The Scoop on Poop

Type 1) Rabbit Droppings

Type 1, which resembles rabbit droppings, is a sign of severe constipation. Often, individuals with type 1 feces have less than 3 bowel movements per week. These stools are hard, dry, and often painful to pass as they come out in small pieces, similar to rabbit droppings (except the rabbit’s poop is supposed to be like that).

CAUSES: 

• fiber deficiency

• recent change in eating habits

• ignoring urge to poop when needed

• lack of exercise

• dehydration

• certain medications

• IBS-C: irritable bowel syndrome: constipation-edition

symptoms of IBS-C include: cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and constipation

SOLUTIONS:

• drink WATER (very important!)

• increase fiber intake: flax seeds, vegetables, fruits, seeded bread, whole grains such as oats, supplements

  • insoluble fibers are ideal as it adds "bulk" to the stool, speeding up the excretion process and helping alleviate constipation (read more)

• stool softener medications (last resort)

• increase physical activity even if for you that means a 30 minute walk every other day

Type 2) Bunch of Grapes

Type 2, resembling a bunch of grapes, is a milder constipation, where the lumps join together to form one sausage-like shape. Although less severe than type 1, it is still constipation, so the same causes and solutions apply: 

CAUSES: 

• fiber deficiency

• recent change in eating habits

• ignoring urge to poop when needed

• lack of exercise

• dehydration

• certain medications

• IBS-C: irritable bowel syndrome: constipation-edition

symptoms of IBS-C include: cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and constipation

SOLUTIONS:

• drink WATER (very important!)

• increase fiber intake: flax seeds, vegetables, fruits, seeded bread, whole grains such as oats, supplements

• stool softener medications (last resort)

• increase physical activity even if for you that means a 30 minute walk every other day

Type 3) Corn on Cob + Type 4) Sausage

Type 3 is considered a normal stool by some and a "meh" stool by others. On the other hand, type 4 is universally considered a healthy stool. The former is a grittier and bumpier than the latter, which is smooth and passes quickly like a sausage. 

Personally, I think the ideal is a mix between type 3 and 4 either by consistency (a middle ground) or frequency (both every week). 

HOW TO GET: 

• eat soluble fibrous foods for diarrhea-->healthy stool

  • vegetables (sweet potatoes, broccoli, turnips, carrots)

  • fruits (avocados, pears, figs, nectarines, apricots, apples, guavas)

  • black beans

  • certain nuts

  • seeds

  • seeded bread

• eat insoluble fibrous foods for constipation -->healthy stool

  • whole-wheat breads and pastas

  • certain nuts

  • cauliflower

  • green beans

• WATER

• bathroom posture: (source: bladderandbowel.org)

  • lean forward with straight spine and place elbows on knees

  • do not sit on toilet for extended periods of time 

  • raise feet on a small stool (#1)

  • keep legs hip width apart

  • relax muscles and breathe normally

Type 5) Chicken Nuggets

Type 5 is also a fiber-deficient stool. Insoluble fiber can help add bulk to one's feces and correct diarrhea. Though the chicken nuggets is not diarrhea yet, it can be one's body's warning to increase fiber intake. 

CAUSES:

• mild bacterial infection

• food intolerance or allergy

• caffeine intake

SOLUTIONS:

• increase insoluble fiber intake

• substitute caffeine for water

Type 6) Porridge

Type 6 is a mild diarrhea. Diarrhea is a very unnatural stool as it completely empties your bowels very quickly and often painfully. This is dangerous because you become dehydrated and lose nutrients when everything is dumped out, so it is important to know the causes and solutions if you have frequent, or even infrequent, diarrhea.

CAUSES:

• insoluble fiber-deficient diet

• chronic diarrhea:

  • bacterial infection

  • parasite

  • certain medications

• artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol, maltitol, and erythritol

• IBS-D: irritable bowel syndrome diarrhea-edition

symptoms: frequent abdominal discomfort, cramps, frequent bowel movements with loose and watery stools, bloating, mucus in stool (bacteria-, mucus-, or fat-like appearance)

SOLUTIONS:

• antidiarrheal medication

• increase intake of insoluble fibers in foods or in supplements 

• avoid certain foods such as:

  • cabbage, onions, garlic

  • wheat, rye, beans

  • milk, yogurt, ice cream, soft cheeses

  • avocados, apples, cherries

  • artificial sweeteners (alcohols)

• seek a medical professional for tests of bacterial infection or parasites

Type 7) Gravy

Type 7 is a very severe diarrhea. All the same for type 6 applies, though one should seek a doctor if they have severe diarrhea for more than a 24-hour period. Severe diarrhea can be caused by bacterial infections, viruses, parasites, medications or even intestinal diseases. Be sure to watch nutritional intake (as listed in type 6 above) and rehydrate after a bowel movement as it may dehydrate you very quickly and cause further issues. If severe diarrhea persists, one may risk tearing the inner lining of the large intestine and rectum, causing bloody stool. 

An individual's excrement can vary drastically throughout a week's period. Though, it is important to check before you flush because your gut microbiome could be warning you of certain deficiencies that are very rectifiable. 

Happy pooping!

Written By: Siena