What Should Poop Look Like? Photo Guide to Healthy Stool Color, Shape, Odor

What Does Healthy Poop Look Like?

Poop comes in all shapes, sizes, and consistencies. Despite the variation, healthy stool generally has some common visual characteristics that indicate your digestive system is functioning properly. Knowing what your poop should look like can provide insight into your health.

Color

The typical color of healthy poop is brown. This brown hue is the result of bile from your liver mixing with waste as it passes through the intestines. The specific shade can range from light tan to almost black.

If stool is red, black, clay-colored, pale, yellow, or green this could signal potential gastrointestinal issues that may warrant medical attention. Consistency of unusual colors is key.

Shape and Texture

The ideal stool is smooth, soft, and formed into one long shape. Small peanut-looking clumps that are easy to pass indicate healthy transit time. Conversely, nut-sized lumps that are hard and difficult to pass may indicate constipation.

Poop that is pencil-thin, ribbon-like, or mushy can point to diarrhea-related problems like infections or intolerances. Greasy and foul smelling stool may result from malabsorption of fats.

Amount

Many factors impact pooping frequency, but on average, eliminating anywhere from three times a day to three times a week is normal. Ideally stools readily pass without excessive straining. Having to force out hard, dry stool can cause hemorrhoids.

Sudden increases or decreases in pooping frequency that persist point to potential issues. Passing large volumes of stool frequently is a sign of diarrhea, while infrequent and strained BMs may indicate constipation.

What Different Poop Colors Mean

While brown is considered normal, at times stool can become various colors that potentially indicate problems. Here is what different poop colors may signify:

Black or Dark Red

Very dark or black stool is often indicative of bleeding in the upper GI tract, like the stomach or small intestine. Sources can include ulcers, tumors, or hemorrhoids. Dark red blood mixed throughout can also signal bleeding issues higher up.

Bright Red

Seeing fresh, bright red blood in stool or coating the surface generally means bleeding is closer to the anus, like from hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammation, or trauma. It should warrant medical attention.

Green

Green stool is typically caused by consuming large quantities of leafy greens or green foods, but can also result from rapid transit time of stool through the intestines. If persistent, it can indicate potential infection.

Yellow or Pale

Lighter yellow or off-white colors indicate a lack of bile reaching the intestines, often seen in conditions like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and pancreatic disorders that impair nutrient absorption.

Gray or Greasy

Fatty, foul smelling gray poop may be a sign of inadequate pancreatic enzyme function, an intestinal blockage preventing proper digestion and absorption, or malabsorption disorders like celiac disease.

What Poop Consistency Indicates

Looking at stool composition and how it holds together provides insight into colon health and function. Here’s what poop consistency may signal:

Hard, Pebble-Like Stools

Stool that comes out in small, hard lumps signals constipation. Straining, bloating, and discomfort will accompany. Possible causes include dehydration, low fiber diets, medications, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Ribbon-like Stool

Narrow, flat stools that look like ribbons often result from anal stenosis or blockages that restrict the width stool can pass through. Inflammation, scarring, and constipation can cause ribbon-like poop.

Loose, Watery Stool

Diarrheal stool that is loose and watery can indicate infections, intolerances to foods like dairy, or rapid intestinal transit that doesn’t allow for absorption. IBS, Crohn’s disease and parasites cause diarrhea.

Pencil-thin Stools

Very narrow, thin stools may point to obstruction in the colon or rectum from conditions like cancer, polyps, or diverticulitis pressing on intestinal walls. Requires prompt evaluation.

Segmented Poop

Stool that resembles a stack of rocks may mean the colon muscles are not contracting smoothly to move waste. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can cause this stool shape.

What Floating or Sinking Poop Means

Whether poop floats or sinks is determined by the density and amount of gas it contains. Here is what it may indicate if your poop floats or sinks:

Floating Stools

Stool that floats is generally higher in gas content, which can be caused by increased air swallowing, infections, carbohydrate malabsorption, or inadequate pancreatic enzyme function. Changes in gut bacteria may also cause more gas.

Sinkers

Stools that sink in the toilet tend to be denser and more solid. This indicates diets higher in meat protein or lack of dietary fiber. Stools sink more readily when constipated due to longer intestinal transit time and water reabsorption.

Alternating Floating and Sinking

Seeing your poop alternate frequently between sinking to the bottom of the toilet and floating to the top is generally normal variation based on differences in gas content and density day-to-day.

What Odor Changes in Poop Mean

It’s normal for poop to have a mild fecal odor, but excessively smelly stool could indicate potential GI issues. Here is what to watch out for:

Rancid, Rotten Smell

Very foul, rancid smelling stools that make your nose burn and smell up the bathroom point to malabsorption of fats or lactose. Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, infection, or pancreatic insufficiency can be sources.

Sweet, Fruity Odor

Stool that smells sickeningly sweet or fruity, similar to pear drops, indicates diabetes mellitus. Ketones in urine often accompany fruity-smelling stool resulting from high blood sugar.

Sulfur or Eggy Smell

Eggy, sulfurous poop scents are caused by hydrogen sulfide gas produced by gut bacteria. It generally resolves with probiotics and dietary changes. If persistent, testing for infections is needed.

When to See Your Doctor

Occasional changes in poop color, shape, or odor are rarely an emergency. But if unusual changes persist for 2 weeks or more, see your doctor for evaluation. Bleeding, severe pain, or highly irregular bowel habits may require prompt medical treatment.

Tracking details about your poop can provide a helpful visual aid when describing symptoms to healthcare providers. Take photos to show your physician if concerned. With treatment, healthy poop can be restored.

Tips for Improving Poop Health

Many aspects of your lifestyle impact digestive health and regularity. Here are some ways to support optimal poop function:

Increase Fiber

Eat more high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, and whole grains. Fiber softens stool, improves transit time, and relieves constipation.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids, like water, to prevent dehydration that leads to hard, dry stools. Tea, juices, and broths also contribute hydration.

Exercise

Getting 30 minutes of activity like walking, swimming, or stretches stimulates the body and can trigger bowel movements. Yoga helps improve colon contractions.

Reduce Stress

Managing emotional stress through meditation, deep breathing, journaling, or talk therapy can improve intestinal spasms and motility patterns.

Consider Probiotics

Supplementing with probiotics may improve digestion, increase beneficial gut flora, and regulate stools. Ask your doctor for probiotic guidance.

Paying attention to your poop provides vital clues into your health! Making lifestyle adjustments helps maintain optimal digestive functions.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.