The truth about pooping will shock you

QUESTION: Hey, Dr.Zac, I have a bit of a weird one for you — why do some people poo like clockwork every day, while others might only go a couple of times a week? I thought not going at least once a day was a sign something was wrong.

And while we’re at it, someone once told me that if your farts don’t smell, it means you’re basically a health guru.Is that true, or are they just talking rubbish? – Clara, 36, New Farm, Brisbane.ANSWER: Great question, Clare — poo and farts.

Let’s face it, we all deal with them, but they’re not the topics you bring up at a dinner party.Still, your digestive system can reveal a lot about your overall health, and getting to know how it works could make all the difference in how you feel day-to-day.

Let’s take a deep dive into what’s normal and when it’s time to worry.How often should you be doing a poo?The first question everyone wonders about: how often should you poo? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.Medical guidelines suggest that anywhere between three times a week and three times a day is perfectly normal.

So, whether you’re in the “I’m going multiple times a day” camp or the “I haven’t been since last Tuesday” group, it doesn’t automatically mean something’s wrong — unless you’re experiencing discomfort or other digestive issues.What really matters is how your body feels.If you’re not experiencing pain or discomfort, then chances are your body is functioning just fine.

But if things are feeling off, it’s time to listen up.The trouble with too much pooingSome people seem to live in the bathroom, with multiple trips a day becoming their routine.If you’re going more than three times a day, it could signal an underlying issue, even if you feel okay otherwise.

It could be caused by dietary triggers like spicy foods, dairy, or too much caffeine.These foods irritate the digestive system and make things move a little faster than you’d like.Another possible c...