Category: 8. Health

When it comes to gut health, most people probably assume that pooping every day is the goal. However, experts agree that you can have a healthy gut and not poop every day. Since every body is a little different, not everyone goes No. 2 with the same frequency. 

“It’s not bad if you don’t poop everyday, because we all have a different version of normal. If we think of pooping like taking out the trash, then you want to be sure that you’re doing it regularly. So while you may not poop every day, it’s important that there is regularity,” says Amanda Sauceda, M.S., RDN. 

If you’ve ever been worried that you aren’t pooping every day, read on to find out why not pooping daily may not be such a bad thing and how to recognize when it may be a problem. 

Is It Bad If You Don’t Poop Every Day?

No, you don’t have to poop every day and your gut can still be in tip-top shape. “Bowel habits are variable within the general population. Suppose a person has between three bowel movements per week and three per day, with soft, formed stools and minimal defecatory symptoms. In that case, this is considered within the range of normal bowel patterns,” says Sandhya Shukla, M.D. Shukla goes on to add that there are no negative physiological consequences for otherwise healthy people if you aren’t going No. 2 daily.

So why is there so much variability when it comes to “normal” bowel habits? Several factors influence how frequently a person poops, including diet, hydration, stress, certain medications and activity levels. 

What Happens Inside Your Body?

The moment we take a bite of food or a sip of a beverage, our digestive system begins breaking down the food into essential nutrients. So while you may not go No. 2 every day, there is plenty happening in your gut behind the scenes. As waste is formed, it collects in the colon until your body signals that it’s time to head to the bathroom. 

However, if you aren’t pooping regularly, you may start to notice some uncomfortable symptoms. First, there’s gas and bloating. Jenna Volpe, RDN, LD, CLT, shares that when stool remains in the intestines, it can ferment, leading to increased gas or bloating. Research suggests that the composition of your gut microbiome may play a role; individuals prone to constipation often have different strains of bacteria present in their gut microbiome compared to healthy individuals. 

In addition to the potential for gas and bloating, you may experience dry and hard stools. “When you aren’t pooping regularly you will be more prone to dry, hard stools. This can mean that when you do poop you may notice that you’re struggling a bit, which puts more pressure on your pelvic floor and can lead to developing hemorrhoids and/or anal fissures,” says Sauceda.

So, if pooping is our body’s natural means of eliminating waste, does skipping a day or two allow it to become toxic? While this is a popular selling point for colon cleanses, there isn’t scientific evidence to back up the theory that your poop can poison your body if you aren’t pooping daily. Your microbiome, which is a key player in your immune system, is well-equipped to protect you. In fact, colon cleanses may sweep away the good gut bacteria you need to support healthy bowel habits.

When Skipping Poops Does Become a Problem

While “regular” can mean something slightly different for everyone, healthy bowel movements should meet these criteria: “A healthy, normal consistency (but not too hard), brown in color and about 6 to 12 inches long and 1 to 2 inches in diameter (resembling a sausage or a peeled banana),” says Volpe. 

On the other hand, skipping a poop becomes a problem if it has been longer than three days and you are starting to feel uncomfortable. The most common symptoms indicating that you’re not pooping often enough include bloating, excess gas and stools that are hard, dry or difficult to pass. Fortunately, you can address a sluggish digestive system with a few small changes to your diet or lifestyle. 

5 Tips to Get Things Moving

If you aren’t pooping regularly, here are a few tips from our experts that can help you get things moving again. 

