Buzz
While poop can be a touchy subject for some, it’s fair game here at Mytour: we've got plenty to say on the matter, from simple tips to help you poop to how to assess the shape and color of your stool. Today’s focus? How long it takes mammals to do their business, according to science.
A recent study published in the aptly named Soft Matter revealed that, on average, mammals—no matter their species or size—take about 12 seconds to finish their business. This includes humans, of course. The time it takes for various animals to finish—whether large or small—remains fairly consistent, with the fastest taking about five seconds and the slowest clocking in at 19 seconds.
Researchers came to these conclusions after reviewing 23 videos of different mammalian species going to the bathroom. 'You wouldn’t believe how many poop videos are out there,' one researcher, Patricia Yang from Georgia Institute of Technology, told New Scientist. Most of them come from tourists at zoos, she says, who film and upload these moments. One key reason behind this consistent duration is:
Yang also discovered that the amount of pressure animals exert to push out a bowel movement is fairly consistent and unrelated to the animal’s size. This means that whether you're a human or a mouse, the pressure applied to expel stool remains roughly the same.
The length of your bowel movement can be a helpful clue to your overall health. To clarify, the typical 12-second duration doesn’t factor in the time spent just sitting. But if you find yourself sitting for an extended period without any progress, it could point to constipation. A simple solution is to ensure you're drinking enough water. Alternatively, if you're experiencing rapid discharges, it might indicate other potential health concerns.
Extra credit if you happen to be reading this while you're on the toilet.
