Take a Closer Look at Your Poop

Do you ever look back before you flush?

We certainly do at Intoleran.

Today, we’re going to explain why it’s worth doing and what signs you should pay attention to. So grab your magnifying glass, head to the bathroom and take a closer look at your poop with us!

Your stool is more important than you might think. It’s the end product of your digestion and can tell you a lot about your diet and how your body is functioning. Changes in shape, texture, colour and frequency can provide important clues, such as:

• Too little fibre
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Stress
• Changes in your diet
• A food intolerance
• Digestive issues

An unusual bowel movement from time to time is absolutely no reason to panic. Everyone has an off day now and then. However, if changes continue for a longer period, it may be worth taking a closer look at what your body is trying to tell you.

One way to assess your stool is by using the Bristol Stool Chart, a model commonly used by dietitians and doctors.

Bristol Stool Chart

It divides stool into seven different types:

Type 1: Separate hard lumps

Small, hard pellets that are difficult to pass.

This type is often associated with constipation and may indicate that stool is spending too much time in the large intestine.

Type 2: Sausage-shaped but lumpy

This is still a sign that stool is moving relatively slowly through the digestive tract.

It is also commonly associated with constipation.

Type 3: Like a sausage with cracks on the surface

This is generally considered a healthy bowel movement.

The stool has a clear shape but remains relatively soft.

Type 4: Smooth and soft

This type is often considered ideal.

The stool is well-formed, easy to pass and usually indicates healthy bowel function.

Type 5: Soft blobs with clear-cut edges

This can still fall within the normal range but may also indicate a slightly faster transit time through the intestines.

Type 6: Soft, mushy stool

The stool starts to lose its shape and may indicate mild diarrhoea or a faster bowel transit.

Type 7: Entirely liquid

This type is considered diarrhoea.

If it persists for a prolonged period or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

What Is Normal?

In general, Types 3 and 4 are considered the most ideal forms of stool. That doesn’t mean your stool has to look like this every single day. Variation is completely normal.

Factors such as diet, stress, sleep, exercise and hormones can all have a significant impact. A little variation is usually nothing to worry about.

Don’t Just Look at the Shape

Besides shape, it’s also important to pay attention to:

• How often you go to the toilet (frequency)
• The colour
• How easy it is to pass stool (do you have to strain a lot or not at all?)

It’s also worth considering how you feel after a bowel movement. Do you feel completely emptied, or does it seem like some stool is still left behind? These details can also tell you a lot about your digestion.

What If Your Stool Often Looks Different?

Do you frequently have Type 1 or Type 2 stool? It may help to take a closer look at your fluid and fibre intake.

Do you often have Type 6 or Type 7 stool? Then it may be useful to investigate whether certain foods, stress or other factors are triggering symptoms.

Keeping a food and symptom diary can be very helpful. You can then discuss your observations with your own dietitian or with the dietitians at Intoleran!

Conclusion: Take a Quick Look Back Every Now and Then!

Before you flush, a quick glance can provide a surprising amount of information.

Your stool doesn’t have to be perfect, but by taking a look every now and then, you can quickly gain insight into how your digestive system is doing. And suddenly, a simple trip to the toilet becomes a lot more interesting.