Baraka_Guru

Many in the health and medical communities use bowel movement frequency as one indicator of health. Regular movements suggest that you are getting enough fibre, which the evidence suggests is good for removing toxins and for helping prevent several diseases, including various cancers. Out-of-the-ordinary bowel movements can also be indicators of other health problems beyond fibre intake.

On occasion, in those weird tangental moments, I've let people know that I have at least two bowel movements a day, sometimes three, and on rare occasions four.

I have heard from people that they are usually a one-a-day kind of person, though I know of cases where people don't go for days, which is really odd for me to think about.

One reason for my own situation is that I eat probably at least 300 g of carbohydrates a day and well over 90% of those come from foods that are whole grain. On top of that, I eat as many whole foods as I can when it comes to fruit and vegetables. I also really like legumes. Like, a lot. They're a superfood in my eyes.

So bottom line: I get a lot of fibre without even thinking about it. I know some people have habits that end up leading them to have to actively think about adding more. Some use supplements. Some buy bran-based foods.

This thread isn't just about fibre. Of course, there are other factors related to bowel movements beyond just diet. I know there are various medical conditions that are factors, and I know that yoga helps in that department as well.

Let's hear all of it.

What about you? How often do you drop one?

[And, yes, this is a private poll. ]

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DrSublime

After ever meal. Every time.

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Poetry

Depends on how much I'm exercising and how much water I'm intaking.

Usually 2-3 a day, sometimes more. I've never been constipated, unless as an infant.

Which I'm sure will be a blessing later on in life. Whoo.

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KirStang

Usually once a day. You can set your watch by it.

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ZombieSquirrel

Every Day...9am.

When I was sick and in rehab, each nurse had to ask me at the end of his or her shift. The first month I was there I was so embarrassed by the question. After I was there for so long I was excited to answer the question....especially if I actually had a BM. The nurses were SO concerned about my BMs. I was only going maybe once every 4 days and it hurt like hell. After I went almost a week, I was put on a stool softener and it still wasn't fun to go. I used to love going. I just now got back to my regularly scheduled programming. Things are happy again.

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KirStang

I wonder if "going" is somehow hardwired as a time of relaxation....the whole 'anal retentive' expression if you will.

I know when I'm super busy with school, going is the only time I have to read for pleasure and relax a little. :P

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Poetry

That would actually make sense for me. Doesn't matter if I just went an hour before, if I walk into a library or a bookstore, I have to go straight to the bathroom. It's been a weird sort of curse since I was six or so.

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Charlatan

One to two times per day. Usually some time between 9:30 and 10:30 am and then, if it's going to be a sequel, it's usually around mid-afternoon.

My wife can go days without. It astounds me.

By the way, having this conversation makes me feel prematurely old. This is a nursing home conversation.

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aberkok

Same thing happens to me!

About twice a day for me. Once first thing, once after breakfast. I think it's the vegan thing that helped me get regular. I am pretty good at it, but the signs of my missed potential come out in my BMs. Too much glutenous carbs and too much processed soy usually means trouble the next morning.

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Poetry

Holy crap!! Really? I thought I was a mutant freak with an ass with some sort of warning device that allowed me to know that large quantities of books are about.

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monkeysugar

Usually in the morning, once during the middle of the day, and a post work dump at 2200-2215. I don't like to drop a deuce at work. All in all it really depends on what I have eaten.

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chinese crested

You are so lucky! I get irritable bowel, which means rather short notice and rather often. Stress makes it worse - think its linked to the old fight or flight mechanism. (Poetrys obviously is a 'buy more books' and 'lighten the body load so you can carry them' response).
I believe a healthy poop will float, and a bad diet will make them crack the bottom of the pan assunder.
Then of course there is the poop that drives a sleigh and gives all the good children pressies - especialy those in the South Park area.

mixedmedia

twice a day.
once right after my morning coffee.
the second between 2-4 in the afternoon.
I've always been pretty regular.

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seamaiden

At least twice a day, sometimes three. Always first thing in the morning. I eat oatmeal with blueberries almost every day...lots of goodness and fiber there!

SuburbanZombie

Usually once a day. Eating large amounts of plant matter and/or alcohol will increase that number.

ralphie250

typically 3 to 5 times a day. always when i get up and normally after i eat and once before bed.

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LordEden

2-4 times a day. Usually I have the morning go at it and then the sequel right after I get to work. Usually one right after work and then one before I go to bed. I have IBS and that means, it's RIGHT NOW kinda poops.

Thank the gods above for iphones, people at work look at me funny when I leave the office with a book.

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Lindy

My dad used to say it was the only place he could find "peace and quiet."
I have a magazine rack in my bathroom. I usually dump just once daily, but it is very regular. I wake up, get out of bed, do some stretching, head to the bathroom and usually feel the urge while I'm brushing my teeth. I'll sit on the throne and read until the job is done, and then take my shower. If I have more than usual fiber then maybe two dumps. I generally eat 'low carb' but the carbs I do eat have fiber. I had a very generous serving of broccoli (with garlic butter and parmesan...) last night along with fish and salad, so will probably dump again tonight before bed.
I do get constipated on road trips. I think it's from spending my whole day sitting on my butt. It never lasts more than a couple of days.

Lindy

Ourcrazymodern?

Once, & I like no-wipers best.

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aberkok

I thought it had something to do with the smell of the paper, but after some research (which you know what that means... yes: a quick Google) I found this silly thread:

Bookstores: the natural laxative? - feces toilet books | Ask MetaFilter

The most convincing possibility for me was the "squatting to reach lower shelves" theory - it relaxes the sphincter and is biologically the natural pooing position. But who knows the real answer?

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MSD

Amateur. I have a whole bookshelf. And I agree with your dad, only place I can get some peace and quiet.

Depending on what I eat, anywhere from 2 to 6 times a day. The latter comes when I eat a lot of fiber like a should and add dairy to it (I'm lactose intolerant.) On a "good" day, about 3.

canuckguy

I am going as I type this.......


Once a day usually unless I've ate something that has not agreed with me or I am really nervous because of travel, a presentation at work....etc.

Lucifer

uh, sorry to be the odd guy out, but 2-3 times a week?

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Strange Famous

Normally once a day in the morning. Every now and again if I have a big dinner or something I might have another in the evening. Of if I dont each much then maybe miss a day. But as a rule every morning when I get up.

Very rare that I need to have one in the day when I'm work (maybe one or two times a year)... I dont know why really but I always prefer to have a shit in my own toilet if I can.

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