Oh, did that title sound disgusting to you? Well, it shouldn’t because trouble with your bowel movements can cause trouble for your mood, and that’s a fact. It’s one of the most basic functions of our body, essential for our health, yet we rarely talk about it because it sounds disgusting.

But your stool can tell a lot about your health, such as its colour, texture and even its frequency. So, take help from experts to understand your stool better.

Information about feces

Stool is made up mostly of water (about 75 percent), and the rest is a mixture of fiber, bacteria and cells that your body no longer needs.

Your stool can be a reflection of your overall health. Everything from its color and consistency to its frequency and odor can provide important clues about your digestive health.

Changes in your stool can be a sign of anything from minor dietary problems to more serious conditions, so it’s worth paying attention to what you’re excreting.

Color code

Dr Vikas Jindal, consultant, gastroenterology department, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, says healthy stool is usually:

• In brown: Causes of bile from the liver
• Smooth and Soft: resembling a sausage or snake
• Well-formed: not too hard not too soft
• Easy to pass: There should be no need to strain

However, if your stool Green This may be caused by food moving through your intestines too quickly or by a vegetable-rich diet.

Yellow may indicate malabsorption of fats, Black may be a sign of upper GI bleeding, and Red This problem may be due to beetroot or lower GI (gastrointestinal) bleeding.

Pebbly stools can be a sign of constipation, sticky stools can be a sign of loose stools, and loose stools can be a sign of diarrhea, which is often caused by infection or allergies.

What is the Bristol Stool Form Scale?

Did you know that there is a medical device to classify human feces? Dr Pawan Rawal, Head of Gastroenterology Unit-1, Artemis Hospital Gurugram, explains more about this device and its use.

“The Bristol Stool Form Scale is a medical tool used to classify human stool into seven categories based on shape and consistency. It helps assess bowel health and diagnose digestive disorders. The scale ranges from Type 1 (distinct hard lumps, which indicate constipation) to Type 7 (completely liquid, which indicates diarrhea). Types 3 and 4 are considered ideal, indicating well-formed and healthy stools. Types 2 and 5 may indicate mild constipation or mild diarrhea, respectively,” says Dr. Raval.

He further added, “This scale helps patients as well as healthcare providers to more accurately discuss bowel habits and identify potential gastrointestinal problems.”

The million dollar question: Is it important to go to the toilet every day?

This question has probably come to many people’s minds, but they may not know whom to ask, so the answer is: “No”.

“Although daily bowel movements are normal for many people, this is not the case for everyone. Normal bowel movement frequency can range from three times a day to three times a week,” says Dr Jindal.

“Consistency in your pattern is more important than frequency, so whether you go daily or every other day, regularity is what matters,” says Dr Sanjay Khanna, Senior Director and Head, Department of Gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi.

He also said that although the habit of defecating daily is not bad, it is a myth that defecating daily is necessary.

Warning signs

Dr Jindal says that although many stool-related problems can be resolved by making changes in diet and lifestyle, it is important to see a doctor if certain symptoms appear:

• Black or tarry stools: This may be a sign of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
• Bright red blood: This may indicate lower gastrointestinal bleeding, such as from hemorrhoids or colorectal cancer.
• Pale or clay-colored stools: This could be a sign of a liver or bile duct problem.
• Greasy, smelly stools: This may indicate malabsorption or pancreatic problems.
• Persistent changes in bowel habits: Medical attention is necessary if there is a persistent change in frequency, thickness, or color.
• “Other symptoms include severe pain, unintentional weight loss, or persistent discomfort,” suggests Dr. Khanna.

How to keep yourself (and your poop) healthy

You are what you eat, and there is no clearer indicator of your diet than your poop. So, if you want to make a change, start with what’s on your plate.

There are also a few other remedies suggested by Dr. Raval that may help in healthy bowel movements:

• drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and have regular bowel movements
• Engage in regular physical activity to stimulate intestinal activity
• Avoid excessive intake of processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats
• Probiotics, found in yogurt and fermented foods, may help maintain gut health
• adopt good toilet habits, such as not straining too much and allowing enough time for a bowel movement
• manage stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga, as stress can affect digestion
• Regular medical check-ups can help detect and address any digestive problems early

listen to your inner voice

Remember, it’s not just nonsense, it’s your body’s way of speaking and sometimes even a cry for help.