Published on: 3/5/2025
Eating a healthy diet, staying well hydrated, and getting regular exercise can make bowel movements more frequent and easier.
Healthy lifestyle habits help our tummy work better. When you eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you get fiber. Fiber makes your stool softer so it moves through your gut easily, which can lead to more frequent bowel movements. Drinking plenty of water also helps soften the stool so it moves faster. Regular exercise, like walking or playing, helps your muscles move food through your system. Some studies have found that these healthy habits can help people avoid constipation and instead have regular bowel movements. In addition, some people notice that drinks like coffee can sometimes move the bowels faster, although this might not work for everyone. Other tasty foods with a bit of spice or even a bit of fat might also act on the gut in different ways. Drinking more coffee or eating fattier fats is not advised, but having a balanced diet, plenty of fluids, and an active lifestyle can help keep your digestive system running smoothly and lead to more regular and comfortable bowel movements.
(References)
Rollet M, Bohn T, Vahid F, On Behalf Of The Oriscav Working Group. Association between Dietary Factors and Constipation in Adults Living in Luxembourg and Taking Part in the ORISCAV-LUX 2 Survey. Nutrients. 2021 Dec 28;14(1):122. doi: 10.3390/nu14010122. PMID: 35010999; PMCID: PMC8746799.
Panigrahi MK, Kar SK, Singh SP, Ghoshal UC. Defecation frequency and stool form in a coastal eastern Indian population. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2013 Jul;19(3):374-80. doi: 10.5056/jnm.2013.19.3.374. Epub 2013 Jul 8. PMID: 23875105; PMCID: PMC3714416.
Ma W, Li Y, Heianza Y, Staller KD, Chan AT, Rimm EB, Rexrode KM, Qi L. Associations of Bowel Movement Frequency with Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality among US Women. Sci Rep. 2016 Sep 6;6:33005. doi: 10.1038/srep33005. PMID: 27596972; PMCID: PMC5011651.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes, and the provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical practice. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.