How long should it take to poop? How much time should a person take to poop? How does this reveal the secret of health?

Poop time: Everyone has to poop, but the time it takes to do so reveals a lot about your digestive system and health. Let's explain it in detail.

Ideal time to poop: Everyone has to go to the toilet, but the time it takes to do so reveals a lot about your digestive strength and health. It's not just a routine, but a matter of the body's rhythm, balance, and hidden signals. Gastroenterologists often consider the time it takes to poop as a small but important measure of digestive health. Let us tell you how many minutes more than a toilet can be a health hazard.

Not too early, not too late

Dr. Amit Miglani, director and head of the gastroenterology department at Asian Hospital, told TOI that the ideal bowel movement time should be a few minutes, not more than 10 minutes. If a person finishes in less than a minute, it could mean that the food isn't being fully digested. However, if they have to sit and strain for 15 to 20 minutes, it could be a sign of constipation, meaning the intestines are struggling to properly expel toxins from the body.

Sitting for long periods can increase the risk.

Sitting on the toilet for long periods of time puts pressure on the veins in the anus, which can cause discomfort or even hemorrhoids. Nowadays, people often wait while scrolling or reading on their phones, which is detrimental to both posture and behavior. The right approach is to sit only when your body signals and avoid wasting time.

Body clock and bowel movements

Our digestive system operates on a natural rhythm. Most people feel the urge to defecate within 30 minutes of waking up or after eating. This is called the gastrocolic reflex. If this signal is repeatedly ignored, the reflex can weaken, making bowel movements irregular and difficult. It's important to note that regularity doesn't refer to the number of times a day, but rather to how easily and comfortably it is. Some people go once a day, others every other day. Both are fine, provided the stool is soft, easy to pass, and doesn't take too long.

Habits that help you

• Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day so that the stool remains soft.
• Eat fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, oats and pulses.
• Make it a habit to defecate at a fixed time, especially after eating.
• While sitting on the toilet, use a stool to elevate your legs slightly. This straightens the intestines and allows easy passage of stool.
• Reduce stress, as there is a direct connection between the brain and the gut, which affects digestion.

When to consult a doctor?

If you regularly take more than 10 minutes to go to the toilet, or if you experience pain, bleeding, or excessive straining, it's important to consult a specialist.