How regular should our bowels be?!

[1977Nicky]

...That's about as delicate as I can put it! Despite drinking 2 litres of water a day and eating 3 healthy balanced meals blah blah I still only empty my bowels about once a week - I am sure this isn't normal. My husband visits the facilities at least once a day and for a while I thought he was the abnormal one?! Now I have been led to believe that I actually have a problem, can anyone advise?

[4getmenot]

well if you do so do I. will be interested to know more

[chazza]

According to my book on Bowel health it should be once or twice a day! I would visit the dr if i were you , just to set your mind at rest if nothing else

[1977Nicky]

Hmmm, that's what I thought, it was only after I saw that Gillian 'You are what you eat' woman saying that she sorted one womans diet out after she said that she only went once a week and was horrified that the 'poor' woman was so constipated?! But my diet is fine - maybe I will mention it on my next visit to the docs - thanks!

[sqad617]

If your bowel habits have been the same for years and you feel quite well in yourself, then do not worry. On the other hand, if this once a week episode has suddenly arisen, then you need to consult your Dr. particularly if there is associated abdominal pain. There is NO normal figure for the number of times that one should empty one's bowels.