Constipation is Not About Frequency
Author: Dr. Mollie Brennan, Naturopathic Doctor
Do you know the actual definition of constipation? It turns out that the amount of times you go in a day doesn’t have a big impact anymore.
The European Society of Gastroenterology & Motility states “the most frequent symptoms of chronic constipation are straining and hard stools.” Straining means the feeling that there is an obstruction, needing to physically remove the stool, incomplete evacuation, or that ‘not quite done’ feeling. A person could technically be having daily bowel movements, but still be constipated.
The interesting thing is that how many times a week a person has a bowel movement doesn’t matter. What matters is if it has changed from your normal. In North America and Europe the frequency is anywhere from 3 times daily to 3 times weekly. In India, where their fibre intake is high due to vegetarian diets, surveys show people can go up to 14 times weekly. India also has the lowest colon cancer rates in the world.
It’s important to know that irritable bowel syndrome and constipation are different things. In IBS-constipated type there is usually abdominal pain present. Chronic constipation, on the other hand, may have discomfort or bloating, but no pain.
As a naturopathic doctor I would argue that having a BM daily is better than 3 times a week. For keeping the liver and hormones regular, preventing colon cancer, and bladder infections. Next time you’re in the bathroom check how you’re feeling. Book an appointment if you feel like constipation is impacting your quality of life!
References:
1) Serra J, Pohl D, Azpiroz F, et al. European society of neurogastroenterology and motility guidelines on functional constipation in adults. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2020;32(2):e13762. doi:10.1111/nmo.13762
