this post was submitted on 16 May 2026
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My elementary school teacher told us once that Americans only poop once a week. The climate is colder in North America, so their intestines pack the poop together very densely such that they only need to poop once a week. She said you'd be sent to the doctor if you poop daily in America.

Is this true?

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[โ€“] Krusty@quokk.au 9 points 1 day ago (4 children)

The average American diet is excessive in protein, very slightly above recommendations regarding total fat(most aren't getting enough DHA and EPA, though), refined carbs are also excessive, and fiber is typically lacking along with complex carbs.

Most people should be fine adjusting to a high fat diet if they allow enough time for their body to get used to producing the bile necessary for digestion (this takes many months, typically.) But most people don't enjoy such a diet and a good third will do very poorly from lack of bile/indigestion (some people just have genetically poor fat digestion. Sometimes linked to low bile that doesn't respond to diet.)

If people had chronic diarrhea like you suggest they would likely suffer from severe dehydration and that could eventually become life-threatening.

[โ€“] FosterMolasses@leminal.space 1 points 24 minutes ago* (last edited 24 minutes ago)

That actually explains a lot. I've paradoxically noticed that the more fat I incorporate into my diet (when coupled with protein), the more my metabolism speeds up. Like I can see a noticeable difference on my waistline the following week and be like "I don't get it... I gorged myself on butter and hummus last week lol"

Must have a lotta bile ๐Ÿงช

[โ€“] devaly@ani.social 9 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I have no clue what I am talking about, this is just shitposting

[โ€“] FosterMolasses@leminal.space 1 points 26 minutes ago

Literally lmao

[โ€“] ieGod@lemmy.zip 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I question the excessive claim. Examine does a great breakdown of recommendations based on multiple studies and regulatory bodies. Sedentary adults should be taking in 1.2g/kg (https://examine.com/guides/protein-intake/#k6Hq-how-much-protein-do-you-need-per-day).

Whereas this 2021 US study finds males are consuming ~96g and females ~69g per day (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK589212/).

This would place the average weight of individuals at 80kg for males and 57.5kg for females under optimal protein intakes (176lbs and 151lbs respectively).

But I'm not convinced the average american weighs so little. This seems to be backed by the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/body-measurements.htm).

So this would actually indicate they're taking in less protein than required, not an excess.

[โ€“] Krusty@quokk.au 1 points 23 hours ago

The WHO(and basically the global consensus) minimum suggestion is 0.8 g/kg(so 96g for a 120kg male, while the statistically average 90kg male eats 96g/day instead of only 72g). They further suggest 1.2-1.6 g/kg is the optimal range for recreationally active people. This is beyond biological "requirements." Also, 0.8 g/kg is still a conservative value that's probably greater than most under 40s actually need, however tracer studies have suggested 0.9-1.0 g/kg on average(which considers factors beyond MPS) and even more for elderly.

[โ€“] IronBird@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

is there a way to test what "type" of stomach/digestion you have, and how to fix whatever way yours is fucked up?

have heard a number of antetodes about as gut flora essentially controls every aspect of your overall health/energy day to day

[โ€“] Krusty@quokk.au 1 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

Elimination diet starting with low fodmap foods. Keep a food journal as well. Very effective when paired with an exercise routine as you'll get a good idea of what foods are bogging you down vs finding 'clean' foods.

Developing stamina and endurance with routine cardio is probably the best thing for day to day energy levels. I suggest trying for a solid hour of sustained cardio, whether that's walking, cycling, running, rowing, or gym equipment like a cross trainer... And remember all it takes is a week off to start losing stamina, so it really needs commitment and consistency.

Just in general digestive-wise, you may benefit from a postprandial walk. Sometimes called a fart walk. XD