Effective training means you’ll grab hold of as many indicators as you can. Actual work performed, weights lifted, distances run at what time, heart rates, blood pressure, HRV, and food eaten. But why not review what comes out of the  other end?

Today its time to self-assess your poo. I say self-assess as I’m not going to do it for you.

You poo, you look, you judge. The Bristol Stool chart, believe it or not, sorts poo into 7 types.

Thanks to Wikipedia for the picture

So, what does this mean?

Gut sense suggests this

“types 1, 2 and 3 = hard or impacted stools. Type 4 and 5 = normal or optimal. Type 6 = loose stool, subnormal, or suboptimal, and type 7 = diarrhea.”

The Express suggests these  possible causes

Type 1: Separate hard lumps like nuts which are hard to pass. Experts said this type of pool could be an indicator of constipation. It might mean a patient is not eating enough fibre, such as fruit, vegetables and cereals.

Type 2: Sausage-shaped but lumpy. This is also an indicator a person could be slightly constipated.

Type 3: Like a sausage but with cracks on its surface. This is considered to be a healthy stool.

Type 4: Like a sausage or snake and smooth and soft.  This is also considered to be a healthy stool by medical professionals.

Type 5: Soft blobs with clear cut edges  and usually passed easily. This could also be an indicator people are lacking fibre in their diet.

Type 6: Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, mushy stool. This category on the Bristol Stool Chart could indicate inflammation of the bowel.

Type 7: Water, no solid pieces and entirely liquid. This is also a sign a person is unwell, which could be caused by a virus, bacteria or a parasite.

thanks to Wikipedia