In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleIncreased FiberLactose IntoleranceCoffee DrinkingDigestive WoesMenstruationFood-Related IllnessStress
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
Increased Fiber
Lactose Intolerance
Coffee Drinking
Digestive Woes
Menstruation
Food-Related Illness
Stress
Poop habits, characteristics and frequency can tell a story about your health, though not all toileting changes should put you into panic mode. While poop varies from person to person, how often one poops depends on many factors, such as eating habits, hydration status and age.
There’s no set number of times a day someone should go No. 2. That said, most people go between zero and three times daily, or three to seven times per week or more.If lately, you’ve been living in the “or more” category, resting in the restroom or chasing the chamber pot, you might be pooping more often. Here are seven possible reasons you’re pooping a lot, which can be normal.
1. You’re Eating More Plant-Based Foods
2. You Might Be Lactose Intolerant
3. You Might Be Drinking Coffee
Many early risers depend on their morning java fix to start the day, whether for an energy boost, flavor or comfort. Americans sip almost three cups of coffee daily on average.Running to the restroom after coffee drinking can be expected. In fact, a large number of people agree that coffee, regardless of caffeination, triggers a desire to poo.So, what is it about coffee that makes it pro-poop? Coffee increases contractions in the colon 50% more than water, and it also can cause flatulence, abdominal cramps and urination. Researchers have seen less powerful effects of decaffeinated coffee, but nonetheless, both types of coffee enhance colonic activity, leading them to believe that hormones, including gastrin and motilin, may impact gut muscle activity.
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4. You May Have a Digestive Illness
Digestive diseases can be tricky to diagnose because many conditions share the same symptoms. Your excessive poops could be pinned on an underlying disease like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, since diarrhea is a symptom of all three.
If you are concerned you may have a digestive disease, or if digestive diseases run in your family, it may help to speak with a medical provider.
5. You’re Menstruating
Profuse pooping during your period is a common occurrence—as if things couldn’t get any messier or uncomfortable. It’s no surprise your body experiences hormone fluctuations before, during and after menstruation—and yes, they are to blame for these period poop struggles. The offender? Prostaglandins. Research says at menstruation, there’s a spike in prostaglandins, natural chemicals that contract smooth muscle tissue in the uterus.And because your uterus is close to your intestines, it’s thought that the prostaglandins also may trigger diarrhea or loose stools seen in the first couple days of your period. Plus, women with IBS often report more symptoms during periods. So, period poop happens, but you’re not alone!
6. You May Have Food Poisoning
7. You’re Stressed Out
The Bottom Line
Changes in your bowel habits aren’t always a cause for concern, and lifestyle tweaks like drinking more water or upping your fiber intake can be why your bathroom trips have increased. Because pooping a lot can also indicate food intolerances or digestive diseases (common conditions), it can be a good idea to see a trusted medical provider if you also notice other symptoms.
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Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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