How are your stools? Did you know that they can make you learn a lot about your health? Their color, shape, texture and even smell can tell a lot about your health. This detailed article will not leave you indifferent on this subject.
In general, the composition of the stool depends on the diet. Poos are organic residues of our entire diet. They are composed of water, non-digestible fibers, dead digestive cells, organic matter and bacteria.
Are your Poos normal?
According to a study and research developed at the University of Bristol, human stools have been classified into seven types on a scale of 1 to 7. This scale, known as the Bristol scale, now allows physicians to evaluate General health and digestive health of a person.
Before presenting the seven types of poos, here is an interpretation of the results of the study:
Stools type 1 and 2: These are the stools that have spent the most time in the colon. They indicate constipation.
Stools type 3 and 4: These are the ideal stools, they are the easiest to evacuate.
Stools type 5, 6 and 7: They are a little liquid and tend more and more towards diarrhea.
Here are the seven types of stools according to the Bristol scale:
1 - Small hard and detached droppings: They look like hazelnuts and are painful and difficult to evacuate (diameter between 1 and 2 centimeters). They can be found in people who do not consume too much fiber. If you notice this texture, we advise you to drink plenty of water and eat more fruits and vegetables.
2 - Saddles in the form of hard and lumpy sausages: Their diameter is 3 to 4 centimeters. These stools stay in the colon for several days instead of the usual 72 hours. People who produce these stools are more likely to suffer from irritable bowel syndrome because of continued stool pressure on the intestinal walls.
3 - Saddles in the form of sausage, but with cracks on the surface: They have the same characteristics of the saddles of type 2 but the time of transit and evacuation is a little faster. Their diameter is 2 to 3.5 centimeters, and there is a likelihood of suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. To avoid this kind of problem, it is advisable to drink plenty of water
4 - Smooth and soft poos that look like a sausage or a snake: They are said to be ideal or perfect, their diameter is 1 to 2 centimeters. This form is normal for people who defecate once a day. A diameter larger than 2 centimeters means a longer transit, or a large amount of fiber in the diet.
5 - Stools in the form of soft pieces with sharp edges: This is a very normal shape. They have a typical shape of a person's stool that defecate 2 or 3 times a day. The diameter is 1 to 1.5 cm.
6 - Saddles in the form of fluffy pieces, in tatters: This shape can put you in a situation not very unpleasant. It can be difficult to control an urge or an urgency to defecate, especially if you do not have immediate access to a bathroom. These saddles can be difficult to wipe with only toilet paper, so wash well afterwards. People who go through stressful times, those who use a lot of spices or those who drink water with high mineral content can often make soggy stools. This type of stool can lead to a slightly hyperactive colon, excess potassium, sudden dehydration or very high blood pressure related stress.
7 - Aqueous stools: They contain no solid piece, it is obviously a diarrhea. The body uses this means to defend itself and to get rid of everything as quickly as possible. Although it is itself a symptom of poor transit, diarrhea can be accompanied by some symptoms. Abdominal pain and cramps, fatigue, fever and even sometimes you can feel nausea and vomiting. If you notice this, you should quickly consult.
Good to know :
If you notice blood dissociated from your stool (blood that appears after defecation), this may be due to a hemorrhoidal problem or an anal fissure. But in cases where your stools contain blood, it could be that this blood comes from your intestines. It is necessary to go immediately to a doctor to know the reasons. Always pay attention to this kind of detail!