If you're having bowel movements more often than usual, chances are you've made some change in your lifestyle. You may, for example, be:
- Eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which increases fiber intake
- Getting regular exercise or increasing your exercise
- Drinking more water
More-frequent bowel movements could also be related to a mild, self-limiting illness that will take care of itself. If there are no other signs or symptoms, you're probably in good health.
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
- Wilkinson JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 9, 2014.
- Sanjoaquin MA, et al. Nutrition and lifestyle in relation to bowel movement frequency: A cross-sectional study of 20,630 men and women in EPIC-Oxford. Public Health Nutrition. 2004;7:77.
- Evaluation of the GI patient. The Merck Manual Professional Edition. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal_disorders/approach_to_the_gi_patient/evaluation_of_the_gi_patient.html?qt=frequent bowel movement&alt=sh. Accessed Aug. 24, 2014.
- Understanding celiac disease. American Gastroenterological Association. http://www.gastro.org/patient-center/digestive-conditions/celiac-disease. Accessed Sept. 9, 2014.
- Inflammatory bowel disease. American Gastroenterological Association. http://www.gastro.org/patient-center/digestive-conditions/inflammatory-bowel-disease. Accessed Sept. 9, 2014.
- What is hyperthyroidism? American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. http://empoweryourhealth.org/endocrine-conditions/thyroid/about_hyperthyroidism. Accessed Sept. 9, 2014.
- IBS: A patient's guide to living with irritable bowel syndrome. American Gastroenterological Association. http://www.gastro.org/patient-center/digestive-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome. Accessed Sept. 9, 2014.
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