• Hydrate: “We all know to eat more fiber, but don’t discount water. While fiber is critical to get things moving, we have to help it along by staying hydrated. If you aren’t drinking enough water, then you can make constipation worse,” says Sauceda.
• Manage Your Stress: “Stress can also slow things down in the gut, so addressing the stress can help get things moving. There is a strong connection between the mind and the gut, so if your mind is stressed, that can translate to a stressed gut,” says Sauceda.
• Focus on Fiber: “Incorporating fiber-rich foods (such as fresh fruit, veggies or functional foods like chia seeds and/or ground flaxseeds) into the diet can go a long way to help get things moving in most cases,” says Volpe. She adds that you’ll want to make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids when adding more fiber to your diet. 
• Move Your Body: “Movement and moderate exercise can also help to promote healthy gut motility and regular bowel movements,” says Volpe. “It doesn’t have to be anything too extreme or intense—even 20 minutes of walking each day (or most days) can make a big difference in gut motility!” 
• Supplement When Needed: If you have tried increasing your fiber and fluid intake as well as being more active, and you’re still feeling backed up, supplements may help. Shukla notes that magnesium or prune juice are good options for getting things moving again.

When to See a Health Care Provider

Since everyone’s “normal” bowel habits are different, research has found it’s more important to look out for changes in your normal pooping schedule. For example, not going to the bathroom regularly for two weeks or longer is a strong indicator that you should follow up with your doctor. “The red flag symptoms or warning signs that may indicate a more serious underlying condition in a patient presenting with constipation include rectal bleeding, blood mixed in the stool, unexplained weight loss, iron-deficiency anemia, a sudden or significant change in bowel habits, a change in stool caliber and a strong family history of colorectal cancer. The presence of any of these features should prompt further evaluation, typically with colonoscopy, to exclude colorectal malignancy or other serious pathology,” says Shukla.

Our Expert Take

It’s a common misconception that you need to poop every day for optimal gut health. Everyone goes to the bathroom on a different schedule; the key is to recognize what’s normal for you and take note if you’re experiencing discomfort. Symptoms like bloating or hard stools are indicators that you aren’t going to the bathroom frequently enough, and it may be time to adjust your diet or activity to promote regular bowel movements.

The discovery sheds light on how a small genetic variation may have helped Homo sapiens develop complex language abilities.

The research centers on the NOVA1 gene, which plays a crucial role in brain development and is present in many animals. However, a specific version of this gene, found only in humans, appears to regulate vocalization-related genes in unique ways. By introducing this human-specific NOVA1 gene into mice, scientists observed changes in the mice’s communication patterns – particularly in how infant mice called to their mothers.

“We thought, wow. We did not expect that. It was one of those really surprising moments in science,” said Professor Robert Darnell, lead researcher at Rockefeller University.

Mice with the humanized NOVA1 gene emitted higher-pitched squeaks and produced a different mix of vocal “letters” compared to ordinary mice. In their natural state, baby mice produce ultrasonic squeaks categorized by scientists into four basic types – S, D, U, and M. However, in the modified mice, some of these elements changed entirely, suggesting that the human gene directly impacted vocal behavior.

As the mice grew, the differences became even more evident, particularly in male mice during mating calls, which were more varied and pronounced. According to the researchers, these vocal changes indicate that the human NOVA1 gene may have helped shape early language development by influencing how sounds are formed and perceived.

Importantly, this specific variant of the NOVA1 gene is not found in Neanderthals or Denisovans – ancient human relatives. The researchers noted that the human version causes an amino acid change known as I197V, which may have provided Homo sapiens with a distinct evolutionary edge in communication.

“This genetic change might have been crucial in allowing Homo sapiens to develop sophisticated communication skills, distinguishing them from other species,” said Darnell. “It raises the possibility that advanced communication gave our ancestors an advantage in survival and adaptation.”

The study not only broadens scientific understanding of the genetic foundations of language but also opens potential avenues for medical research, particularly in neurological development and speech disorders.

Earlier, scientists from Shanghai Jiao Tong University successfully created mice using genetic material from two male parents. For the first time, these mice developed into healthy, fertile adults capable of producing offspring, marking a significant milestone in reproductive and genetic research.

Eating foods known to trigger inflammation during pregnancy could increase the risk of children developing type 1 diabetes later in life, according to a new Danish study.

