Are Morning Poos a Common Occurrence? a Gut Expert Explains

You’re not imagining it—people are more likely to have bowel movements in the morning, typically after breakfast. Researchers have studied this phenomenon.

But why is this? And what if you typically have bowel movements later in the day? Can you train yourself to become a morning pooper?

To understand the timing of our bowel movements, we must consider several factors, including our body clock, gut muscles, and breakfast choices.

Here’s What the Science Reveals.

Are morning poos a common occurrence?
In a study from the UK in the early 1990s, nearly 2,000 men and women in Bristol were surveyed about their bowel habits.

The findings indicated that the most common time for a bowel movement was in the early morning, with the peak time being 7-8 am for men and about an hour later for women. Researchers suggested that men’s earlier times could be linked to waking up earlier for work.

A Chinese study conducted about ten years later observed a similar pattern: 77% of nearly 2,500 participants reported having bowel movements in the morning.

So, Why the Morning?

Several reasons explain this. The first is our circadian rhythm – our 24-hour internal clock that regulates bodily processes like digestion.

For healthy individuals, this internal clock causes the muscular contractions in our colon to follow a specific rhythm.

At night, activity is minimal. Deep, restful sleep reduces these muscle contractions, so bowel movements rarely occur during sleep.

Activity increases during the day. Colon contractions are most active in the morning after waking and after meals.

A particular type of colon contraction, known as “mass movements,” is partly controlled by our internal clock. These strong contractions push stool towards the rectum, preparing for a bowel movement, but don’t always result in one. In healthy people, these contractions happen a few times a day, more frequently in the morning and after meals.

Breakfast also triggers bowel movements. Eating and drinking cause the stomach to stretch, triggering the “gastrocolic reflex,” which stimulates the colon to contract forcefully and push stool out of the body. This reflex is strongest in the morning, making breakfast a powerful trigger for bowel movements.

Morning coffee further stimulates contractions in the sigmoid colon (the last part before the rectum) and the rectum itself, leading to a bowel movement.

How Vital Are Morning Bowel Movements?

Extensive international surveys indicate that most people have bowel movements between three times a day and three times a week.

This means many people don’t have regular habits, may poo at different frequencies, or don’t always have morning bowel movements.

If you’re healthy, your bowel habits should be comfortable and regular rather than occurring at a specific time.

Morning bowel movements aren’t ideal for everyone. Some people with irritable bowel syndrome feel an urgent need to poo in the morning, often multiple times, which can be distressing. This may be due to overstimulation of colon contractions in the morning.

Can You Train Yourself to Be Regular?

Yes, for example, using the gastrocolic reflex to treat constipation. Children and older adults with constipation can use the toilet right after eating breakfast to alleviate symptoms. Adults with constipation might find that drinking coffee regularly helps stimulate the gut, especially in the morning.

A disturbed circadian rhythm can lead to irregular bowel movements, making evening bowel movements more likely. Improving sleep habits can help establish a more regular bowel routine.

Regular physical activity and avoiding prolonged sitting are also crucial for stimulating bowel movements, especially in people with constipation.

Stress can contribute to irregular bowel habits. Lowering stress and relaxing can help regularize bowel movements.

A fiber-rich diet of fruits and vegetables can also help regularize bowel movements.

Adequate hydration is crucial to prevent constipation and ensure regular bowel movements.

Monitoring Your Bowel Habits

While many see morning bowel movements as regular, standard patterns can vary widely. The key is that your bowel movements are comfortable and regular for you.

If you experience a significant change in your bowel habits, consult your GP. It might be due to a dietary change or a new medication.

However, it could also indicate a significant change in your gut health, requiring further investigation, such as blood tests or imaging.

Read the original article on: The Conversation

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