What does your Poo look like? Bristol Stool Chart
Did you know that your poo should have a certain consistency? The shape and consistency of your stool can tell us how long that stool is staying in the intestinal tract, how much or how little water you may be drinking, what your diet consists of and if you are consuming enough fiber.
Type 1 and 2 are mostly consistent with constipation. Constipation is often termed chronic idiopathic constipation, because often the true reason is unknown. This stool can mean several things: not enough water, low fiber intake, or slow transit time through the intestinal tract among several others.
Want to learn more about constipation? Read “Got Constipation? Or is it Poor Coordination?”
Type 3, 4, and 5 is considered normal and what we aim for patient to be passing.
Type 6 and 7 are considered diarrhea and can indicate fast transit time in the intestinal tract, low fiber intake, or other conditions.
As with all medical conditions, you should consult your physician if you have had a deviation in stool quality, severe and unexpected loss of weight, fever, and blood in the stool. Blood in the stool may look like bright red blood or make the stool very dark or black.
What does normal look like?
Frequency
3 x Daily to 3 times per week
Less than 3 x per week is normal if it is not a change from your normal frequency and does not cause discomfort or pain
Consistency and Color
Looking at the Bristol Stool Chart below, Type 3, 4, and 5 are considered normal
Brown stool
What does abnormal look like?
Bristol Stool Chart 1 or 2
Sensation of an obstruction or blockage
Passing stool should be an easy process without straining.
You should be able to pass all of the stool fully without the need for splinting the perineum or using a digit to help pass the stool (barring rectocele prolapse).
You should not have to excessively wipe or have soiling on your undergarments after your bowel movement.
Fewer than 3 bowel movements a week
The Fixes
Always consult your physician when having abnormal stool or difficulty passing stool. Also, consult your physician for any dietary changes or medication changes.
Increase dietary fiber intake, preferably the natural way of consuming fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Increase water intake. Typically, half an ounce to an ounce of water per pound is sufficient. This is really dependent on your climate, activity level, type of work, and several other factors.
Don’t ignore the urge. Often, people will be hesitant to poo in public, but this is bad practice as your body may not give you the urge again. Ignoring the urge or not setting aside enough time to have the bowel movement can increase your chance of constipation.
The Bristol Stool Chart indicates the transit time of stool through the intestinal tract and tell us what needs to be altered in our diet.
