Deny it all you want, but everyone does, in fact, poop. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, in most cases, bowel movements are totally normal and a crucial part of digestion – your body’s way of removing waste. “They keep our digestive system functioning properly and help us stay healthy and comfortable,” says Sarah Robbins, MD, MSc, FRCPC. But what happens when you’re suddenly pooping a lot more than usual?
“Having bowel movements, also known as pooping, serves a crucial purpose in our bodies, because when we eat food, our digestive system breaks it into smaller particles so our bodies can absorb the food’s nutrients and energy,” Dr. Robbins says. “However, not everything in food can be fully digested or used by our bodies, and these undigested parts, along with other waste materials like dead cells and bacteria, need to be removed from our system so they don’t build up and cause harm,” she explains. If you start pooping more than usual, it could be the result of recent lifestyle changes such as stress or a new medication, but it may also point to a larger underlying health issue.
Curious why you’re pooping so much all of a sudden? To find out more, we asked experts about some common causes for more frequent bowel movements – plus the amount you should be pooping in the first place.
Experts Featured in This Article:
Sarah Robbins, MD, MSc, FRCPC, is a board-certified gastroenterologist, gut health expert, and the founder of Well Sunday.
Amy Lee, MD, is a triple board-certified internal medicine physician and chief medical officer at Lindora Clinic.
How Often Should You Be Pooping?
The short answer is: it depends. “It really comes down to the foundation of the individual’s gut health and the foods and liquids [they eat] on a daily basis,” says Amy Lee, MD. Some people have daily bowel movements, while others may only go a few times a week, she explains. Everyone is different, but as a general guideline, most adults poop anywhere from three times a week to three times a day, Dr. Robbins says. “Regularity and consistency are key indicators of a healthy digestive system, not necessarily the frequency of bowel movements, so if you are comfortable and your bowel movements do not cause any disruptions to your daily life, chances are your bowel habits are within the normal range for you,” she explains. If you notice a sudden change in the frequency of your bathroom habits, it may be a sign that something else is happening in your body.
Why Are You Pooping So Much?
If you’re suddenly pooping a lot more in one day, there’s a few common culprits to be aware of. As a note, it’s always best to speak with a doctor for the best personalized medical advice, especially if your symptoms persist or get worse over time.
- Gastroenteritis: “Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by viral or bacterial infections, and it can lead to diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and frequent bowel movements,” Dr. Robbins says. Hydration is crucial in managing gastroenteritis, so be sure to drink clear fluids like water and electrolyte solutions, she explains. You should also avoid spicy, fatty, and sugary foods to help reduce symptoms, she says. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s time to see a doctor.
- Dietary Changes: If you’re eating a lot of prebiotics (dietary fiber found in foods like whole-grain wheat, almonds, onions, etc.) or probiotics (found in foods such as yogurt, kimchi, and tempeh), you may notice a sudden increase in bowel movements, Dr. Lee says. This is due to a flux in gut-healthy bacteria and dietary fiber, which speeds up digestion and changes the bacterial colonies living in your gut, she says. Your bowel movements should regulate over time with any dietary changes, but it may be helpful to gradually introduce these foods to your diet and drink plenty of water to help the gut adjust, Dr. Robbins says.
- Stress: Emotional stress and anxiety can impact gut health and lead to increased bowel movements, Dr. Robbins says, explaining that stress activates the body’s fight-or-flight response, which can alter digestive motility. To help alleviate symptoms, Dr. Robbins suggests stress management techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and regular exercise. Additional support from a mental health professional may also be necessary.
- Food Poisoning: Consuming contaminated food or drinks can trigger diarrhea and increased bowel movements, Dr. Robbins says. “It’s essential to stay hydrated with clear fluids and consume bland, easily digestible foods, and if symptoms are severe, accompanied by fever, or last longer than a couple of days, consult a healthcare professional.”
