Bristol Stool Chart:

“What Your Stool Says About Your Health”?

It might seem gross, but paying attention to your bowel movements is really important. Your bowel habits are a strong indicator of your digestive health. Changes in the color, shape, and texture of your stool can signal infections, digestive issues, or more serious health problems like cancer.

A well-known gastroenterologist says, “Healthy stool is typically considered a soft, formed bowel movement that is generally brown in color. If someone experiences changes in their bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea, or notices a change in stool color, the stool may indicate a health issue. If a person also has symptoms of not feeling well, such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, changes in appetite, or weight changes, there might be a problem.”

Bristol Stool Scale:

Fecal matter is 75% water and 25% solid matter, which includes dead bacteria, indigestible food, and inorganic substances. Typically, food takes about three days to pass through your system, resulting in a bowel movement. But when food passes through your system too quickly or too slowly, it can affect the size, color, and texture of your stool.

The Bristol Stool Scale classifies stool types into seven categories based on size and texture.

Signs of Constipation:

Types 1 and 2 are hard and lumpy and are painful to pass. These stools have been sitting in the large intestine and colon for a long time and indicate that a person may be constipated.

Doctors say, constipation can be caused by various factors, including medications, dietary changes, stress, or medical conditions.

Signs of Healthy Digestion:

Types 3 and 4 are considered the best shape of healthy stool. Healthy stool is typically sausage-shaped and like a snake. It is easy to pass and remains intact when flushed.

Signs of Diarrhea:

Types 5 through 7 are watery and mushy. These stools have spent minimal time in the large intestine and colon and may appear in the form of diarrhea.

Doctor say, “Diarrhea can also be caused by various factors, including medications, dietary changes or intolerances, stress, medical conditions, and infections.”

Stool Color and Your Health:

The color of your stool can also reflect your overall health.

Doctors say, “Healthy stool is typically brown in color. When stool is black or red, it is a cause for concern, as it can indicate bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. Gray-colored stools can also be troubling for liver issues.”

Yellow, greasy, foul-smelling stool indicates that the intestines are not digesting and absorbing fat properly. This can be due to a condition of the intestinal lining like celiac disease or chronic pancreatitis.

Tips to Maintain Healthy Bowels:

Maintaining good bowel health is crucial, as 70% of the body’s immune system resides within the digestive system. To keep your bowel movements regular and healthy, Doctors recommends the following tips:

• Eat a balanced, high-fiber diet. Fiber can help prevent or relieve constipation. Try fiber-rich foods like apples, carrots, beans, and whole grains.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise can reduce the time it takes for food to move through the large intestine, helping with constipation.
• Get a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy allows doctors to find polyps inside the colon and rectum, which can be an early sign of cancer. Ask your primary care provider about scheduling a screening if you:
• Are 45 years or older
• Have a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
• Have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• Stay hydrated, Water helps flush out toxins from the body. Aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.