Article content
In the case of human stool, it is a rather unpleasant topic for everyone. The truth, however, is that how our stool looks or smells is an important matter and we definitely should not ignore it.
Stool
Our body is a complex mechanism that has its proper functioning, but this process can sometimes be disrupted and stool can be the first thing through which we can recognize this.
Temperature, discomfort, fatigue and sadness are clear signs that a health problem may appear and your stool can warn you in time that not everything is okay.
You should monitor your stool in this way so you can react in time.
There are several main indicators by which you can notice in time that something is happening.
Consistency, color and size. And smell are signs through which we reveal whether our body and all processes inside are in order.
The strategy with which you can analyze stool is known as the Bristol Stool Chart (BSF). It was designed by scientists from the Bristol Royal Hospital in Great Britain.
Perfect stool
Who would think that having an ideal stool is a sign that your inner well‑being is fine.
Signs of perfect stool - Water (about 75%)
- Solid matter (about 25%)
- Dead microscopic organisms
- Undigested pieces of food
- Cholesterol
- Fatty substances – fats
- Dead microscopic organisms
- Undigested pieces of food
- Cholesterol
- Fatty substances – fats
The shape of stool will not be exactly the same as what you previously ingested.
The whole process of stool development takes approximately 18 to 72 hours. As the Bristol stool chart shows, stool types 3, 4 and 5 are ideal.
When you have diarrhea, the body did not have enough time to process it and the stool is not in an ideal form.
At the opposite end of the scale is the body’s inability to produce stool within 72 hours, which indicates constipation and thus a certain problem in the body.
Lumpy, hard and small stool
This kind of stool may indicate an intense dysbacteriosis of the intestinal tract.
The pieces of stool are small, hard and unpleasant, with a size of 1 to 2 cm.
Because they are firm and somewhat unpleasant, they can cause pain when passing through the digestive system.
Sausage with lumps
This stool is thick even over 3 to 4 cm and often forms due to constipation and this stool has been forming in our body for many days.
As it passes through the digestive tract, it causes pain and can cause tearing because it is so hard and its size exceeds the anal opening.
This stool indicates irritable bowel syndrome.
Cracked sausage
This kind of stool is almost like type 2, but is usually processed more quickly in the body (typically 1 to about fourteen days) and is thus similarly identified with obstruction and poorly regulated intestines.
Smooth sausage
This kind of stool is close to ideal stool. The thickness is 1 to 2 cm (which is a sign of generally short transit time and a high fiber content).
This kind of stool is normal for someone who has a bowel movement once a day.
Soft stool – defined edges
This kind of stool is practically unblemished on the surface. Its thickness is 1 to 1.5 cm and it is typical for someone who has a bowel movement 2 to 3 times a day depending on eating habits.
Soft stool – sharp edges
This kind of stool has an exceptionally smooth surface. It can come on a person completely unexpectedly.
You may have trouble wiping with paper, so it is better to use a shower or bidet.
Diarrhea
This is often liquid and is the result of constipation. It can trouble children and older people.
Color
Just like stool size, shape and consistency, the color of stool can be a huge component of various health problems.
The typical color of healthy stool is a light to dark brown shade.
- Gray, black or bright red stool – a sign of bleeding
- White, pale or gray – lack of bile
- Yellow – gallbladder disease
Smell
Regardless of how you analyze stool, your stool should not smell too strongly. It should not smell excessively.
- Absorptive disorders
- Celiac disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Pancreatitis
- Cystic fibrosis
