The shape of the poop and the frequency of toilet visits reflect intestinal health and are used to diagnose problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, malnutrition and anal incontinence, as well as being useful for monitoring the recovery of intestinal surgeries.
Thus, to assist in the evaluation of stool shape and consistency, the Bristol Faecal Consistency Scale was created, which shows 7 possible formats for feces by means of images and descriptions, which are normal and which are the probable problems related to each faeces. one.
See the following scale and evaluate how your health is:
Type 1: small hard balls
Type 1 feces are characterized by small, hard balls separated like little cocks, usually hard to get out. In general, this format is linked to an acute change in the intestinal flora, such as after the use of antibiotics or a diet without fibers. Learn how to make a high fiber diet to regulate the bowel.
This is because in the absence of bacteria and fibers in the intestine, there is nothing to help retain water, causing the stool pieces to be hard and difficult to pass, and bleeding may occur in the anus. In this case flatulence is not common, because there are no bacteria or fibers for fermentation in the intestine and gas production.
To correct the problem, you should increase fiber intake through whole foods, fruits and vegetables, and consume 1 glass 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 tablets or powder. See more about what probiotics are and what they are for.
Type 2: Luscious sausage
Type 2 is represented by feces compacted into a single mass, but with lumpy or lumpy appearance. This is the most painful type because it is stiff and its size may exceed the opening of the anal canal. During evacuation, great effort is needed to eliminate feces and bleeding, fissures, 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 stool are hemorrhoids, anal fissures, retention or delay of defecation, and a history of chronic constipation, and such cases can lead to irritable bowel syndrome due to the continuous pressure of large feces in the intestinal walls . To treat, you must go to the doctor and do tests, but also probiotics and drugs that stimulate intestinal transit are used as well as a balanced diet.
Type 3: sausage with cracks
This type is very similar to 2, but the time in which the stool is stopped and accumulated in the intestine is smaller, which makes the stool size smaller and the stool frequency more regular, but it still requires some effort to evacuate.
The causes and consequences are the same as type 2, especially the presence of irritable bowel syndrome and the onset of hemorrhoids.
Type 4: Smooth and smooth sausage
Type 4 feces are elongated, smooth and soft, resembling the shape of a sausage or a snake. It is a normal format for those who defecate once a day. In general, they have a diameter of 1 to 2 cm, and evacuation occurs effortlessly.
Type 5: soft pieces
Type 5 is characterized by feces separated into soft pieces with well defined edges, being easy to leave. It is typical of those who evacuate 2 to 3 times a day, which usually happens after large meals.
Type 6: pasty and fluffy dough
The type is formed by a pasty mass and fluffy, with irregular edges. In this case it is usually difficult to control the urge to evacuate, and it also usually causes a lot of dirt when using toilet paper as a first choice instead of the bathroom shower.
Type 6 may be linked to causes such as mildly hyperactive colon, excessive potassium in the diet or sudden dehydration, or increased blood pressure related to stress. In addition, it may be linked to frequent use of homemade spices, excessive use of energy drinks or laxatives.
Type 7: diarrhea
Type 7 is characterized by diarrhea, ie, totally liquid bowel movements and no solid pieces, which are usually accompanied by dehydration and abdominal pain.
It can be caused by several types of diseases, such as viruses, intestinal infection and lactose intolerance. It is also very common in children who do not yet have a well-formed intestinal flora and in the elderly. See the 6 leading causes of belly pain.
In general, stools in formats 3, 4 and 5 are considered normal, especially when the bowel maintains a good evacuation frequency. Also see what the stool color can tell you about your health.
Also watch the following video and see the tips to make your poop more beautiful and healthy:
