What Does Your Poop Say About You?

EVERYBODY POOPS...

Just some more than others, but some not at all, which is not ideal. The Bristol stool scale is a medical diagnostic tool used to classify stool samples, and is normally used to diagnose IBS, but it can be useful in everyday practice.

Types 1 and 2 indicate constipation, as they tend to be very difficult to pass.

Types 3 and 4 tend to be the "gold standard" in fecal matter due to the fact that they are easier to pass with minimal liquid.

Type 5 tends to indicate lack of dietary fiber, namely insoluble, as this helps to add bulk to your digestive system and promotes gut motility.

Type 6 and 7 point to diarrhea, which can be due to a variety of factors.

Bowel movements can range from 1 to 3 times per day depending on the individual, typically based on food quantity/quality, along with other variables such as stress.

If you're somewhere near the Type 1/2 or Type 5-7, it could indicate some GI distress and malfunction.

Smooth daily bowel movements should be the goal, and if that isn't happening for you, it could indicate some gut issue that needs to be addressed ASAP.

It could be something as easy as improving fiber quality and managing stress better (especially around meal times), or could be something bigger such as candida, SIBO, IBS, IBD, or gastroparesis.

Tracking your food can also be beneficial as you can note any stomach upsets such as excess gas and bloating, or needing to use the bathroom ASAP after a meal. Learning which foods your body can and cannot handle is incredibly important.

Regardless, start to pay attention to your daily bathroom habits (or lack thereof), as it can tell you A LOT about your overall health!

And for the love, please wash your hands after. 🙃