After all, a good poop can be almost as satisfying as the meal that precedes it, and a bad poop (or series of poops) or a lack thereof can dull your joy in life.

If you feel backed up or haven’t had a good poop in a few days, you’re not alone. About 15% of U.S. adults struggle with chronic constipation. Far more people experience it occasionally.

1. You *have* to poop once a day. Let’s not sugarcoat it: Your bathroom habits can be a major indicator of your overall gut health. How often you poop is often a clue to what’s going on inside.

If you feel backed up or haven’t had a good poop in a few days, you’re not alone. About 15% of U.S. adults struggle with chronic constipation. Far more people experience it occasionally.