Published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, the research indicates that a maternal diet high in inflammatory foods raises a child’s diabetes risk by approximately 16% for each incremental increase in inflammation-inducing foods consumed.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed, requiring lifelong insulin therapy.

The incidence of type 1 diabetes is rising by about 3-4% annually, particularly in developed countries.

This trend suggests environmental factors, including maternal diet during pregnancy, could play a significant role.

Researchers from Denmark analysed dietary data from nearly 68,000 women who took part in the Danish National Birth Cohort between January 1996 and October 2002. The mothers completed detailed dietary questionnaires during mid-pregnancy, around 25 weeks, providing information on 38 food groups comprising more than 360 items.

The scientists then calculated an empirical dietary inflammatory index (EDII) score, indicating how likely certain foods were to promote low-grade inflammation.

Foods commonly associated with inflammation include red and processed meats, sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates like white bread and pasta, deep-fried items, pastries, margarine, and products containing trans fats.

Among the children tracked over an average of 17 years, 281 were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes around 0.5% of the total group with an average age of 10 at diagnosis.

Higher maternal EDII scores indicating greater consumption of inflammatory foods were linked with younger maternal age, higher body mass index (BMI), lower socioeconomic status, shorter breastfeeding duration, and smoking during pregnancy.

Mothers with higher inflammatory diets tended to eat more red meats, margarine, pizza, savoury snacks, French fries, potatoes, and low-fat dairy products. In contrast, lower EDII scores correlated with higher intake of anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy vegetables, garlic, onions, tomatoes, whole grains, dark-meat fish, tea, coffee, and fruits.

For every single-unit increase in the EDII score – approximately moving from the bottom third to the top third of inflammatory food consumption – the risk of a child developing type 1 diabetes increased by about 16%.

Interestingly, researchers also noted that increased gluten consumption during pregnancy further amplified this risk. Every additional 10 grams of gluten intake was associated with a 36% increase in the child’s type 1 diabetes risk.

The researchers emphasised that pregnancy appears to be a crucial period where maternal lifestyle, including diet and smoking habits, can influence the child’s later health.

Lead researchers stated, “These findings suggest mid-pregnancy might be a particularly sensitive window where maternal diet and lifestyle significantly influence a child’s future risk of developing type 1 diabetes.”

While this observational study cannot definitively prove cause and effect, it highlights the potential importance of reducing inflammatory foods during pregnancy to promote long-term health for both mother and child.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent warning about tianeptine – a substance marketed as a dietary supplement but known on the street as “gas station heroin”.

Linked to overdoses and deaths, it is being sold in petrol stations, smoke shops and online retailers, despite never being approved for medical use in the US.

But what exactly is tianeptine, and why is it causing alarm?

Related: FDA Issues Eye Drops Warning After Deadly Outbreak of Bacterial Infections

Tianeptine was developed in France in the 1960s and approved for medical use in the late 1980s as a treatment for depression.

Structurally, it resembles tricyclic antidepressants – an older class of antidepressant – but pharmacologically it behaves very differently. Unlike conventional antidepressants, which typically increase serotonin levels, tianeptine appears to act on the brain’s glutamate system, which is involved in learning and memory.

It is used as a prescription drug in some European, Asian and Latin American countries under brand names like Stablon or Coaxil. But researchers later discovered something unusual, tianeptine also activates the brain’s mu-opioid receptors, the same receptors targeted by morphine and heroin – hence it’s nickname “gas station heroin”.

At prescribed doses, the effect is subtle, but in large amounts, tianeptine can trigger euphoria, sedation and eventually dependence. People chasing a high might take doses far beyond anything recommended in medical settings.

Despite never being approved by the FDA, the drug is sold in the US as a “wellness” product or nootropic – a substance supposedly used to enhance mood or mental clarity. It’s packaged as capsules, powders or liquids, often misleadingly labelled as dietary supplements.

