Did you know that the color, size, consistency, and smells of your poop can tell you things you need to know about your body’s health? The UK’s Bristol Royal Infirmary researchers came up with its Bristol Stool Chart to give people an idea of what each stool type meant about your body.
Type 1 – Tiny, Hard, Lumpy Stools
This stool type is usually indicative of acute dysbacteriosis – inflammation of the small intestine. When certain bacteria are not present in the intestine, there’s a lack of ability to retain the stool’s water. This poop tends to be small in nature (around one to two centimeters), often abrasive and solid. Since they can be difficult to pass, it can lead to anal bleeding. People on a low to free fiber diet or people taking antibiotics may suffer from this kind of poop.
Type 2 – Sausage-Molded Poops With Lumps
Type 2 is closely related to type 1 but have impacted to become a solid stool, measuring up to four centimeters long. They’re usually the result of constipation that’s been consistent for several weeks. This type is extremely painful to pass because of how solid they are and their size. Rectal bleeding is quite common with this type. It’s often seen in people who irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Type 3 – Sausage-Molded Poops With Broken Surface
This stool type is similar to type 2, but the body processes it quickly, usually no more than two weeks. It’s also a sign of IBS and constipation.
Type 4 – Soft, Smooth Sausage Molded Poops
Of all poop types, this is the one that’s nearest to perfect. It’s about two centimeters in diameter – an indication that the body is getting a good amount of fiber and it’s processed in shorter time. It’s usually seen in people who poop once a day.
Type 5 – Soft, Well-Designed Blobs of Poop
Another near perfect poop, with a diameter of up to 1.5 centimeters. It’s often seen in people who poop at least twice a day after big meals.
Type 6 – Raggedy, Torn, Fluffy Stools
This stool type has a soft texture, and when caught unawares, it can cause issues with no bathroom nearby. Toilet paper alone isn’t enough to clean this type of poop off with. It’s indicative of stress and high blood pressure.
Type 7 – Loose Poop or Diarrhea
This kind of poop mimics ordinary diarrhea but is known as paradoxical diarrheas as it occurs along with constipation (type 1 poop). It’s typically seen in the elderly and children.
Your poop isn’t the only thing that can tell about the health of your body. Check out this article that lays out how farting is good