How Often You Go to the Bathroom Could Be a Key to Long-Term Health

A study has found that frequent and infrequent bowel movements can affect long-term health.

A research team from the U.S. Institute for Systems Biology analyzed the lifestyle habits and health conditions of 1,425 healthy adults, dividing participants based on how often they go. The groups ranged from those with constipation (1-2 times per week) to high-frequency folks (4 or more times a day, including loose stools). And what they found? Both extremes may be doing more harm than you think.

What’s Going on Inside?

Researchers analyzed blood and stool samples to fully understand participants’ gut health, focusing on gut microbiome composition, metabolite levels, and blood toxins. Here’s the scoop:

Low Frequency = Kidney Issues

• If you’re on the constipated side, you might have higher levels of indoxyl sulfate—a harmful microbe linked to kidney damage. The constipation group had indoxyl sulfate levels three times higher than the normal group.

High Frequency = Liver Strain

• On the flip side, those with frequent bowel movements had elevated levels of homocysteine and omega-6 fatty acids, both markers of intestinal inflammation and liver dysfunction. Translation? Going too often could be harsh on your liver.

Abnormal bowel movement frequency—either too low or too high—can increase the presence of bacteria that ferment toxic proteins, potentially leading to organ damage. On the other hand, individuals with regular bowel movement frequency maintain a healthy gut microbiome that effectively ferments fiber.

Dr. Shawn Gibson, the study’s lead researcher, warns that even healthy individuals with abnormal bowel habits could be putting their kidneys and liver at risk. His advice? It’s all about lifestyle. Improving your diet, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly are key to keeping your gut—and organs—happy.

The research team suggested increasing vegetable and fruit intake, staying hydrated, and engaging in routine exercise to support gut health.

However, some experts caution that while the study highlights a correlation between bowel movement frequency and organ health, it does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.