This is the best time of day to poop — for most people

Whether we realize it or not, most of us partake in a daily routine. We wake up, eat, shower, chat, work, relax, and yes, we also poop at a certain time every day. Speaking of pooping routines (great segue, huh?), we’re curious: Is there a perfect time to poop?

Dr. Kenneth Koch tells Women’s Health, “For most people, the best time and their regular time is in the morning.” Why? Well, at night, your digestive system processes the food you ate during the day. This means that when you wake up, this cuisine has already passed through your body and is ready to come out. Dr. Koch mentions that this is why many people find themselves in the bathroom after their alarm buzzes.

Even if you don’t poop in the morning, that’s totally okay. Dr. Stephen B. Hanauer adds that a wide range of pooping schedules exists. You may poop once every week or three times a day – and that’s cool, as long as it works for you.

However, regularity is an issue that can arise. If you wake up late one day and decide to skip your morning poop, that disrupts your bowel movements. And since our bodies tend to like routines, this can cause gassiness, irregularity, bloating, and even irritable bowel syndrome.

The takeaway: make the time to poop, no matter what time of day it is. “You can think of 100 reasons you don’t have time,” states Dr. Koch. “But have that breakfast, recognize that urge to have a bowel movement, and then take the time. That’s how you get into a regular movement.”

The types of food we’re eating also play a huge role in this, which is why you should consume foods that help you go to the bathroom (fiber, fruits, veggies, etc.). Plus, when you eat these foods, you’ll have a good idea of when you’ll need to go number two and you can make the time for a bathroom break.

With this new info in mind, all we have to say is: Keep Calm & Poop On, friends!