How many times you poop a day could tell you a lot about your brain's health

What your poo says about your brain's health
© Contributor / Getty Images
What your poo says about your brain's health
More under this ad

There may be a link between constipation and cognitive decline, according to new studies presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference.

What if cognitive decline was linked to gut health? Two studies were presented at an international conference on Alzheimer's disease. According to the scientists present, there is a correlation between poor digestion and cognitive decline.

Discover our latest podcast

Healthy brain and intestines

Eat well to think well. That's essentially what these two new studies seem to prove. There are indeed little-known links between the intestines and the brain, and studying this relationship could enable us to better combat cognitive decline. Dr. M. Snyder argues that all of our bodily functions are connected.

More under this ad
More under this ad
Our body systems are all interconnected. When one system malfunctions, it affects the others. When this malfunction is not corrected, it can lead to a cascade of consequences for the rest of the body.

By comparing the participants' bowel movements with their cognitive functions, the scientists made some surprising discoveries.

More under this ad
More under this ad

Read more:How often should you poop in a day?

Constipated people are more likely to have cognitive problems

According to the researchers, you should poop everyday to keep a healthy brain.

Frequency of bowel movements every three days or less is associated with a 73% higher risk of subjective cognitive decline.

In total, constipated people would have a cognitive age 3 years higher than people who defecate once a day.

But how can doctors explain this link? Further studies are needed, but it could be linked to the intestinal microbiota and, more specifically, to the lack of a 'good bacterium' that produces butyrate. According to Cleveland Clinic:

More under this ad
More under this ad
Butyrate plays an important role in the health of the digestive system by constituting the main source of energy for colon cells; it covers around 70% of their energy requirements. It may also have other health benefits, including supporting the immune system, reducing inflammation and preventing diseases such as cancer.

Read more:This is what the shape of your poop says about your health, according to an expert

This article has been translated from Gentside FR.

Sources used:

PR Newswire: CONSTIPATION ASSOCIATED WITH COGNITIVE AGING AND DECLINE

Cleveland Clinic: The Health Benefits and Side Effects of Butyrate

More under this ad