The shape of your poop and the frequency of your bowel movements can be indicators of your gut health. These details are used to diagnose problems like irritable bowel syndrome, poor diet and incontinence. They are also used as indicators to monitor health following intestinal surgery.
In normal cases, stools should have a soft consistency and have a long cylinder shape. Stool should be easy to pass, without any pain. Small variations can happen without any type of problem behind it. Small changes are usually due to the food that was consumed.
To help standardize the evaluation of stools, the Bristol Stool Chart was made. It describes the shape and consistency of stools and indicates what is normal or expected, and what is considered to be an abnormal finding.
Types of poop
In accordance with the Bristol stool chart, the most common types of poop include:
1. Small, hard lumps
Type 1 stools are usually small hard lumps that evacuate individually. They usually difficult to pass. In general, this type of stool is associated with a mild alteration in intestinal flora, which can happen following antibiotic use or with a low-fiber diet. Learn more about fiber-rich foods you should consume to ensure optimal intestinal health.
With decreased flora and fiber in the intestine, water retention becomes more difficult. This results in hard stool that is difficult to pass which can cause anal bleeding. You may also experience decreased gas since there lower rates of fermentation occurring in the intestines.
What to do: To treat this type of stool, you should increase your fiber intake by eating whole grains, fruits and veggies. Natural yogurt is also rich in beneficial bacteria that can contribute to gut health. The doctor may also prescribe probiotics in capsule or powder form.
2. Lumpy and sausage-like
Type 2 stool are usually compacted into one single mass, but with a lumpy appearance. This type is more painful, as it is hard and its size may be larger than the actual anal size. While evacuating, it is important not to strain too hard to prevent bleeding, fissures, hemorrhoids or diverticulosis.
The most common causes of this type of stool are hemorrhoids, anal fissures, delays in pooping or a history of chronic constipation. Having these symptoms for a prolonged period of time can lead to irritable bowel syndrome, and this happens due to continued pressure from large quantities of stool against the intestinal walls. This type of stool can be treated by using probiotics and medications that promote intestinal flow, in addition to a balanced diet.
Check out ways you can relieve constipation naturally.
What to do: To treat this type of stool, a gastroenterologist may prescribe laxatives to regulate your bowel movements as well as advise a balanced diet that is rich in fiber and water.
3. Sausage shape with cracks on the surface
This type is very similar to type 2, however the stool spends less time in the intestines. This allows the stool size to be smaller and the frequency of bowel movements to be more regular. There is usually some straining when evacuating however.
The causes and consequences of this type are similar to type 2, especially the presence of irritable bowel syndrome and the occurrence of hemorrhoids. Learn more about the difference between internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids.
What to do: In this case, it is important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet rich in fiber to increase the volume of stool and facilitate its elimination.
4. Smooth sausage or snake
Type 4 stools are usually long, smooth and soft, similar to a sausage or a snake. It is a normal finding for stool. Generally, it has a diameter of about 1 to 2 cm, and does not require any straining.
5. Soft blobs with clear-cut edges
Type 5 is characterized by separated pieces of stool that are soft with well-defined borders, making them easy to evacuate. People with this type of stool will usually have 2 or 3 bowel movements per day, usually after large meals.
6. Mushy consistency with ragged edges
This type of stool is mushy and has irregular edges. It is often very difficult to hold in, and is often messier to clean up (many people will often opt to shower after this type of bowel movement instead of wiping with toilet paper).
Type 6 can be associated with a slightly overactive colon, excess potassium in the diet or sudden dehydration. It can also happen with increased blood pressure from stress, frequent use of homemade spices, or excessive use of energy drinks or laxatives.
7. Diarrhea
Type 7 stool refers to diarrhea, which are completely liquid stools without any solid pieces. They are usually accompanied by signs of dehydration as well as abdominal pain.
It can be caused by many types of illnesses, like viruses, intestinal infections and lactose intolerance. It is often common in children or older adults that do not have adequate amounts of intestinal flora that help with digestion.
Generally speaking, stool types 3, 4 and 5 are considered to be normal, especially when bowel movements are regular.
What to do: In these cases, it is important to consult a doctor so to prevent dehydration. The doctor may prescribe probiotics and IV fluids in more serious cases. In the meantime, patients are advised to maintain a light and easy-to-digest diet. Read more about what to eat when you have diarrhea.