The "normal" length of time between bowel movements varies greatly from person to person. Some individuals may go up to three times per day, while others may only experience a bowel movement every other day. And as long as stools maintain a formed shape, are easy to pass, don't cause bloating, and are passed regularly, we deem them otherwise "normal". However, if you're going longer than 3 days without a movement, the stools are very hard to pass, or they have a pellet-like appearance, you may be experiencing a problem with constipation. 

Irregularity in bowel function can be a result of dehydration, medications, intolerances to foods, a lack of fibre, a buildup of bad bacteria, or sluggishness in our 'migrating motor complex" (MMC), to name a few. Even more complex, constipation may be a result of changes to the neuroreceptors of the digestive tract - particularly your 5-HT4 receptors that line your alimentary tract. Changes to these receptors, most commonly due to medications, stress, and other endocrine disorders, can change the functionality of the gut. ​A naturopath's role is to rule out reasons why bowels have become infrequent and to ensure there are no more serious underlying pathologies causing your concerns.