When someone is asked if they’re “regular,” the response is almost always a confident “yes.” But what does “regular” really mean? Talking about bowel movements is such a taboo topic that many people don’t even know what normal looks like—or feels like.
For example, you might think you’re regular because you go once a day, but what if your friend goes three times a day? Who’s actually “regular”? The truth is, there’s a wide spectrum of what’s considered normal, and your habits may not be as healthy as you think.
Let me share a story to put this into perspective. I once had a client who told me she was “regular.” Her idea of regular? She only went once a month, right around the time of her period. That was her “normal.” In reality, she was dealing with one of the worst cases of constipation I’d ever encountered.
So, let’s talk about what regular should actually look like.
The Gold Standard of Regular
In my experience, a healthy digestive system moves first thing in the morning and again 20-30 minutes after each large meal. If you’re eating three substantial meals a day, you should be going four times daily. That’s right—four times.
The idea that “once a day” is normal might work in rare cases, like when you’re fasting or eating just one small meal per day. But for the average person consuming three balanced meals, anything less than three to four bowel movements a day might mean your system isn’t functioning at its best.
Why It Matters
Your body eliminates waste to remove toxins, balance hormones, and maintain optimal health. If you’re not going regularly, that waste lingers in your system longer than it should, which can lead to discomfort, bloating, and even long-term health issues.
Breaking the Taboo
It’s time to stop whispering about poop and start talking about it openly. Understanding your body and its signals is key to improving your health.
So, let me ask you: Did you poop today?
If your answer is no—or if you’ve realized your “regular” might not be so regular—don’t ignore it. It’s worth exploring your diet, hydration, stress levels, and overall gut health. Sometimes, a little help, like colon hydrotherapy or dietary adjustments, can go a long way in getting things back on track.
Remember, being in tune with your body is the first step to living your healthiest life. Let’s make talking about poop as normal as it should be!