The Bowel Movement Monitoring (BoMoMo) Study
The Bowel Movement Monitoring (BoMoMo) Study wants to understand the connection between what we eat and our bowel movements, often called 'poo'. Surprisingly, there hasn't been much research on how whole foods, as we normally eat them (like a carrot, not just a fibre extract), impact our gut. Researchers believe this information is key to understanding overall health. The main goal is to create a simple chart. Similar to how a urine colour chart tells you if you're drinking enough water, this new chart will help you see if you're eating enough of the right foods for good health, just by checking your poo. To do this, participants will track their food and measure their bowel movements for five days, providing valuable data for this research.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The Bowel Movement Monitoring (BoMoMo) Study is all about understanding the everyday link between the food we eat and our bowel movements. You might think this has been studied loads, but actually, scientists haven't spent much time looking at how whole foods, like a whole apple or a full meal, affect our 'poo'. Most past research has focused on specific parts of food, like a type of fibre taken out of carrots, rather than the food as we normally eat it.
Researchers believe it's really important to look at foods in their natural form. This information is key to properly understanding how what we eat impacts our overall health and wellbeing. By filling this gap in knowledge, we can get a much clearer picture of how our daily diet influences something as fundamental as our bowel health.
The main aim of this study is to create a simple, easy-to-use chart. Think of it like a colour chart you might use to check if you're drinking enough water. This new chart would allow people to look at their poo and quickly tell if they are eating enough of the right foods to keep them healthy. This could be a fantastic tool to help everyone make better food choices for their gut and overall health.
Key takeaways
- Aims to link everyday foods to bowel movements.
- Wants to create a 'poo chart' for diet health.
- Involves tracking food and bowel movements for 5 days.
- For healthy people aged 18-60.
- Requires an in-person visit to a university campus.
- No new medicines or treatments involved.
Who may be eligible?
The study is looking for healthy adults between 18 and 60 years old. You should have fairly regular bowel movements, typically going to the toilet between 3 and 21 times a week. You'll also need to be able to visit one of the university campuses in Leeds or Sheffield in person.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have any food allergies or intolerances, are currently on a weight-loss diet, or have certain bowel conditions like Crohn's disease or coeliac disease, you wouldn't be able to take part. Also, if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking certain medications that could affect your gut, like some antibiotics or strong pain killers, you wouldn't be suitable.
Other reasons include if you're currently experiencing tummy troubles like ongoing stomach pain, bloating, or active constipation, or if you've had major stomach surgery. If you've been diagnosed with an eating disorder, or regularly use laxatives, these would also prevent you from joining. The research team will go through all these details with you to make sure it's safe and suitable for you to take part.
- Are you between 18 and 60 years old?
- Do you generally consider yourself healthy with no major medical conditions?
- Do you usually have bowel movements 3 to 21 times a week?
- Are you able to visit a university campus in Leeds or Sheffield?
- Are you not pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant during the study?
- Do you avoid certain medications that could affect your gut (e.g., specific antibiotics, strong pain killers)?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you'll need to visit either the City Campus or Headingley Campus at Leeds Beckett University, or the City Campus at Sheffield Hallam University. During this visit, you'll learn more about the study and provide your agreement to take part.
The main part of the study involves you tracking your diet and bowel movements for five days. For these five days, you'll be asked to keep a detailed record of everything you eat and drink. You'll also need to collect, measure, and take a photograph of each of your bowel movements. There are no medications involved in this study, and no follow-up visits are typically needed after the five-day recording period. The total duration of your active participation will be these five days, plus the initial campus visit.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Beverley O'HaraLeeds, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What will I have to do each day?
For five days, you'll record everything you eat and drink, and for each bowel movement, you'll measure it roughly and take a photo.
Do I have to go to the university campus?
Yes, you'll need to attend one session in person at a Leeds Beckett or Sheffield Hallam University campus.
Is this study looking at specific diseases?
No, this study is focused on healthy people to understand the general link between diet and bowel movements, not specific diseases.
Will my information be kept private?
Researchers will take steps to protect your privacy and keep your personal information confidential.
How long will I be involved in the study?
Your active involvement will be for five days of tracking, plus an initial visit to one of the campuses.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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