{
  "id": 2403667,
  "title": "Researchers Seem to Have Figured Out Why It’s Harder to Poop in Space",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/researchers-seem-to-have-figured-out-why-its-harder-to-poop-in-space",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-21T16:05:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CNET",
    "slug": "cnet",
    "url": "https://www.cnet.com/science/space/researchers-seem-to-have-figured-out-why-its-harder-to-poop-in-space/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Astronauts often experience constipation while in space, despite the apparent lack of gravity. A new study in Nature suggests that the zero-gravity environment causes food to move more slowly through the gut, leading to slower bowel movements. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and NASA studied 52 astronauts who had spent months aboard the International Space Station and found that this delay in gut activity causes gut microbes to ferment protein for energy instead of carbohydrates. This protein fermentation releases specific compounds into the bloodstream, confirming that a lack of gut-accessible carbs leads to slower bowel movements. To combat this issue, the researchers recommend a diet rich in slow-fermented carbohydrates, such as vegetables, lentils, and nuts, which would keep the gut microbiome active. The study's findings could also help with constipation problems on Earth, particularly in bedridden patients or those with chronic diseases. While constipation is a common issue for astronauts, its long-term consequences could be severe, potentially leading to heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. NASA is open to making dietary changes to mitigate these negative effects of spaceflight on crew health and performance.",
  "summary": "We were going to write a constipation joke here, but it wouldn’t come out.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}