is key,” Bulsiewicz emphasizes.
Our post-meal metabolic reactions, sleep quality, and gut health all hinge on our body’s inherent rhythms. “When our gut follows a rhythm, we experience regular, satisfying bowel movements. However, an irregular gut rhythm can disrupt bowel motility and the gut microbiome, potentially leading to chronic constipation or irritable bowel syndrome,” Bulsiewicz explains.
Given the paramount importance of rhythm, Kenneth Brown, M.D., a gastroenterologist in Plano, Texas, and the host of the Gut Check Project podcast, suggests that certain times of day may be more conducive to establishing a regular bowel routine than others. “Generally, the morning, shortly after waking, tends to be the optimal time for most individuals to poop,” Brown asserts.
Here’s why:
Alignment with Circadian Rhythms: Our bodies operate on a 24-hour internal clock known as circadian rhythms, which govern various physiological functions, including digestion. The colon tends to be more active during daylight hours, peaking in the morning.2 Additionally, cortisol levels naturally surge in the morning, which can stimulate bowel movements, Brown notes.3
Overnight Fasting: “During sleep, our digestive system slows down, allowing the colon to accumulate stool,” Brown explains. “This accumulation overnight sets the stage for a morning bowel movement, sparing us nocturnal interruptions.” As the day begins, the colon resumes its activity, facilitating bowel movements, concur the experts.
Activation of the Gastrocolic Reflex: “Following meals or beverages, the stomach expands, triggering the gastrocolic reflex—a physiological mechanism that prompts the colon to contract and propel its contents forward, culminating in a bowel movement,” Brown elucidates. Morning heralds the peak strength of this reflex, particularly after hydrating and refueling with breakfast.
#BowelHealth #GutWellness #DigestiveHealth #PoopTalk #HealthyHabits