Ah, the Bristol Stool Chart. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s basically a diagram that shows the different types of poop you can produce. Yup, that’s right – we’re going to be talking about poop today. But don’t worry, we’ll keep it light-hearted and funny.
If we haven’t met, I’m Mia a holistic nutritionist in sunny San Diego, CA that enjoys teaching busy professionals the human body in an entertaining and self-healing way. If we’re not joyfully navigating through life than dis-ease can turn to disease! Let’s get this shit going. If you love this article, share it with your family and friend and help them heal too. At the end, I’ll share with you how we can work together virtually to keep you feeling your best every single day.
In this article you’ll learn how to improve your digestive health using:
- The 7 types of poop formation on the Bristol Stool Chart
- The 2 types of fiber that help your guts
- When you need to chat with a professional
7 Poop Styles of the Bristol Stool Chart
First up, we have Type 1 – the ‘hard lumps’ poop. This is the kind of poop that you have to push out with all your might. It’s like your body is trying to give birth to a rock. And when it finally comes out, you feel like you’ve just completed a marathon.
Type 2 is the ‘sausage-shaped but lumpy’ poop. This is the kind of poop that looks like it’s been rolled up by a toddler. It’s not the prettiest sight, but at least it’s not as painful as Type 1.
Type 3 is the ‘sausage-shaped but with cracks on the surface’ poop. This is when you’re starting to feel like your digestive system is getting back on track. It’s not perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Type 4 is the ‘smooth and soft’ poop. This is what you should be aiming for. It’s like your body is saying “Hey, good job on eating those veggies! Here’s a nice, easy poop for you.”
Type 5 is the ‘soft blobs with clear-cut edges’ poop. This is when you know you’ve eaten something that didn’t agree with you. It’s not terrible, but it’s not great either.
Type 6 is the ‘mushy poop’ – and let’s be real, no one wants mushy poop. It’s like your body is saying “Here’s a poop, but you’re going to have to wipe a lot.”
And finally, we have Type 7 – the ‘liquid poop’. This is when you know you’re in trouble. It’s like your body is trying to empty everything out as quickly as possible. It’s not pretty, it’s not fun, and it’s definitely not something you want to talk about over dinner.
So there you have it – the Bristol Stool Chart decoded. Remember, if you’re ever feeling unsure about your poop, just consult the chart. And if you’re still feeling unsure, maybe it’s time to lay off the spicy food for a while.
If you’re Type 5-7, download this PDF resource for the beneficial bacteria strains to heal your gut.
2 Types of Dietary Fiber
Soluble fiber and insoluble fiber are two types of dietary fiber found in many plant-based foods. Not sure how to get started cooking foods that are good for you? Get my grocery list and meal plans. Here’s how they differ:
Soluble fiber:
- Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance in the digestive tract.
- This type of fiber can help regulate blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol levels.
- Foods that are high in soluble fiber include oatmeal, beans, lentils, peas, fruits (such as apples, oranges, and berries), and vegetables (such as carrots and sweet potatoes).
Insoluble fiber:
- Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and remains intact as it passes through the digestive system.
- This type of fiber adds bulk to stool and can help prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements.
- Foods that are high in insoluble fiber include whole wheat products, bran, nuts, and many vegetables (such as green beans, cauliflower, and celery).
It’s important to note that most plant-based foods contain a combination of both soluble and insoluble fiber, and that both types of fiber are important for overall health and digestion. Like to geek out? This study provides a comprehensive review of the health benefits of dietary fiber, including both soluble and insoluble fiber, and the mechanisms by which they exert their effects in the body. It highlights the importance of a diet rich in fiber for maintaining digestive health, regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Two Heads Are Better Than One: Let’s Work Together to Achieve Your Goals
Okay, so hopefully you can categorize your average bathroom experience into the 1-7. If you find yourself outside of 2-5 range, I suggest you take advantage of my $55 First Consultation where we can discuss how to create better food routines, and hydration and help your metabolism utilize the food you eat. With these 60 minutes together we can create change fast! If you’ve been scrolling the internet, or trying this for a week or two only to get back into old routines and feeling heavy, tired, frustrated – it’s time to talk to a professional. Click here to book and I can’t wait to send the powerful holistic forms that will teach you more about yourself and energy. You deserve to shine!
To your power and wellness,
Mia Loya, MSHN
This article does not replace medical advice and should not be used as a diagnostic tool. It has been provided by an ISSA-certified Nutritionist as an education tool.
Written with the support of AI.
