Khaberni - The number of bowel movements reveals important indicators related to gut health and the balance of bacteria within, something scientists have begun to understand more deeply in recent years.
One study indicates that the frequency of bowel movements is not only linked to digestion but may also directly affect the microbiome residing in the colon. The gut microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms — including bacteria and others — that help digest food, extract nutrients, and simultaneously produce compounds that may affect body health.
A team of researchers, led by food scientist Hakdong Shin from Sejong University in South Korea, analyzed the gut microbiome of 20 individuals, who were divided into three groups based on their bowel movement frequency: those who defecate a few times per week, those with a moderate frequency, and others who defecate daily.
By analyzing stool samples using advanced techniques, the team noticed clear differences in the microbiome composition among these groups. It was evident that people who defecate less frequently have a greater diversity of bacteria types in their intestines compared to those who defecate daily.
There were also differences in the types of bacteria; bacteria such as "Ruminococcus" were more common in those with less frequent defecation, while "Bacteroides" prevailed among those who defecate daily. Previous studies on animals have indicated that the latter type may be associated with reduced weight gain, due to its role in breaking down compounds linked to obesity.
The results clarify that the length of time feces stay in the colon plays a significant role; the longer this duration, the greater the opportunity for bacteria to ferment the nutritional content, producing compounds that may affect the gut environment and body health. This creates what resembles a "feedback loop" between defecation and the microbiome.
This effect is also linked to diet; foods rich in protein take longer to digest, which prompts the body to encourage the growth of certain types of bacteria specialized in breaking it down. Over time, these bacteria might change the gut environment through their metabolic products.
Despite these results, researchers emphasize that the relationship is complex, as the frequency of bowel movements is affected by multiple factors such as diet, water intake, physical activity, and sleep.
This study supports the results of other research, including a study of more than 1400 people, which showed that regular defecation once to twice daily is associated with better health compared to irregular patterns.
Evidence also suggests that slow bowel movement and constipation may be linked to health issues such as metabolic disorders and inflammation, and even neurological diseases like Parkinson's disease. Additionally, some compounds resulting from protein digestion — such as indole and para-cresol — might contribute to an increased risk of kidney and heart diseases.
Although these results appear promising, researchers indicate that the study has a limited number of participants, and that the gut microbiome is characterized by its constant change, which calls for broader and more accurate studies to understand this relationship better.
