A study led by researchers at the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) has found that your bowel movement frequency can influence all aspects of your overall health. The study found that the healthiest people among the 1,425 participants reported pooping once or twice a day, a 'Goldilocks zone' of bowel movement. The researchers compared their data to their demographic, genetic, and health data. Those with less frequent bowel movements tended to be women, younger, and with a lower body mass index (BMI). However, even accounting for these factors, people with constipation or diarrhea showed clear links to underlying health issues. The findings could inform strategies for managing bowel movements even in healthy populations to optimize health and wellness.