The form of shit and the frequency of bath visits reflect gut health and are used to diagnose problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, poor diet or fecal incontinence, as well as being useful in accompanying recovery after bowel surgeries.
In normal situations, stool should have a soft consistency, but should be able to maintain their shape, which should be slightly elongated, similar to a sausage. Ideally, consistency and form should not cause pain or difficulty evacuating. However, small variations are relatively common and can occur without indicating a problem, as they may vary depending on the food consumed.
Better understand how stool shape reflects health
To help assess the shape and consistency of stool, Bristol’s stool consistency scale was created, which shows through images and descriptions 7 possible stool formats, indicating which are normal and what are the likely problems associated with each:
Type 1 stools are characterized by small hard balls separated into small coconuts and are generally difficult to leave. In general, this form is related to an acute change in intestinal flora, as soon as it is used with antibiotics or a fiber-free diet. Learn how to eat a high-fiber diet to regulate your gut.
In the absence of bacteria and fibers in the gut, there is no way to retain water, which makes stools hard and difficult to remove, and bleeding can occur in the anus. In this case, flatulence is not common, as there are no bacteria or fibers for fermentation in the gut and gas production.
To correct the problem, it is necessary to increase your fiber intake, using whole foods, fruits and vegetables, in addition to consuming 1 cup of natural yogurt a day, which is rich in bacteria good for the gut. In addition, your doctor may prescribe probiotics in the form of pills or powder. Learn more about what probiotics are and what they are for.
Type 2 is represented by compacted faeces in a single mass, but with a bulging or bulging appearance. This is the most painful type because it is rigid and its size may exceed the aperture of the anal canal. During evacuation, a lot of effort is required to remove stool and bleeding, cracks, hemorrhoids or diverticulosis are common. Learn about the main symptoms of diverticulosis and how to treat it.
The most common causes of this type of intestine are hemorrhoids, cracks, delayed retention or defecation, and a history of chronic constipation, and these cases can lead to irritable bowel syndrome due to continued pressure of large stools in the intestinal walls. . To treat you have to go to the doctor and do tests, but usually probiotics and intestinal transit-stimulating drugs are also used, in addition to a balanced diet.
This type is very similar to 2, but the time during which stools stop and accumulate in the intestine is shorter, reducing stool size and stool frequency more regularly, but still requires effort. Evacuate.
The causes and consequences are the same as for type 2, including the presence of irritable bowel syndrome and the development of hemorrhoids.
Type 4 stools are elongated, soft and flexible, similar to the shape of a sausage or snake. This is a normal format for those who defecate once a day. In general, they have a diameter of 1 to 2 cm and their evacuation is effortless.
Type 5 is characterized by stools separated into soft parts and with well-defined edges, easy to leave. This is typical of those who evacuate 2 to 3 times a day, which usually happens after hearty meals.
The type consists of a pasty, fluffy mass with irregular edges. In this case, it is often difficult to control the urge to evacuate, and this usually causes a lot of dirt when you use toilet paper as a first choice instead of showering in the bathroom.
Type 6 may be related to causes such as a slightly hyperactive colon, excess potassium in food, or sudden dehydration, or increased stress-related blood pressure. In addition, it may be related to frequent use of homemade spices, overconsumption of energy drinks or laxatives.
Type 7 is characterized by diarrhea, i.e. completely liquid stools without solid lumps, usually accompanied by dehydration and abdominal pain.
It can be caused by various types of diseases, such as viruses, intestinal infections and lactose intolerance, and is also very common in children who do not yet have a well-formed intestinal flora and in older people. Discover the top 6 causes of abdominal pain.
In general, stools of sizes 3, 4 and 5 are considered normal, especially when the intestine maintains a good frequency of bowel movements. See also what the color of your stool can indicate about your health.