Final answer:
If food does not stay in the colon long enough, insufficient water removal can lead to diarrhea, which is characterized by loose or watery stools. The frequency of bowel movements varies among individuals but is an important aspect of digestive health.
Step-by-step explanation:
If food does not remain in the colon long enough to remove excess water, a person may experience diarrhea. Diarrhea occurs when the waste matter moves too quickly through the intestines, which prevents sufficient water absorption. Without adequate time in the colon, the semi-solid waste does not form properly and the result is loose or watery stools. Common causes of diarrhea include infections from foodborne pathogens, such as bacteria that disrupt the normal water reabsorption process in the colon, various conditions that affect digestion, and stress.
The frequency and consistency of bowel movements can be indicative of one's digestive health. Typically, a healthy range for bowel movements varies from person to person, spanning from two or three times a day to three or four times a week. Proper water reabsorption is necessary for the formation of normal stools, and this process is critical for preventing common problems related to elimination, such as constipation and diarrhea.