Bristol Stool Chart: A Guide to Bowel Health

Monitoring your digestive health

Maintaining good digestive health is essential in improving your overall well-being.  One of the simplest ways that you can monitor your gut health is by observing your stool.

The Bristol stool chart is a widely used tool to classify different types of stool and provide insight into your bowel health. In this article, we’ll explore what the chart indicates, the different stool types, and how to improve bowel movements.

What is a Bristol stool chart, and what does it indicate?

The Bristol stool chart was developed in 1997 at the Bristol Royal Infirmary as a clinical assessment tool. It is a diagnostic tool that categorises stools into seven types based on shape and consistency. It helps identify potential digestive issues such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, or diarrhoea.

Healthcare professionals will often use it to estimate how long it takes for food to pass through your digestive tract and evaluate potential treatments for any bowel issues you may face.

What are the different stool types?

The chart divides stool into seven categories, each indicating different bowel conditions.

Types 1 and 2

Types 1 and 2 often indicate that you have constipation.

• Type 1: 

  • Separate hard lumps resembling nuts, which are difficult to pass. It should not happen frequently.

• Type 2: 

  • Often a log-shaped but lumpy stool.

Types 3 and 4

Types 3 and 4 are often considered healthy stools.

• Type 3: 

  • Similar to type 2, it is also log-shaped but with cracks on the surface. This is considered the 'gold standard' of poop.

• Type 4: 

  • Similar to types 2 and 3, it is also log-shaped, resembling a snake, and is also smooth and soft. This is also considered a normal poop that should occur every 1 to 3 days.

Types 5, 6 and 7

Types 5, 6 and 7 suggest that you may have diarrhoea.

• Type 5: 

  • Similar to type 1, the sizes of the type 5 stool are small, but these are soft and pass easily. However, it may suggest a lack of fibre in your diet.

• Type 6: 

  • Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, appearing mushy. This type is considered too soft and is often associated with mild diarrhoea.

• Type 7: 

  • Watery with no solid pieces, entirely liquid. It indicates severe diarrhoea and potential gastrointestinal distress.

How do I know if I have healthy bowel movements?

Healthy bowel movements, or 'healthy poop', typically fall under Type 3 or Type 4 on the Bristol stool chart. These stools are soft yet well-formed and easy to pass without straining. Healthy bowel habits include having regular bowel movements, meaning that you are pooping every 1 to 3 days.

What happens if I have abnormal stool, and what causes it?

Abnormal stools, such as types 1, 2, 5, 6, or 7, may result from:

• Dietary factors:

  • Low fibre intake or dehydration.

• Gut infections:

  • Bacterial or viral infections can cause diarrhoea.

• Medical conditions:

  • Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or food intolerances can alter stool consistency.

If you find that you may have abnormal stool matching types 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, or 7, it is best to monitor first whether irregularities such as green poop or hard poop occur for more than a few days before approaching a healthcare professional.

Similarly, chronic constipation can also obstruct bowels, whereas chronic diarrhoea can increase the difficulty for you to absorb the necessary nutrients from food. However, these may be a sign of a more serious condition, so it is better to monitor for a few days before seeing a doctor.

That said, pay attention to any signs of blood. If you haven't eaten any of the foods that could turn your poop this colour, such as beets, cranberries or tomato juice, consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Have you noticed any abnormalities in your poop recently? Book an appointment with Thomson Medical today.

Does the colour of my stool matter?

As with size and consistency, the colour of your stool can be a helpful signal about what's going on inside your body. Varying shades of brown and even a hint of green poop are considered the norm, especially if you consumed green foods like spinach. However, if your poop is deviating from the norm and you find yourself passing black or pale stool, it is best to consult a medical professional to figure out the cause, as different coloured stools can be caused by eating certain foods, taking iron supplements, or an underlying condition like bleeding in your digestive tract.

Is there any way I can improve my bowel movements?

If you are struggling with having regular bowel movements or your poop does not fall under types 3 and 4 on the Bristol stool chart, it is best to make some lifestyle adjustments, such as:

1. Incorporating more fibre in your diet from foods like oatmeal, peas and apples. 

2. Change your toilet posture to lean forward, rest your forearms on your thighs, lift your heels, or place your feet on a low stool.

3. Drink plenty of water.

4. Stay active by exercising regularly.

5. Managing your stress.

By incorporating such lifestyle changes, it can help alleviate any potential constipation.

When do I need to see a doctor for abnormal stool?

You should contact your doctor if abnormal changes to your stool persist for 2 weeks or more. Remember to seek immediate medical treatment if the stool is bright red, black, or a tarry substance. These symptoms suggest blood loss, which could become a medical emergency if left untreated.

The Bristol stool chart is an invaluable tool for understanding your digestive health. By monitoring your stool type and making necessary lifestyle adjustments, you can maintain optimal gut health and live a healthy lifestyle. However, persistent abnormalities should not be ignored. Remember to seek medical advice when needed.

FAQ

What type of stool is concerning?

Types 1 and 2 (constipation) or Types 6 and 7 (diarrhoea) are concerning if they persist over time.

What does inflammation mean on a Bristol stool chart?

Inflammation may cause looser stools (Types 6 and 7) due to faster intestinal transit times often linked to conditions like IBD.

What are examples of unhealthy stools?

Unhealthy stools include hard pellets (Type 1), lumpy stools (Type 2), mushy stools (Type 6), or watery stools (Type 7).

How to pass a hard stool?

Drink more water, consume high-fibre foods like prunes or oats, and consider gentle laxatives if necessary.

What fruit is good for constipation?

Fruits like prunes, apples (with skin), pears, and berries are excellent for relieving constipation due to their high fibre content.

When should I be concerned about my stool?

Be concerned if you experience persistent changes and abnormalities in stool type, blood in your stool, severe pain, or other alarming symptoms such as weight loss.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.