> At a Glance
> – Bristol 3-4 sausage-like poop equals healthy
> – Brown or green color normal, black or bloody signals trouble
> – 3 times a day to 3 times a week healthy frequency
> – Why it matters: Track changes to catch issues early
Your bowel habits reveal hidden health clues. Three gastroenterologists decode poop shape, color, frequency, and red flags.
The Bristol Chart
Doctors rate poop 1-7. Types 3-4 signal balanced fiber and water. Types 1-2 hard pellets hint constipation. Types 5-7 mushy diarrhea.
- Color: Brown or green healthy, black or bloody urgent
- Smell: Sudden foul odor may flag pancreatitis or colitis
- Float: Excess gas, high-fat diet, or GI issue
Frequency Facts
Normal ranges every other day to four times daily. Weekly three times daily to three times weekly healthy. Track sudden shifts.
- Complete evacuation matters more than daily visits
- Straining longer than 5 minutes risks hemorrhoids
- Urgency four to five times daily too much
Red Flags
Pain, blood, black stool, chronic diarrhea, or loss control warrant medical review. Pale stool flags liver, pancreas, gallbladder.
Key Takeaways
- Bristol 3-4 healthy poop
- 25-30 g fiber, 2-3 L water daily
- 5 minutes max toilet time
- See doctor for pain, blood, or routine changes
Your poop tells your story. Listen.
