how often for a number two?!

[rja211077]

How often is healthy to be 'moving one's bowels' (in English...goin' for a dump). I realise there may be no definitive answer and it is dependent on many factors but I appear to be less frequent these days (every 3-4 days) whereas i used to be about twice as frequent as that. i have not consciously changed my diet or anything else for that matter and i eat plenty inc lots of new potatoes for fibre but just wondering if i ought to increase my fibre intake. If so, what's the best way (don't say All Bran - it's awful!)

[whiskygalore]

Do you actually feel discomfort (i.e. you feel like you need to go, but you can't 'deliver the goods')? Does your stomach look / feel bloated? If the answer to these is no, then you've got nothing to worry about. However, if the answer is yes, & this lasts more than 5 days, then you may be suffering from constipation. To increase your fibre intake, try wholemeal bread, baked beans, cereal (not just All Bran - cornflakes have fibre too). Also up your Vitamin B & protein intake as these help ease the process. Also, ease off caffeinated products. Personally, I find a warm drink or toast with marmalade can be encouraging!

[rja211077]

thanks. no discomfort so no real problem, just thought it was a bit strange to suddenly change but the bit about caffeine was interesting as I only recently started drinking coffee. I only drink ~2 cups a day but perhaps that is what caused the change. not sure i'll give up though - don't think I'd make it through the day!