This loophole has enabled companies to circumvent regulation. Products like Neptune’s Fix have been promoted as safe and legal alternatives to traditional medications, despite lacking any clinical oversight and often containing unlisted or dangerous ingredients.

Some samples have even been found to contain synthetic cannabinoids and other drugs. According to US poison control data, calls related to tianeptine exposure rose by over 500% between 2018 and 2023. In 2024 alone, the drug was involved in more than 300 poisoning cases. The FDA’s latest advisory included product recalls and import warnings.

Users have taken to the social media site Reddit, including a dedicated channel, and other forums to describe their experiences, both the highs and the grim withdrawals. Some report taking hundreds of pills a day. Others struggle to quit, describing cravings and relapses that mirror those seen with classic opioid addiction.

Since tianeptine doesn’t show up in standard toxicology screenings, health professionals may not recognise it. According to doctors in North America, it could be present in hospital patients without being detected, particularly in cases involving seizures or unusual heart symptoms.

People report experiencing withdrawal symptoms that resemble those of opioids, like fentanyl, including anxiety, tremors, insomnia, diarrhoea and muscle pain. Some have been hospitalised due to seizures, loss of consciousness and respiratory depression.

UK legality

In the UK, tianeptine is not licensed for medical use by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and it is not classified as a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. That puts it in a legal grey area, not formally approved, but not illegal to possess either.

It can be bought online from overseas vendors, and a quick search reveals dozens of sellers offering “research-grade” powder and capsules.

There is little evidence that tianeptine is circulating widely in the UK; to date, just one confirmed sample has been publicly recorded in a national drug testing database. It’s not mentioned in recent Home Office or Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs briefings, and it does not appear in official crime or hospital statistics.

But that may simply reflect the fact that no one is looking for it. Without testing protocols in place, it could be present, just unrecorded.

Because of its chemical structure and unusual effects, if tianeptine did show up in a UK emergency department, it could easily be mistaken for a tricyclic antidepressant overdose, or even dismissed as recreational drug use. This makes it harder to diagnose and treat appropriately.

It’s possible, particularly among people seeking alternatives to harder-to-access opioids, or those looking for a legal high. With its low visibility, online availability and potential for addiction, tianeptine ticks many of the same boxes that once made drugs like mephedrone or spice popular before they were banned.

The UK has seen waves of novel psychoactive substances emerge through similar routes, first appearing online or in head shops, then spreading quietly until authorities responded. If tianeptine follows the same path, by the time it appears on the radar, harm may already be underway.

Michelle Sahai, Computational Biochemist, Brunel University of London

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

New Delhi: A study has shown that neurons or nerve cells continue to form well into late adulthood in the brain’s hippocampus, which manages memory — a finding that presents compelling new evidence about the human brain’s adaptability.

Neurogenesis — a process whereby new neurons are created — is said to continue throughout one’s life, even as the rate is considered to slow down with age.

However, researchers from Karonlinska Institutet in Sweden said the extent and significance of neurogenesis is still debated with no clear evidence of cells that precede new neurons — or ‘neural progenitor cells’ — actually existing and dividing in adults.

“We have now been able to identify these cells of origin, which confirms that there is an ongoing formation of neurons in the hippocampus of the adult brain,” Jonas Frisen, professor of stem cell research, Karolinska Institutet, who led the research published in the journal Science.

The team used carbon dating methods to analyse DNA from brain tissue, which made it possible to determine when the cells were formed. Tissue samples of people aged 0 to 78 were obtained from international biobanks, they said.

The results showed that cells that precede the forming of new neurons in adults are similar to those mice, pigs and monkeys, with differences in genes which are active.

The researchers also found large differences between individuals — some adult humans had many neural progenitor cells, others hardly any at all.

Frisen added that the study is an “important piece of the puzzle in understanding how the human brain works and changes during life”, with implications for developing regenerative treatments in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.

A steady loss of neurons resulting in an impaired functioning and eventually cell death is said to drive neurodegenerative disorders, which affects the hippocampus, among other brain regions. Risks of the disorders are known to heighten with age.

