A recent study analyzed the gut microbiome’s crucial role in human health, influencing everything from immune system development to how the body responds to diet and interacts with the central nervous system. The frequency of bowel movements (BMF), a key indicator of gut health, significantly impacts the composition of the gut microbiota and is influenced by a variety of factors including diet and physical activity. Abnormal BMFs, either too frequent or too sparse, have been linked to various chronic diseases, demonstrating the importance of maintaining a balanced gut microbiome.
High BMF, often manifesting as diarrhea, is associated with decreased gut microbiome diversity, increased inflammation, and heightened vulnerability to pathogens, which correlates with poorer overall health outcomes. Low BMF, indicative of constipation, not only increases gut microbiome diversity but is also linked with the accumulation of potentially harmful metabolites and an elevated risk of severe health conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases and chronic kidney disease. Ultimately, researchers emphasized the interconnectedness of gut health with broader systemic conditions.
Reference: Johnson-Martínez JP, Diener C, Levine AE, et al. Aberrant bowel movement frequencies coincide with increased microbe-derived blood metabolites associated with reduced organ function. Cell Rep Med. 2024;5(7):101646. doi: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101646.
