What Your Poo Says About You

What is your worst nightmare? I personally have an ongoing fear of getting locked in my apartment with nothing on TV other than an MTV marathon of "The Hills" and nothing sharp to gouge my eyes out with. Or getting arrested for drunken behavior and getting fitted with a SCRAM bracelet at the beginning of Pride Weekend. A friend of mine however has a fear of having to go to the bathroom in public places or at social events. We were at a party this past weekend, he had to go (badly) and there was not an option of leaving, so he sucked up his fear and headed to the restroom. Unfortunately for him his nightmare became a reality when he realized (after the fact) that the flush didn't work and there was a line up outside waiting to use the bathroom. Let's just say he used his creativity and a to go cup to get him out of trouble but he was shaken for hours and is scarred for life.

OK look, I know this post is going to warrant some cringes, some comments, and some ewwws, and some of you may refuse to even read it. But the fact of the matter is everyone sneaks a peak, I don't care what you say, and you so should be. It turns out that what you leave behind in the restroom is good indication of your health and can tell you if you need to drink more water, if you are consuming too much fat in your diet, or if you are deficient in certain nutrients. Take a look at the Poo Chart below which I obtained from the website of my favorite nutritionist Jillan McKeith, who's BBC show "You Are What You Eat" is, I believe, the best health show on TV....

TYPE 1 Separate hard lumps, like nuts. Harder to pass

This indicates that you have a lack of fibre, insufficient fluid intake and a slow transit time. Increase your intake of water, herbal teas, raw fruit and vegetables, cooked grains such as brown rice, quinoa and millet, sprouted pulses, flax seeds and olive oil. Avoid meat, dairy, wheat, eggs, refined carbohydrates and sugar.

TYPE 2 Sausage shape but lumpy

This indicates the stool has spent too long in the colon. More water and fibre are needed. Increase your intake of water, herbal teas, fruit and vegetables, cooked grains such as brown rice, quinoa and millet, sprouted pulses, flax seeds and olive oil. Avoid meat, dairy, wheat, eggs, refined carbohydrates and sugar.

TYPE 3 Like a sausage but with cracks on the surface

the cracks on the surface indicate that the stool maybe a bit dry. Increase water intake.

TYPE 4 Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft

This is a healthy bowel movement that is easy to pass - well done!

Type 5 Soft blobs with clear cut edges which pass easily

This may indicate that your bowels are moving a bit too fast. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies and dehydration. Increase your fibre especially from cooked whole grains such as brown rice, millet and quinoa. Supplementing with probiotics may well improve digestion and absorption. Psyllium husks can also improve bowel movements.

TYPE 6 Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool

Again, the mushiness indicates that insufficient water has been re-absorbed from the stool, indicating a rapid transit time and poor absorption of nutrients. This may be caused by poor diet, food intolerances and/or an imbalance in gut bacteria. Eat whole grains as indicated above. Avoid having too much fruit, raw vegetables and juices for a while. Supplement with probiotic capsules or powder to repopulate the gut with good bacteria.

TYPE 7 Watery, no solid pieces. Entirely liquid

This is not good and probably indicates an infection of some kind. Get checked out by your doctor. Eat well cooked brown rice and home made vegetable soups to replace lost electrolytes. Make sure you replace lost fluids with water or herbal teas. Probiotics can help to repopulate the gut with good bacteria.

If you have addressed these issues and had little success then please consult with your Medical Doctor.


Healthy Boy x