Bowel movement frequency, oxidative stress and disease prevention (Review)

The significance of diet for disease prevention has long been recognised. Dietary recommendations have therefore been integrated in health promotion messages. Gastrointestinal functioning is essential for the digestion of nutrients. Oxidative stress has been observed in patients with constipation, as well as in those with colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease and other chronic illnesses associated with constipation. The coexistence of colorectal neoplasia and coronary artery disease has been incriminated for exposure to common risk factors associated with increased oxidative stress. It was recently demonstrated that bowel movement frequency is inversely associated with cardiovascular mortality. The aim of the present study was to review the relevant literature in light of these findings. It was concluded that suboptimal functioning of the large bowel may contribute to oxidative stress and, therefore, to increased mortality. Bowel movement frequency may represent a simple quantifiable indicator of adequate colonic function and it is dependent on diet, exercise and other lifestyle factors, but also on individual characteristics, including colonic microbiota. Future health promotion actions may improve the prevention of a number of diseases by advocating lifestyle personalisation for assuring optimal intestinal functioning.