[This content is a story-based medical science article, please read it rationally, and do not sit down]
"Doctor, I have been having 5 bowel movements a day recently, do I have any serious gastrointestinal problems?" Xiao Li sat in my office with an anxious face, clutching a stack of test sheets in his hand. As a senior gastroenterologist, I've become accustomed to the concerns of patients about the number of bowel movements. But Xiao Li's situation made me can't help but raise my eyebrows.
"5 times a day?" I smiled and asked, "How many times a day do you think a normal person should have a bowel movement?" "
Xiao Li scratched his head and said with some uncertainty: "Once? Or twice? I've heard that normal people should be once a day. "
I couldn't help but laugh out loud, a common misconception I'd heard countless times. "Would you be surprised if I told you that the number of bowel movements a normal person can range from 3 times a day to 1 time a day?"
Xiao Li's eyes widened, and his expression was incredulous. "Really? Am I not worried in vain? "
Indeed, many people have a misconception about the frequency of bowel movements. Some people think that once a day is the standard, while others worry that they have too much or too little bowel movements. In fact, the frequency of bowel movements is a very personal problem, which is affected by a variety of factors, such as eating habits, lifestyle, age, etc.
Let's take a look at Xiao Li's situation, as a 28-year-old programmer, Xiao Li usually has a lot of work pressure, irregular diet, and often stays up late to work overtime. Recently, for the sake of health, he began to try to eat more fruits and vegetables and increase the amount of exercise. These lifestyle changes are likely to be the cause of his increased bowel movements.
"Xiao Li, these recent changes of yours are actually good things." I explained, "Eating more fruits and vegetables and exercising more can promote bowel movement and help with bowel movements. As long as you do not have abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool and other uncomfortable symptoms, this level of increased bowel movement indicates that your gastrointestinal function is improving. "
Hearing this, Xiao Li was obviously relieved. But he was still a little puzzled: "Doctor, how many bowel movements are considered normal?" "
This question may seem simple, but the answer is not something that can be explained in one or two sentences. The normal range of bowel movements is actually quite wide, from 3 times a day to 1 time every 3 days. The key is that bowel movements should be smooth and effortless, and the stool should be formed but not too hard.
I once met a patient who had only one bowel movement a day, but each time it took a long time and was accompanied by abdominal pain. The other patient had 4-5 bowel movements a day, but each time it was smooth and without any discomfort. From a medical point of view, the latter is healthier.
The frequency of bowel movements is affected by a variety of factors, but age is an important factor. Babies may have bowel movements after each feeding, while older people may have fewer bowel movements due to slowed bowel movements. Eating habits are also key, as a high-fiber diet often increases the frequency of bowel movements, while a diet lacking fiber may lead to constipation.
The amount of exercise also affects bowel movements. People who exercise regularly tend to have more active bowel movements and smoother bowel movements. On the contrary, people who have been sedentary for a long time may experience constipation problems. Stress and emotional state can also affect bowel function, with some people having diarrhea when they're stressed, others being constipated.
I said to Xiao Li: "Instead of dwelling on the specific number of times, it is better to focus on the quality and feeling of bowel movements." If you have smooth and effortless bowel movements, no abdominal pain or other discomfort, then your gastrointestinal function is healthy. "
Xiao Li nodded thoughtfully: "Then what should I do if the frequency of bowel movements suddenly changes?" "
That's a good question. A sudden change in bowel habits is really a cause for concern, especially when it is accompanied by other symptoms. If you have persistent abdominal pain, blood in your stool, black stool, weight loss, etc., you should seek medical attention promptly.
I am reminded of a 60-year-old female patient. She usually has one bowel movement a day, but in recent months it has become 3-4 times a day, accompanied by abdominal pain and blood in the stool. After a detailed examination, we found out that she had colon cancer. Fortunately, due to early detection, she has recovered after treatment. This case shows us how important it is to pay attention to changes in your bowel habits.
Of course, not all changes in bowel habits mean a serious illness. Many times, it may simply be caused by a change in diet, increased stress in your life, or a temporary factor such as travel. However, if the changes persist for a long time or are accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.
"Doctor, how do I maintain healthy bowel habits?" Xiao Li asked.
I replied with a smile: "Actually, the method is very simple, it is to develop good habits. First of all, maintain a balanced diet and eat more high-fiber foods such as vegetables and fruits. Second, maintain adequate water intake and drink at least 1.5-2 liters of water per day. Also, stick to moderate exercise and get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. Finally, maintain a regular routine and don't stay up late too often. "
I also emphasized one point: "Don't always hold back and don't go to the toilet. When you feel the urge to defecate, you should have a bowel movement in time and do not tolerate it for a long time. At the same time, do not push too hard, which may cause problems such as hemorrhoids. "
Xiao Li carefully wrote down these suggestions, and the anxiety on his face had completely disappeared. "Thank you, doctor, I finally got it. It turned out that my previous worries were all unnecessary. "
Looking at Xiao Li's relaxed expression, I couldn't help but think that in fact, many people are like Xiao Li and are overly nervous about their physical condition. In this era of information explosion, we should indeed pay attention to our health, but at the same time, we must also learn to correctly interpret the signals sent by the body and not be misled by some false ideas.
When parting, I patted Xiao Li on the shoulder: "Remember, a healthy body will give us a lot of good signals, and learning to listen to them is more important than blindly worrying." Maintain good lifestyle habits and believe that your stomach will become healthier and healthier. "
Looking at the back of Xiao Li leaving, I couldn't help but sigh that as a doctor, in addition to treating diseases and saving people, it is equally important to popularize correct health knowledge. I hope that through such exchanges, more people can understand their bodies and have a healthy and happy life.