Let’s talk about poop. Yep, we’re going there. Why? Because your poop can actually reveal a lot about your gut health. Whether you’re someone who always takes a peek or someone who flushes and forgets, what’s in the toilet bowl can offer valuable clues about what’s going on inside your body.
If you’ve been dealing with bloating, irregularity, or digestive discomfort, it might be time to pay attention to what’s coming out. Being poop-aware (yes, that’s a thing!) can help you catch early signs of gut imbalance and make better choices for your overall wellness.
Poop 101: What’s Normal?
Dr. Saila reminds us that the ideal poop is smooth and sausage-shaped—think soft, formed, and easy to pass. That’s a great sign that your gut is functioning well and your digestion is in balance.
But what if your poop looks a little… off? Don’t panic. Occasional changes are normal, especially after travel, a change in diet, or illness. That said, here’s what some common variations might mean:
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Hard little pellets: You could be dehydrated or not getting enough fiber. Try adding more water, fruits, and veggies to your daily routine.
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Loose or mushy stools: This might signal inflammation, stress, or a microbiome imbalance. It’s a good idea to evaluate your diet, lifestyle, and stress levels.
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Cracks on the surface: Still considered within the normal range, but it may be worth increasing hydration and soluble fiber.
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Floating stool or foul odor: Could point to poor fat absorption or food intolerances.
Why Your Poop Matters
Most of us were never taught to pay attention to this stuff—but it’s actually one of the easiest and most natural ways to track your gut health.
Changes in frequency, color, texture, or shape can indicate things like:
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Food sensitivities
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Inflammation in the gut lining
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Poor nutrient absorption
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Imbalanced gut bacteria
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Stress-related digestive issues
You don’t need to obsess over every trip to the bathroom, but checking in with your stool every now and then gives you the chance to course-correct before bigger health issues develop.
Curious About Your Gut?
Want to know exactly where your poop falls on the scale? The Bristol Stool Chart is a helpful tool we use in functional medicine to better understand your digestive health.
Drop a 
emoji on our next post or head to roothealthmd.com, we’ll send you the chart and more gut health tips to help you feel your best, from the inside out.
