Dr Zac reveals the truth about common bathroom habits

An Australian doctor has let rip on a huge myth about your bathroom habits and the truth might shock you.

Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from news.com.au. This week, Dr Zac Turner explores the smelly truth about farts.

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.

An Australian doctor has revealed the truth about farts. Picture: iStock

The trouble with too much pooing

Some 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 cause is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which can lead to urgent, loose stools. IBS isn’t just a bit of an upset stomach – it can impact your daily life and routine. If you’re noticing consistent discomfort, you might be dealing with this common digestive disorder.

Sometimes, it’s not IBS at all but a gut infection causing the issues. If you’re experiencing fever, vomiting, or general misery along with loose stools, a stomach bug could be at fault.

Certain medications – especially antibiotics – can also mess with your gut’s delicate balance, causing more frequent bathroom breaks.

If you’re spending more time in the bathroom than anywhere else and it’s affecting your quality of life, don’t ignore it. Long-term diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, cramps, and nutrient malabsorption.

Time to quit the coffee? Picture: iStock

Struggling to go? Here’s what that means

On the flip side, some people struggle with the opposite issue – constipation. If you’re only going a couple of times a week or find yourself straining to go, it could be time to talk to a doctor. Constipation is usually marked by hard, dry stools. When stool moves too slowly through the colon, it becomes compact and hard, making it painful to pass.

If you’re straining to go, that’s another red flag. It’s not just uncomfortable – it can also lead to more serious issues. Bloating and abdominal discomfort are also common signs, as your system tries to move things along but gets stuck.

Chronic constipation can lead to more serious complications, including haemorrhoids, anal fissures, or even fecal impaction, so it’s worth addressing sooner rather than later.

The myth about farting:Do odourless farts mean you’re healthy?

Let’s unpack your question: if your farts don’t smell, does it mean you’re a health guru. As with most myths, it’s not quite that simple.

The truth is that the odour of your farts comes down to what you eat. Certain foods – like beans, cabbage, and dairy – are known for producing more gas and, let’s be honest, some pretty stinky bum burps! If your farts are odourless, it could just mean your digestive system is processing these foods without much bacterial fermentation. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re healthier than the next person. It just means your gut is doing a good job of keeping things neutral.

However, if you’re experiencing excessive gas, bloating, or discomfort, it could signal an underlying gut issue like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) or IBS. In that case, it’s worth checking in with a doctor.

Haemorrhoids (piles). Picture: iStock

Tips for a happy gut (and more tolerable farts)

Now that we’ve covered the basics, here’s how to keep your digestive system – and your farts – happy:

• Eating plenty of fibre, staying hydrated, and getting regular physical activity can all help keep your system running smoothly. Fibre, found in foods like oats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, adds bulk to stool and helps things move through your system. Just be sure to increase your fibre intake gradually to avoid bloating.

• Drinking enough water is crucial, too. Without enough hydration, your stool can become hard and difficult to pass. Aim for at least 8 cups of water a day, especially if you’re eating more fibre.

• Physical activity is also important. Regular exercise helps stimulate digestion, so even a walk after meals can make a big difference.

• If bloating or digestive discomfort is a problem, probiotics might be worth a try. These beneficial bacteria help balance your gut and improve digestion. Look for strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus for diarrhoea or Bifidobacterium for constipation.

• And finally, don’t hold it in. When you feel the urge to go, don’t ignore it! Putting off bowel movements can lead to harder stools and make things even more uncomfortable later on.

So, Clara, if you’re not experiencing pain, bloating, or discomfort, your digestive system is probably working just fine. But if something feels off – whether it’s blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, or consistent pain – it’s time to see a doctor.

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Dr Zac Turner is a medical practitioner specialising in preventative health and wellness. He has four health/medical degrees – Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Sydney, Bachelor of Nursing at Central Queensland University, and Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He is a registrar for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, and is completing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (UNSW). Dr Zac is the medical director for his own holistic wellness medical clinics throughout Australia, Concierge Doctors.