How Many Times a Day is Normal for Bowel Movements?

Dear Ask The Doctor: How many times a day should I be pooing? After researching online, the average amount seems to be once a day but it has now been 9 days since I went. The average for me is usually once every 5-7 days. I dont feel any discomfort, however this cant be healthy, can it?

Dear Siobhan: The majority of people move their bowels once per day, but in fact it is quite variable. What is normal for one person may be abnormal for another, and vice versa. The normal range varies from 3 times per day to 3 times per week. If you only move your bowels once every 5 -7 days, have always been like this, and feel no discomfort, this may be normal for you. However, in my opinion, this is a bit long, and you may be constipated. I would advise an increased dietary fibre intake, in the form of fruit, vegetables and high fibre cereal exercise, increased fluid/water intake and increased exercise. If this does not improve your bowel movements, you should visit your family doctor.