8 Facts about defecation you should know & bull; hello healthy

Indeed, it does not seem important to talk about defecation (BAB). However, you should see that defecating is also an activity associated with a medical reaction. So, for something that we do everyday, it is important to discuss it. A gastroenterologist reveals interesting facts about defecation, as follows:

1. There is no “once a day” rule

"On average, a person goes to defecate one to two times a day," says Felice Schnoll-Sussman, M.D., director of the Jay Monahan Center, a digestive health center in New York, United States. "However, there are also those who do not defecate at all in a day, two or three days," he added. For him, as long as his stomach feels fine and you have no trouble passing stools, that means there are no problems.

Then, what happens if you usually have one bowel movement a day and then suddenly change to three or four times a day? Don't worry just yet. It could be due to changes in ingredients and your diet, and such changes could be a good thing, such as an increase in fiber in your body. In essence, if you have persistent stomach pain, you should consult a doctor.

ALSO READ: 9 Causes of Bloody Defecation

2. If it's scheduled, that's fine

If you defecate every day at the same time, and you feel you can manage that schedule, then your digestive system is in prime condition. If not, is there any need to worry? Don't be afraid just yet. “Basically, one eats heavy meals at night. So, there are hours for our bodies to digest, ”said Schnoll-Sussman. According to him, the sleeping position will cover your stomach if there is no pressure on the feces, but when standing, the dirt will press down. So, defecating in the morning is normal.

A common time you feel like you have to poop is when you get home from work. When you go through the routine and stress of your job, you are psychologically resting. "This happens just because you have a break for yourself, it has nothing to do with biology," says Lisa Ganjhu, an osteopathic expert, professor at Langone Medical Center.

3. Sudden heartburn doesn't always mean bad

Have you ever felt that when you have just finished eating, you immediately feel like having a bowel movement? If that happens to you, it doesn't mean your digestive system is "super-efficient". If this habit is still happening to you, it means that your digestive tract has not developed in size. "Defecating right after eating is like a baby's reflex," says Lisa Ganjhu. For some people, these reflexes will never change, and that's normal.

ALSO READ: Hold back defecation can be fatal

Even if it feels bad, you don't have to worry. You don't have to find a place to eat near the toilet. Schnoll-Sussman states that as long as you are able to hold back bowel movements, it is normal. However, if what happens is that you suddenly start eating and you can't help it, then when it comes out watery, floats, and smells strong, then you are in trouble.

4. Coffee stimulates bowel movements? True!

Ganjhu confirmed that it is true that coffee stimulates our bodies to defecate (makes heartburn). Caffeine stimulates your body, makes your intestines contract and then pushes stool into the rectum. "It's not unusual for people to drink coffee in the morning and then immediately defecate," said Ganjhu.

5. Menstruation makes you have more frequent bowel movements

These are the things you will feel during your period or menstruation: cramps, bloating, and of course going to the toilet more often. Lisa Ganjhu confirms this, it happens and is related to hormones. Scientists claim that in the period of menstruation, the woman's body releases prostaglandins and triggers the uterus to contract. Then, these contractions spread to the digestive organs so that heartburn comes.

6. Squatting is better

If you have had difficulty passing a stool during a bowel movement, Schnoll-Sussman may have found you in an inappropriate sitting position. Science has proven that a 90 degree body angle on a toilet seat is not the best. In fact, squats at a 45 degree angle are best. Indeed, in this era it is rather difficult to find a toilet with a squatting defecation position, but this is technically good for the rectum in the process of defecating.

ALSO READ: Why Squatting is Healthier?

7. When on vacation, defecate less frequently?

Surely you have been on vacation with family or friends, then you realize that you haven't had a bowel movement all day. A study states that 40 percent of people will experience constipation while on vacation, but this is denied by Schnoll-Sussman and Ganjhu. For them, it would be difficult to know the true numbers.

This is indeed a common problem, sitting for hours on a plane with the air pressure you feel will dry out your intestines. Vacationing also has the potential to dehydrate you, this scenario is complemented by nutritional foods that are often overlooked on holidays.

8. Enjoy the time on the toilet

You should not determine the duration of your being in the toilet when you have a bowel movement. Just enjoy the time, don't rush it. Ganjhu says that the intestines will always signal when it is empty and when the stool will come out. Don't tense yourself up and set a deadline for the stool to come out. Feelings like that will make things even more difficult. However, Schnoll-Sussman said that difficulty defecating is also caused by anatomical abnormalities, especially in the rectum.

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