Lifestyle

The Number of Times A Person Has To Poop A Day Based On Statistics

Wayne Loh

2019-09-17 , 10:00 am

Last Updated on 2021-11-17 , 11:23 am

In a society today, everything is about the image.

Everybody loves their face.

Everything has to be pretty and glam; things must always appear flawless on the outside.

That explains the popularity of social media platforms such as Instagram as they help to keep up the facade.

But at the end of the day, when we’re all comfortable at home, is when we let out true selves out.

Girls sit in “inappropriate” postures, boys can indulge in “girly” hobbies and habits, we burp loudly, pass a little gas, and finally, we always have to do that one shitty thing.

What shitty thing?

That shitty thing.

Everybody Poops

Lies, everyone knows that girls don’t poop.

Right?

Wait… they do?

Well, yes, everybody poops.

It’s a normal process of the human body.

In fact, it’s a useful indication of your gastrointestinal health that’s been made to be something “shameful”, perhaps due to its unpleasant stench and looks.

Well, it’s time for a little biology lecture.

So what’s poop made of? Why does it smell so bad?

Let Doctor Goody Feed teach you.

Firstly, as most people should remember from primary school science, poop is simply the waste product from your body after digesting all the HaiDiLao you ate.

It’s actually made of mostly water, though. Surprise, surprise. Around 75%, in fact.

If we exclude water, around 50% to 80% comprises dead bacteria from your intestines that helped to digest your food. This is also the part that smells so bad, due to the compounds produced.

As stated above, poop is a good indication of your diet and health.

So, how many times should you poop a day?

Doctor Goody Feed’s got the answer for you.

According to statistics, most people (around 50%) poop once a day.

28% goes about twice a day, while only 5.6% goes once or twice a week.

So, it sounds like you should be pooping once a day to be considered normal and healthy?

Nope.

Another study shows that 98% poops anywhere from 3 times a week or 3 times a day.

So honestly, you should be fine, even if you deviate slightly from these numbers. However, if you’re the cautious type, a trip to a doctor could never hurt.

Well, what are the factors that affect poop frequency?

Allow Doctor Goody Feed to enlighten you. Again.

Age is normally one of the most common factors. As people get older, their health will naturally deteriorate. Constipation becomes more frequent, especially if they’re taking medications.

Another big one – diet. Since poop is essentially passed out from what you eat, naturally what you eat will play a big part. Drinking more water and consuming more fibres will smoothen bowel movement, as your doctors and parents have surely taught you.

One factor you should hope you don’t have is an illness. Unfortunately, if you’re plagued with diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease or stomach flu, it can severely affect your bowel movements.

Lastly, here’s a surprise – gender.

While the poop itself and its frequency aren’t that different between men and women, it has been reported that females have a higher chance of constipation due to the biological structure of their abdomen and gastrointestinal tract.

On top of that, period cramps also cause bloating, which will increase your poop frequency.

Biology really isn’t fair to women, huh?

Proud Poop Pride

Here’s one last advice from Doctor Goody Feed.

Never feel ashamed to talk about bowel movements (as long as you’re not doing it at a dining table), especially to a doctor.

If you suspect something off about your poop, go consult a doctor immediately. You’d usually know your own body the best.

It could potentially save your life.

Poop doesn’t sound so shitty anymore, does it?

Featured Image: Sakarin Sawasdinaka / Shutterstock.com