Your poop might not be the first thing you think about when it comes to health, but it’s a key indicator of how your digestive system is functioning. According to HealthPartners, your stool’s color, shape, and consistency can reveal important clues about your overall well-being. Learning what’s normal and recognizing signs of trouble can help you stay proactive about your health.
What Makes Poop Healthy?
- Shape and Consistency
- The gold standard of healthy poop is smooth, log-shaped, and easy to pass—Types 3 and 4 on the Bristol Stool Chart.
- Hard, pellet-like stools (Types 1 and 2) indicate constipation, often caused by dehydration or insufficient fiber.
- Loose, watery stools (Types 6 and 7) suggest diarrhea, which could stem from infections, food sensitivities, or digestive conditions like IBS.
- Color
- Brown: This is the ideal color, thanks to bile and the breakdown of bilirubin during digestion.
- Green: Often harmless and linked to leafy greens or rapid digestion, but persistent green stool might indicate dietary or gut issues.
- Black or Red: Could signal bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract and warrants medical attention.
- Pale or Clay-Colored: May indicate bile flow issues or liver problems.
- Yellow or Greasy: Often a sign of malabsorption or fat digestion problems, possibly linked to conditions like celiac disease or pancreatic issues.
- Frequency
- Normal bowel movements vary, ranging from three times a day to three times a week. What matters most is consistency in your personal routine.
When to Be Concerned
Health Partners says, persistent changes in your stool—such as unusual colors, frequent diarrhea, or constipation—shouldn’t be ignored. Accompanying symptoms like abdominal pain, weight loss, or visible blood in the stool may indicate a more serious issue that requires medical attention.
Faex Health: Simplifying Gut Health Monitoring
Paying close attention to your stool might feel awkward, but it’s one of the simplest ways to track your gut health. Faex Health makes it effortless. With a quick photo, Faex Health analyzes stool shape, color, and consistency, offering actionable insights into your digestive health. Whether you’re noticing changes or just want peace of mind, Faex Health is your gut health companion.
Your body is constantly sending signals—Faex Health helps you decode them. Stay informed, stay proactive, and let Faex Health be your guide to better digestive health.
