What does the color of your poop mean? Explore the stool color changes chart, learn about the meaning, texture, size, and identify unhealthy poop.

Understanding Poop: More Than Meets the Eye

Poop, or stool, is composed of digested food, proteins, bacteria, salts, and other substances produced and released by the intestines. While it may not be the most glamorous topic, understanding the characteristics of your poop can provide valuable insights into your overall health.

The Bristol Stool Chart: A Guide to Healthy Poop

The Bristol Stool Chart is a widely used tool that categorizes poop into seven different types, based on a 2,000-person study published in 1992. This chart provides a comprehensive overview of the normal range of poop characteristics, serving as a valuable reference for assessing your digestive health.

Type 1: Marbles

Appearance: Hard and separate little lumps that look like nuts and are difficult to pass.

Indicates: This type of poop is a sign of constipation and should not occur frequently.

Type 2: Caterpillar

Appearance: Log-shaped but lumpy.

Indicates: Another sign of constipation, which should not be a regular occurrence.

Type 3: Hot Dog

Appearance: Log-shaped with some cracks on the surface.

Indicates: This is considered the “gold standard” of poop, especially if it’s somewhat soft and easy to pass.

Type 4: Snake

Appearance: Smooth and snake-like.

Indicates: Doctors also consider this a normal, healthy poop that should happen every 1–3 days.

Type 5: Amoebas

Appearance: Small, soft, and easy to pass, with clear-cut edges.

Indicates: This type of poop suggests a lack of fiber, and you should find ways to add more fiber to your diet.

Type 6: Soft Serve

Appearance: Fluffy and mushy with ragged edges.

Indicates: This too-soft consistency could be a sign of mild diarrhea, so try drinking more water and electrolyte-infused beverages to help improve it.

Type 7: Jackson Pollock

Appearance: Completely watery, with no solid pieces.

Indicates: You’ve got the runs, or diarrhea. This means your stool moved through your bowels very quickly and didn’t form into a healthy poop.

Poop Color: A Spectrum of Possibilities

The color of your poop can also provide valuable information about your health. While varying shades of brown are considered normal, other colors may indicate underlying issues.

Black Poop

If you’ve recently consumed licorice, iron supplements, or bismuth medications (such as Pepto-Bismol), this could be the explanation for black stool. However, if you haven’t had any of these, black poop could be a sign of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Green Poop

A hint of green in your poop is considered healthy, as it’s typically caused by the breakdown of bile pigments in the intestines. However, if the green color is more pronounced, it could indicate that your food is moving too quickly through your digestive system.

Yellow Poop

Yellow poop can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as malabsorption of nutrients, gallbladder issues, or a parasitic infection. If you notice persistent yellow stools, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider.

Red Poop

Red poop can be alarming, but it’s not always a cause for concern. If you’ve recently eaten beets, red food coloring, or other red-colored foods, this could be the reason for the red hue. However, if the redness persists, it could indicate bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract, and you should consult your doctor.

Poop Size and Consistency: What’s Normal?

In addition to color, the size and consistency of your poop can also provide insights into your digestive health. Healthy poop should be log-shaped, a few inches in length, and have a firm yet soft consistency.

Poop Size

Poops shouldn’t come out in small pellets, as this could be a sign of constipation. Instead, they should be a couple of inches in length and easy to pass.

Poop Consistency

Anywhere between a firm and soft consistency is considered normal. If the poop is too hard or too soft, it could suggest digestive or fiber-related issues.

Poop Frequency

On average, a person with healthy digestion will poop anywhere between every other day to three times a day. Any less could indicate possible constipation, while more frequent bowel movements may be a sign of diarrhea.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While understanding the characteristics of your poop can be helpful, it’s important to remember that everyone is unique. If you notice persistent changes in your poop that concern you, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider. They can help determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment if necessary.

Conclusion

Poop may not be the most glamorous topic, but it can provide valuable insights into your overall health. By understanding the various characteristics of poop, such as color, size, consistency, and frequency, you can better monitor your digestive health and identify any potential issues. Remember, if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice from your healthcare provider.