You don’t need to poo daily, plus what your poop says about your health

Eww, did that headline gross you out? Well, it shouldn’t because trouble with your poop can mean trouble for your mood, and that’s a fact. It’s one of the most basic functions of our body, essential for our health, yet we rarely talk about it because it feels disgusting.

But your poop can reveal a lot about your health, i.e. the colour, texture and even the frequency. So, let experts help you understand your poop better.

The scoop on poop

Poop is mostly water (about 75 per cent), and the rest is a mix of fiber, bacteria, and cells your body no longer needs.

Your poop can be a window into your overall wellbeing. Everything from its colour and consistency to its frequency and smell can provide important clues about your digestive health.

Changes in your stool can signal anything from minor dietary issues to more serious conditions, so it’s worth paying attention to what you flush away.

Colour cues

Dr Vikas Jindal, consultant, department of gastroenterology at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, says, healthy poop is usually:

• Brown in colour: Due to bile from the liver
• Smooth and soft: Resembling a sausage or snake
• Well-formed: Not too hard, not too soft
• Easy to pass: Shouldn’t require straining

However, if your stool is green it could be due to food moving too quickly through your intestines or a veggie-rich diet.

Yellow can suggest fat malabsorption, black might signal upper GI bleeding, and red could be from beets or lower GI (gastrointestinal) bleeding.

Pebble-like stools could indicate constipation, mushy stools may signal approaching diarrhoea, and liquid stools indicate diarrhoea, often due to infections or allergies.

What is the Bristol Stool Form Scale?

Did you know there is a medical tool to classify human faeces? Dr Pawan Rawal, head of Unit-1, gastroenterology, Artemis Hospital Gurugram, shares more about the tool and its uses.

“The Bristol Stool Form Scale is a medical tool used to classify human faeces into seven categories based on shape and consistency. It helps in assessing bowel health and diagnoses digestive disorders. The scale ranges from Type 1 (separate hard lumps, indicating constipation) to Type 7 (entirely liquid, indicating diarrhoea). Types 3 and 4 are considered ideal, reflecting well-formed and healthy stools. Types 2 and 5 can indicate mild constipation or mild diarrhoea, respectively,” says Dr Rawal.

“The scale helps both patients as well as healthcare providers in discussing bowel habits more precisely and identifying potential gastrointestinal issues,” he adds.

The million-dollar question: Is pooping daily important?

The question that has probably been on many people’s minds, but they didn’t know whom to ask, so, here it is: “No”.

“While pooping daily is common for many people, it’s not necessary for everyone. Normal bowel movement frequency can range from three times a day to three times a week,” says Dr Jindal.

Dr Sanjay Khanna, senior director and HOD of gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi, adds, “Consistency in your pattern is more important than frequency, so whether you go daily or every other day, regularity is key.”

He also adds that while the habit of pooping daily is not bad, it is a myth that pooping daily is a must.

Warning signs

While a lot of poop issues can be resolved with diet and lifestyle changes, some signs should prompt a visit to your doctor, says Dr Jindal:

• Black or tarry stools: Could indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
• Bright red blood: This may suggest lower gastrointestinal bleeding, such as haemorrhoids or colorectal cancer.
• Pale or clay-coloured stool: Could indicate liver or bile duct issues.
• Greasy, foul-smelling stool: This may suggest malabsorption or pancreatic problems.
• Persistent changes in bowel habits: Ongoing changes in frequency, consistency, or colour warrant medical attention.
• “The other symptoms to watch out for include severe pain, unintentional weight loss, or persistent discomfort,” suggests Dr Khanna.

How to keep yourself (and your poop) healthy

You are what you eat, and there’s no clearer indicator of your diet than your stool. So, if you’re looking to make a change, start with what’s on your plate.

Here are a few other things that can help with a healthy poop, as suggested by Dr Rawal:

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support regular bowel movements
• Engage in physical activity on a regular basis to stimulate intestinal activity
• Avoid excessive intake of processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats
• Probiotics, found in yogurt and fermented foods, can help maintain gut health
• Practice good bathroom habits, such as not straining and allowing enough time for bowel movements
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga, as stress can impact digestion
• Regular medical check-ups can also help in detecting and addressing any digestive issues early

Listen to your gut

Remember, it is not just a load of c***, it is your body’s way of speaking up and sometimes crying for help.