Scientists are starting to unravel the secrets to a golden pooping routine.
The team studied data from more than 1,400 people who had no major reported pre-existing health issues.
This protein fermentation then produces toxic compounds that seep into our bloodstream.
Toilet roll holder with toilet paper.Credit: fhm via Getty
Given enough time, the team theorizes, this build-up of toxins can be harmful to our long-term health.
Thats how were currently thinking about this, Gibbons said.
Volunteers considered high-normal poopers, who went once to twice a day, tended to have the lowest levels.
They also seemed to have fewer signs of inflammation and generally better liver health.
Even in people who otherwise felt healthy, Gibbons team found that poop timing appeared to be important.
People with regular diarrhea tended to have more inflammation and worse liver function.
The teams findings werepublishedTuesday in the journal Cell Reports Medicine.
But Gibbons cautions that it will still take more work to confirm whether this is the case.
For now, he hopes his teams work highlights the importance of being regular.
The study did also have some encouraging tidbits for those worried about their pooping.
And there are already other known ways to reduce our risk of constipation and diarrhea, Gibbons notes.
As for the team, theyre planning to continue studying how the gut microbiome affects our health.
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