Bristol Stool Chart for Healthy Poop

Everybody passes stool (poop), but what is considered "healthy" can look different from person to person. Knowing what type of stool you have is an important way to understand your bowel health. You can do so using the Bristol Stool Chart, which sorts stools into seven categories based on appearance and texture.

The Bristol Stool Chart indicates that easy-to-pass stool is considered healthy. However, stool that is too hard or too soft can mean you have constipation or diarrhea, respectively. Here's what else you need to know.

How Is the Bristol Stool Chart Used?

Researchers use the Bristol Stool Chart to understand how quickly food travels through the digestive system and if different treatments work for bowel-related conditions. A healthcare provider uses the chart to understand your bowel movements better. 

The Bristol Stool Chart numbers stools from 1 to 7, from hardest to loosest. Types in the middle of the chart are considered normal stools. Types 1 and 2 are signs of constipation, while types 6 and 7 are signs of diarrhea.

If you notice a change in your stool, a provider may ask you to point to the number on the chart that best matches your stool. This can help them give you an accurate diagnosis for constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, or other underlying conditions. They may also ask you about the color or smell of your stool and take additional tests.  

Signs of a Healthy Bowel

Knowing what your stool looks, smells, and feels like can help you and a healthcare provider learn more about your dietary habits, nutrition, and underlying conditions. According to the Bristol Stool Chart, “normal” poop is stool that is easy to pass. Types 3 and 4 stools are considered to be ideal and healthy. Other characteristics to consider include:

• Appearance: Normal poop should be medium-brown, smooth, and not too soft or firm.
• Frequency: The frequency of bowel movement differs from person to person. Some people may pass stool multiple times a day. Others may only pass stool three times a week. Both of these are considered normal.
• Smell: Smelly poop is also normal. Stool naturally has an unpleasant odor, but the smell should be familiar. However, if your stool smells different than usual, you may want to check in with a healthcare provider.
  

What Can Affect Your Bowel Habits?

A few factors can affect your gut health and, in turn, your bowel habits. Those factors include:

• Body structure
• Diet (e.g., not eating enough fiber)
• Family and genetic history
• Stress

Bowel Function in Kids

Children may have bowel movements with different frequencies and of different amounts. It may be normal for a child to poop once per day or following every meal they have.

However, you want to pay attention to how soft a child's bowel movements are using the Pediatric Bristol Stool Form for Children. The scale numbers stools from types 1 to 5, with types 3 and 4 having the optimal appearance for a child's stool. Type 3 is smooth, soft, and sausage-shaped, while type 4 is slightly mushy and has ragged edges.

Signs of Unhealthy Bowel Function

Constipation and diarrhea are signs of bowel dysfunction and are both relatively common. In a 2018 study that included data from over 71,000 people, 20.2% reported having diarrhea, and 19.7% reported having constipation within a week.

Additionally, you may notice you have different colored stools. Though they may result from your diet, stool color changes can sometimes indicate an issue with your bowels.

Constipation

Types 1 and 2 are stools that are hard to pass. If your stools are like Types 1 and 2, you are likely to be experiencing constipation. Constipation can occur when food passes through your digestive tract too slowly.

Other factors that can cause constipation are a lack of fiber intake, water intake, and exercise. Certain medications, vitamins, and not going to the bathroom when you have to go can also lead to constipation.

Diarrhea

Types 5 and 6 are loose stools that are easier to pass but may mean that you have mild diarrhea. This typically occurs when you have more water and less fiber in your stools.

Type 7 is stool that is completely liquid with no hard pieces. This can be a sign that your digestive system is inflamed.

Factors that can result in diarrhea include bacteria from contaminated water or foods, viruses, or parasites. You might also experience diarrhea due to taking certain medications or food intolerances.

Stool Color Changes

A serious condition can sometimes cause a change in the color of your stool. In other situations, the color may change based on what you eat.

For example, having black stools may be caused by internal bleeding in the stomach. However, black licorice, Pepto-Bismol, and iron supplements can also turn stool black temporarily. 

Additionally, you might experience red, grey or white, and green stools due to health conditions or from something you've eaten. If you're unsure why you have a change in stool color, speak to a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.

How To Improve Bowel Health

A healthy bowel is an important aspect of your overall health. To maintain a healthy bowel or improve bowel function, you can:

• Consider using probiotics
• Eat high-fiber foods
• Enjoy smaller meals at a slow pace
• Find ways to manage stress
• Go to the restroom when you feel you need to go
• Make a routine to eat at the same time daily
• Use a squatting position if possible—by sitting on the toilet and putting your feet up on a footstool—when you need to have a bowel movement

When To Contact a Healthcare Provider

Usually, bowel issues like constipation and diarrhea should clear up within a few days. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you experience either condition for longer than three to five days. You should also seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Blood in your stool
• Fever
• Rectal bleeding
  
• Severe back or stomach pain
  
• Unexpected weight loss
• Vomiting

A Quick Review

The Bristol Stool Chart is a helpful tool you and a healthcare provider can use to understand your bowel health. The seven categories on the chart illustrate what types of stools are healthy and which stools can indicate problems like constipation or diarrhea.

If your stool starts to look different or you begin to experience symptoms of constipation or diarrhea, talk to a healthcare provider about these changes. They can help you figure out the cause of your symptoms, test your stool, and give you the right treatment options.