Healthy Number Two – The Bristol Stool Chart

If you have been my patient, then you know this is a common topic at each appointment. Getting the waste out is how we keep a healthy terrain and immune system. Our body is a strong machine made up of trillions of microbes as well as an amazing structural and functional system. When kept in good working condition, like a well-oiled machine, it will withstand the onslaught of many of the different microbes out there. One of the first things to address is getting obstacles out of the way to keep the body focused on functioning optimally.

Many of my patients are surprised to hear that a healthy number of bowel movements is actually 3x/day! Yep, you heard correctly. Now, of course, what matters is that you are having 3 healthy movements per day. That is, typically an hour after each meal and they aren’t difficult to pass, but also not too soft. I admit, it is the rare person who is actually having 3/day, so at the very least 1/day is what you want to shoot for.

The bristol_stool_chart has been a fantastic tool to help people reference what is healthy when it comes to their “Number 2”. Check out the following chart, and learn more about each at the link provided. Aim for type 3 or 4 for 1x/day or type 5 for 3x/day. If your stools are any other type and tend on the side of constipation or diarrhea, then we need to talk. You are likely eating foods that are aggravating your digestive system and may be in the realm of IBS, Leaky Gut, and possibly SIBO.