Many people think that having regular, daily bowel movement is important for good health. This is actually a misleading notion. Just like other bodily functions, what is considered to be "normal bowel movement" may be different from person to person. Some people may have bowel movement one or several times per day, but other healthy adults may have regular movement every other day.
But how about those who have it two times per week? Well, this is a different story. Having a bowel movement of twice or less per week is usually described as constipation. This usually results when the stool has less water content due to normal absorption of fluid occurring in the large intestine.
Increasing fiber in the diet raises the likelihood of having regular bowel movement. To learn more about dietary fibers and their effects on bowel movement, visit our "All About Dietary Fibers" page.
Source:
Seeley, R. et al: ESSENTIALS OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. 5th ed. McGraw – Hill, 2005.
Page Last Revised: July 26, 2012
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But how about those who have it two times per week? Well, this is a different story. Having a bowel movement of twice or less per week is usually described as constipation. This usually results when the stool has less water content due to normal absorption of fluid occurring in the large intestine.
Increasing fiber in the diet raises the likelihood of having regular bowel movement. To learn more about dietary fibers and their effects on bowel movement, visit our "All About Dietary Fibers" page.
Source:
Seeley, R. et al: ESSENTIALS OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. 5th ed. McGraw – Hill, 2005.
Page Last Revised: July 26, 2012
[Top of Page]