- Medication: Certain medications like antibiotics, laxatives, and some supplements can cause diarrhea and increased bowel movements, Dr. Robbins says. This is because some medications draw water into the big bowels and colon, which results in frequent pooping, Dr. Lee adds. If you recently started a new medication and experience these side effects, consult the prescribing healthcare provider to discuss possible alternatives or strategies to manage symptoms.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): “IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits,” Dr. Robbins says. Some people with IBS may also experience increased bowel movements during flare-ups, she adds. Dietary modifications, stress management, and prescription medication can provide relief, so always talk with your doctor to help manage IBS symptoms, Dr. Robbins says.
Is It Normal to Poop 5 Times a Day?
As previously mentioned, there is no universally defined “normal” number of daily bowel movements. In some cases, pooping three or even five times a day can be normal. “Having five bowel movements per day may be above average for some individuals, but on its own, it’s not necessarily a cause for concern,” Dr. Robbins says. “What matters most is the overall picture of digestive health and whether there are accompanying symptoms or changes that raise red flags.” That said, if you’re pooping five times a day and there are accompanying symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, or signs of dehydration, this is not normal and you should see a doctor ASAP, Dr. Robbins says.
How to Stop Pooping So Much
First things first. You want to understand the cause of your sudden increase in pooping, Dr. Lee says. From there, you can determine the best course of action and the proper treatment, she explains. In some cases, you may want to seek medical attention from a healthcare professional. Otherwise, these are some simple remedies that may also help your bowels:
- Identify Trigger Foods: Keep a food diary to identify potential triggers and irritants in your diet, Dr. Robbins says. “Avoiding spicy, greasy, and high-fiber foods may help reduce bowel movements, and instead focus on easily digestible, bland foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, also known as the BRAT diet,” she explains. Then, gradually reintroduce other foods to identify specific triggers.
- Focus on Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is crucial, but avoid excessive consumption of caffeinated or carbonated beverages, which can exacerbate bowel movements, Dr. Robbins says.
- Stay Calm: High stress levels can impact your bowel habits, so do your best to minimize stress using relaxing practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing, Dr. Robbins says.
- OTC Medication: “Over the counter (OTC) anti-diarrheal medications containing loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate can help alleviate frequent bowel movements,” Dr. Robbins says. However, it’s best to use these meds sparingly and always consult with a healthcare professional if symptoms persist, she adds.
- Cut Back on Fiber: If you’re experiencing diarrhea, consider temporarily reducing your fiber intake, Dr. Lee says. Too much fiber too fast can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea, so be patient and start slow with fiber, she explains.
- Prescription Medication: If the underlying cause of your frequent bowel movements is related to a medical condition like IBS or other gastrointestinal disorders, prescription medication may be recommended by a healthcare professional, Dr. Robbins says.
- Adjust Your Eating Habits: Eating smaller, more frequent meals may help prevent overstimulation of the digestive system, Dr. Robbins says. Try to slow down during meals and incorporate snacks when needed.
- Stay Active: Regular exercise can help regulate bowel movements and promote overall gastrointestinal health, Dr. Robbins says.
When to See a Doctor
If you notice blood in your poop or have a fever, discomfort, or severe abdominal cramping, you should see a doctor immediately, Dr. Lee says. If you have diarrhea and start to feel unusually tired, dizzy, confused, or extremely thirsty, that’s another reason to see a doctor, because you may be severely dehydrated, she adds. You should also schedule a visit with your doctor if you notice a significant and unexplained change in your bowel habits for more than a few days, experience chronic constipation, undergo unintentional weight loss, or have a family history of digestive disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer, Dr. Robbins says.
“Gastrointestinal health is vital to overall well-being, and early detection and appropriate treatment of symptoms can lead to better outcomes, so if you’re uncertain or worried about any aspect of your bowel movements or digestive health, speak with your healthcare provider.”
– Additional reporting by Chandler Plante
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance writer and graduate from Emory University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in PS, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, and elsewhere.
Chandler Plante is an assistant editor for PS Health and Fitness. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group. In her free time, she enjoys finding new ways to rock her 18(!) different eye patches, and making videos about chronic illness, beauty, and disability.
