Bowel movements differ from person to person. People may poop a few times per week or several times per day. A sudden change in bowel movement frequency can occur due to stress, a alter in diet or exercise, or an underlying illness.

If bowel movements render to normal within a few days, this should non exist a cause for business. However, persistently pooping much more than than normal could signal an underlying medical condition that may require treatment.

This article outlines nine potential causes of needing to poop more than frequently. It likewise provides data on handling options and when to see a dr. for gastrointestinal discomfort.

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Dietary changes and booze consumption may affect a person's bowel movement.

Below are some potential causes of pooping more oftentimes than normal.

Dietary changes

A modify in nutrition tin can atomic number 82 to a change in bowel movements. For instance, consuming more fiber helps food move through the digestive system. As such, a person who adds more fruit, vegetables, and whole grains to their diet may find they need to poop more ofttimes.

Alcohol consumption

Alcohol can accept an immediate consequence on the amount a person poops. Drinks with a higher alcohol content may ho-hum down the digestive system, and low-alcohol beverages may speed it upward.

Drinks with a lower alcohol content include beer and wine. After consuming these drinks, people may observe they need to poop more ofttimes or more urgently. This effect should get away after the alcohol leaves their system.

Do

A 2017 review suggests low-intensity practise may decrease the time it takes for food to move through the gut. This could result in more regular bowel movements.

Some people study a need to poop during or immediately later on physical activity. Strenuous practice has a greater impact on the body and may crusade the following symptoms:

  • diarrhea
  • stomach pain
  • nausea

Stress

Stress can have a meaning bear upon on gut function and health. Information technology speeds up the motility of nutrient through the large intestine, while persistent stress could trigger a need to empty the bowels more frequently.

People may also report a greater need to use the bathroom if they experience acute stress or anxiety. This is due to the trunk'due south gut-brain centrality — the network that connects the cardinal nervous system with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract nerves. The gut-brain axis is responsible for the "butterflies" a person feels in their stomach when they are anxious.

Diarrhea

The definition of diarrhea is 3 or more loose, watery stools per 24-hour interval. Other symptoms may include:

  • an urgent need to employ the bathroom
  • loss of control of bowel movements
  • abdominal pain
  • nausea

Diarrhea tin occur as a effect of a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection. The exact cause may not exist obvious in some cases.

Virtually cases of diarrhea should get away inside 4 days. In the meantime, a person should residuum and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Menstruation

According to a 2014 study, people are more likely to experience abdominal hurting and diarrhea in the days leading upwards to a menses.

People who study emotional symptoms and fatigue before or during their flow were more probable to experience multiple GI symptoms. The researchers conclude this may be due to shared pathways between the brain, gut, and hormones.

These symptoms that people experience typically disappear once their period finishes.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic GI disorder that may crusade the following symptoms:

  • stomach cramps
  • bloating
  • diarrhea
  • constipation

The cause of IBS is unclear, though some possible reasons include:

  • hypersensitivity of the nerves within the gut
  • nutrient passing through the gut also speedily or too slowly
  • stress
  • genetic factors

Common nutrient triggers for IBS include:

  • caffeine
  • dairy
  • carbonated drinks

Food intolerances

Food intolerances occur when a person is unable to assimilate certain foods properly. Symptoms include:

  • diarrhea
  • intestinal pain or discomfort
  • nausea
  • vomiting

Some examples of nutrient intolerances include:

  • lactose intolerance, where a person is unable to break downwardly lactose in milk and dairy products
  • fructose intolerance, in which a person is unable to break down the fruit saccharide fructose
  • not-celiac gluten sensitivity, where a person has symptoms subsequently consuming gluten containing foods

Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation of the GI tract.

The symptoms vary from person to person, partially depending on the office of the GI tract affected. Some of the most mutual symptoms include:

  • an urgent need to empty the bowels
  • a feeling of incomplete bowel elimination
  • persistent diarrhea
  • constipation
  • rectal bleeding
  • abdominal cramps and pain

According to the Crohn'south and Colitis Foundation, there is no clear cause of Crohn'due south illness, though genetic and environmental factors are probable to play a role.

The treatment for more frequent pooping depends on the underlying cause. If a person has an underlying medical status, a doctor will demand to treat this to alleviate symptoms.

However, people may also do good from more than general treatments.

For example, the post-obit options could help someone with acute diarrhea:

  • over-the-counter (OTC) anti-diarrheal medications
  • sports drinks, or rehydration solutions to help prevent dehydration
  • avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and sweeteners
  • fugitive fat, spicy, or dairy foods

A person who suspects their diet causes them to poop more frequently may wish to proceed a food diary. This can help them recognize foods that may affect their bowel habits. One time a person identifies their trigger foods, they should avoid or limit those foods.

A demand to poop more oftentimes than usual is not necessarily a cause for concern. However, a person should see a doc if they experience whatsoever of the following symptoms:

  • abdominal pain
  • diarrhea that lasts more than than 2 days
  • pooping half dozen times or more in 24 hours
  • poop that is blackness or contains blood
  • nausea or airsickness
  • a fever of 102oF or college
  • symptoms of dehydration

These symptoms could indicate a serious underlying medical problem.

It is not e'er possible to stop the triggers of more than frequent bowel movements. Yet, the following tips may help reduce the risk of digestive problems.

Increasing fiber intake

A person who consumes plenty of fiber tin promote more regular bowel movements. People should eat more vegetables, whole grains, and pulses.

It is of import to increase dietary fiber intake gradually and drink plenty of water. This will help prevent constipation.

Reducing stress

People who feel stress-induced bowel issues may benefit from the following activities:

  • exercise
  • meditation
  • relaxation therapy
  • talking therapy

Practicing practiced hygiene

The following tips can reduce a person's risk of contracting bacteria and viruses that can crusade gastric upset and diarrhea:

  • washing hands thoroughly later bath visits
  • washing hands thoroughly earlier preparing and eating nutrient
  • cooking meats thoroughly
  • fugitive sharing personal items, such as:
    • eating utensils
    • toothbrushes
    • razors
    • towels

A change in diet, exercise, or stress levels can make people need to poop more often. This should not exist of concern if they are otherwise healthy. Typically, a person's bowel habits should return to normal within a few days.

However, people should see a md if the need to poop more often accompanies other symptoms, such every bit intestinal pain, diarrhea, or fever. These could indicate an underlying medical condition that requires handling.