Hey Foodie Fam,
We’re going there today — yep, we’re talking poop.
It’s not the most glamorous topic, but your bathroom habits can actually tell you a lot about your diet and overall health. Think of it as your body’s daily “progress report.”
Let’s dive in to what is considered normal!
The Bristol Stool Chart (yes, it’s a real thing!) is often used to describe poop types. Ideally, you want a Type 3 or 4: smooth, soft, sausage-shaped, and easy to pass. Anything too hard, too loose, or way too frequent means your digestive system might be crying for help.
🚦 What your poop might be telling you:
1. Constipated or rock-hard stools (Type 1–2)
- Possible cause: Low fiber, dehydration, or not enough movement.
- Quick fix: Load up on fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, and drink more water. Walking after meals can also help get things moving.
2. Loose or watery stools (Type 6–7)
- Possible cause: Too much caffeine, high sugar, fatty fried foods, or certain food intolerances.
- Quick fix: Identify possible triggers, add more soluble fiber (like oats, bananas, sweet potatoes), and keep hydrated to replace lost fluids.
3. Floating or greasy poop
- Possible cause: trouble digesting and absorbing fats from food or eating too many high-fat foods at once.
- Quick fix: Choose healthy fats in moderation (avocados, nuts, seeds) and balance with fiber-rich veggies.
4. Odd colors
- Green: Leafy greens or food coloring — usually harmless.
- Red: Could be from beets… or something more serious (if it’s not from food, talk to your doctor).
- Pale or clay-colored: May signal issues with bile production, get it checked.
🥦 Fiber is your poop’s best friend
Fiber feeds your gut bacteria, bulks up stool, and keeps things regular. Aim for 25–38g of fiber a day from plant-based foods like:
- Lentils, beans, chickpeas
- Berries, pears, apples
- Leafy greens, broccoli, carrots
- Oats, quinoa, whole grains
✨ Your poop is a reflection of what you eat, how hydrated you are, and how well your digestive system is working. Pay attention to changes, they can be an early sign that something in your diet (or your health) needs tweaking.
Until next time, remember healthy doesn’t mean boring.
Chantel Quailey 💚
