The number of times you should poop varies from person to person, but generally, "normal" ranges from three times a day to once every three days.
According to Eva Alsheik, M.D., a gastroenterologist and director of the Center for Motility Disorders at Henry Ford Health, “Typically, we say that regular is anything from three bowel movements a day to one every three days.” (Source: [Provided Reference]).
However, frequency isn't the only thing to consider. Other factors include:
- Consistency: Is your stool hard, soft, or somewhere in between?
- Ease of Passage: Are you straining?
- Overall Comfort: Do you feel complete after a bowel movement?
A sudden change in your bowel habits (either frequency or consistency) that lasts for more than a few days should be discussed with your doctor.
