How Long Can You Go Without Pooping Before It’s Dangerous?
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How long can you go without pooping? Normal bowel movements happen every other day or up to three times a day. Anyone with a healthy digestive system poops regularly to eliminate toxins and waste from the body.
Every individual has a different schedule for when they poop; however, failing to poop at all can be a significant concern.
According to a report by the Medical University of South Carolina, our digestive system changes as we age. Usually, humans with healthy pooping habits have at least one bowel movement every day at the same time.
Let’s learn more about the health implications of constipation and when to seek help.
How Long Can You Go Without Pooping?
There isn’t a specific amount of time that one can go without pooping. This is because people are different and have varying states of gastrointestinal health, genetics, and diets. However, if you notice that it’s been almost a week since you pooped and are eating as usual, there’s most likely something wrong.
You’re probably at risk of a serious medical issue like hemorrhoids, bowel perforation, or fecal impaction. If you’re in a situation where you may feel uncomfortable to poop and stinking up the place, remember that the more you hold it in, the more dangerous it is to your butt and gut.
What Causes Constipation?
Constipation occurs when you experience fewer bowel movements than usual, making it difficult to pass stool. Most often, this happens when there are changes in routine, diet, or when you take an inadequate amount of fiber.
Below are some common constipation causes:
- Failing to exercise enough
- Taking large amounts of cheese or milk
- Dehydration
- Failing to poop when you have the urge to
- Inadequate intake of fiber-rich foods
- Medical conditions like intestinal obstruction
Reach out to your health care provider if you experience blood in your stool, severe pain, or constipation that lasts for more than three weeks. Other symptoms of constipation to look out for include the following:
- Nausea and bloating
- Pain in your stomach
- Stools that are too lumpy, hard, or dry
- Painful or difficult to pass stools
- Passing small amounts of stool at a time
- Feeling as though you’ve not completely emptied your bowel
What Are Some Prolonged Constipation Solutions?
If you think you’re experiencing abnormal bowel movements, there are a few things you can do to remedy the issue. Below are some proven ways to deal with constipation and improve your digestive health:
Eat a Diet Rich in Fiber
Fiber helps soften your stool, making it easier to pass through the colon. Some fiber-rich foods to include in your diet include oats, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends that adults consume an average of 22 to 34 grams of fiber daily, depending on their sex and age.
Drink Plenty of Water
Another way to keep constipation at bay is by always ensuring you are adequately hydrated. Water helps make your stool easier to pass and softer. Most people require at least six to eight glasses of water per day, depending on their level of activity and age.
Exercise Regularly
One of the significant causes of constipation is failing to exercise as frequently as recommended. The CDC recommends that adults engage in moderate-intensity physical activity for at least 30 minutes daily. If you’re not accustomed to lifting weights or other intense forms of exercise, even a simple daily brisk walk can help alleviate constipation.
Try Bowel Training
If you’re struggling to have healthy pooping habits, you can try training your body to pass stool at the same time every day. For instance, you can start by trying to have a bowel movement around 15 to 45 minutes after having your breakfast. Eating helps your colon pass stool more efficiently.
Take some time in the washroom and allow your body time to make a bowel movement. You can place your feet on a footstool and relax your muscles to feel more comfortable and encourage easy passing of stool.
Take Constipation Medicines
If your constipation is severe, your doctor may prescribe stool softeners or stimulants. At Kiwi, we have an online doctor who can diagnose your issue and prescribe the proper medication. Some of the drugs available for easing constipation include the following:
- Duclonax
- Flybogel
- Lactulose solution
- Laxido
- Movicol
- Senna
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If You Go Two Weeks Without Pooping?
Occasional short periods without pooping are not a significant cause for concern. However, severe constipation can cause various complications aside from being uncomfortable, stressful, and frustrating. Some of these complications include the following:
- Bowel or urinary incontinence as a result of weakened pelvic floor muscles
- Painful, swollen veins around the anus or lower rectum, known as hemorrhoids
- Severe damage to the pelvic floor
- Small tears or cracks in the anus are referred to as anal fissures
- Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum falls through the anus
- Dry or too hard poop that the colon is unable to push out of the body
- Pressure or feces leading to holes in the intestinal wall
Can You Eat a lot of Food and Fail to Poop?
As long as your diet doesn’t contain fiber-rich foods, you’re prone to constipation. Eating too much processed foods, sweets, eggs, dairy products, and high-fat meats can lead to difficulty passing stools. Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, throughout the day.
In some cases, you may find yourself passing a lot of gas but unable to defecate. It’s also a sign of constipation, and you should see a doctor if it becomes severe.
Can Constipation Make You Gain Weight?
Yes, constipation is related to bloating due to trapped gas and stool buildup, which can lead to temporary weight gain. Some lifestyle habits can also lead to weight gain from constipation. These habits include failing to exercise regularly, dehydration, and a poor diet.
Ease Constipation Symptoms With the Help of Kiwi
How long can you go without pooping? Staying without passing stool for almost a week can indicate an issue with your digestive health.
Kiwi is an online pharmacy offering a wide range of prescription and non-prescription medications. We have a team of licensed doctors who can consult with you on various topics, including constipation.
Contact us today to get constipation medication at competitive prices.
Work Cited
https://muschealth.org/medical-services/geriatrics-and-aging/healthy-aging/bowel-habits#:~:text=Normal%20bowel%20movements%20are%20highly,cover%20this%20as%20we%20age.)
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/treatment#:~:text=Change%20what%20you%20eat%20and,constipation%2C%20talk%20with%20your%20doctor.
https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/adults.html
https://www.kiwidrug.com/contact/
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