Scientists developed the Bristol scale, which classifies stools into seven distinct categories. Each type can say a lot about your digestion and general health.
- Hard and separate stools, in small balls: a sign of constipation and lack of fibre.
- Salts in the shape of a sausage, but lumpy: slight constipation, often due to insufficient hydration.
- Said-shaped stools with cracks: considered normal, they indicate a good digestive balance.
- Smooth and well-formed stools: ideal, they show a healthy transit and a balanced diet.
- Soft pieces with well-defined edges: can be caused by digestive stress or high-fiber diet.
- Soft and pasty stools: often related to mild diarrhoea, food intolerance or infection.
- Liquid stools without solid pieces: a sign of diarrhoea, which may be due to infection or poor absorption of nutrients.
If you notice a sudden or persistent change in the appearance of your stools, it may be advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
see more on the next page