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News Topical, Digital Desk : Everyone poops, but have you ever wondered what the time it takes to poop can reveal about your health? Yes, it's not just a normal daily habit, but also a vital indicator of your digestive system's efficiency.
What time is best?
Studies suggest that bowel movements should take between 2 and 10 minutes. If a person finishes in less than a minute or spends 15–20 minutes sitting on the toilet, it could be a sign of a digestive system imbalance.
Eliminating food too quickly could mean the body isn't absorbing nutrients properly from food. Sitting for long periods of time and straining excessively could indicate constipation or sluggish bowel movements.
Disadvantages of sitting for long periods of time
Many people sit on the toilet with their mobile phones, but doing so can be harmful. Sitting for long periods of time increases pressure on the veins in the anus, which can lead to hemorrhoids or pain. It's best to sit only when your body actually signals the need to defecate, and not make it a "rest time" or "scrolling zone."
The body clock and potty time
Our digestive system operates according to a natural biological clock. Typically, within 30 minutes of waking up or after a meal, the body signals the need to defecate, called the gastrocolic reflex. If this signal is repeatedly ignored, this reflex can weaken and bowel movements can become irregular.
Keep in mind, some people go once a day, some every other day – if the stool is normal, neither too hard nor too loose, and does not take too long to use the toilet, then this is a completely healthy situation.
What does the texture of the stool tell us?
The color, texture and timing of your stool are a reflection of your health.
If stool is hard, dry, or pellet-like and requires straining, it could mean you're low in fiber or water. However, smooth, soft, and easy-to-pass stool is a sign of a healthy digestive system.
Meanwhile, loose or frequent stools can sometimes be caused by infection, stress, or poor eating habits. Sudden changes in stool texture or bowel movements shouldn't be taken lightly. This could be a sign of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) , thyroid disease, or another digestive disorder.
When to contact a doctor?
If bowel movements consistently take more than 10 minutes, the stool is very hard, or blood is visible, consult a doctor immediately. Persistent constipation or a sudden change in bowel habits could indicate a serious digestive problem that should not be ignored.
Your body gives you signals every day; you just need to understand them. The time and method of defecating isn't just a habit, it's a "silent barometer" of your health. If you stay in tune with your body's rhythm, your digestion and health will be in order.
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