For the study, the researchers used a method called ‘single-nucleus RNA sequencing’, which looks at activity of a gene in a cell’s nucleus.

This was combined with machine learning (a type of AI) to discern varied stages of how neurons develop, from stem cells to immature neurons, many of which were in the division phase, the team said.

“We analysed the human hippocampus from birth through adulthood by single-nucleus RNA sequencing. We identified all neural progenitor cell stages in early childhood,” they wrote.

“In adults, using antibodies against the proliferation marker Ki67 and machine learning algorithms, we found proliferating neural progenitor cells,” the authors wrote.

“The results support the idea that adult neurogenesis occurs in the human hippocampus and add valuable insights of scientific and medical interest,” the study said. PTI

With nearly half the world’s population at risk, dengue has evolved from a seasonal disease to a global health threat — and Pakistan is in no position to take this lightly. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates 100 to 400 million dengue infections every year, a staggering figure that underscores the urgency of preventive measures. Closer to home, Sindh recently reported its first dengue-related death of the year, a grim reminder that the virus continues to claim lives while our public health response lags dangerously behind. The crisis, particularly in Sindh, is rapidly escalating. So far, 295 cases have been reported in the province — with Karachi alone accounting for nearly 260. This spike follows recent rains, which once again exposed the deep dysfunction in local governance. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) admitted it could only drain rainwater from main roads, passing the buck to town municipal corporations for cleaning residential areas. This lack of coordination is a failure that costs lives.

While provinces like Punjab, historically hard-hit, have managed to keep a relatively low case count this season, Sindh stands out for all the wrong reasons. Prevention is the only real defence against dengue, given the absence of a vaccine. Yet in many parts of Sindh, mosquito spraying campaigns are either token or entirely missing. Standing water — a notorious breeding ground for dengue-carrying mosquitoes — remains untouched in many neighbourhoods, often hidden behind mountains of uncollected garbage. The result: an environment primed for disease. The 2022 floods should have been a wake-up call. Displaced communities in Sindh and Balochistan then suffered not just from displacement but from swarms of giant mosquitoes and the diseases they carried. But if there were lessons learned, they’ve long since been shelved. The WHO has laid out clear, actionable guidelines: wear protective clothing, use mosquito nets (especially during daytime sleep), install window screens, apply repellents and ensure proper waste disposal. These are simple measures, yet their successful implementation hinges on robust public education and a functioning civic infrastructure.

It is time our provincial governments treated this as a public health emergency. Awareness campaigns must reach every citizen. Municipal bodies should be empowered with not just mandates but also the budgets needed to clean and sanitise urban and rural areas alike. Trash piles must be cleared, and stagnant water must be drained without delay. The tools are available; what’s missing is political will and coordinated action. While the current numbers remain within a manageable range, complacency now could spiral into an uncontrollable crisis in the coming weeks. Every day of inaction widens the window for the virus to spread further. Pakistan cannot afford another preventable health disaster. All provinces must urgently come together, devise a unified national strategy and act. Dengue may be a mosquito-borne disease, but in Pakistan, it thrives on mismanagement.

Veteran mountaineer Petra Thaller does not easily accept defeat – especially from cancer.

In 2014, the German mother-of-two, then aged 53, was hiking the Carstensz Pyramid – also known as Puncak Jaya – which at 4,884 metres (16,024 feet) is Indonesia’s highest peak.

She found it odd that she felt so tired on the climb. At one point, while crossing a river, she hurt her breast, which immediately swelled up and felt tender and sore.

On her return to Germany, her doctor found five malignant tumours in her breast. Treatment was aggressive: lymph node removal, chemotherapy, a mastectomy and then radiotherapy.

Less than two years later, while still in treatment, two small nodules – diagnosed as “precancerous” – were found in her other breast.

Although no treatment was required at that stage, she felt as if she was back at square one, she says over Zoom from her home in Munich, Germany.