It might not be the most glamorous topic, but your morning poop is one of the most crucial indicators of your overall health. What if we told you that the frequency, appearance, and even the smell of your bowel movements can reveal an astonishing amount of information about what's going on inside your body? From gut health to mood, your stool holds secrets that can help you optimise your health and well-being. (Jandhyala et al., 2015; Kho and Lal, 2018). Let’s dive into what your bowel movements can tell you about your health and why keeping an eye on your gut health is essential for maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Get ready for some surprising insights – and maybe even a few shocking facts – about your gut. Your Poop as a Health Indicator: What to Look For We know poop is not a subject people love to discuss, but it is one of the most overlooked health indicators available. The truth is, your bowel movements provide important insights into your health and can even act as an early warning system for potential health issues. Frequency The number of times you visit the bathroom daily can be a helpful gauge of your digestive health. Although normal frequency varies from person to person, one to three bowel movements per day are considered typical (Manning et al., 1978). Less frequent movements could indicate constipation, while more frequent visits might suggest diarrhoea or digestive issues. Shocking fact: Infrequent bowel movements (less than three per week) have been linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer (Ma et al., 2013). Staying regular is more crucial than many people realise! Colour While it might not seem like it, the colour of your stool is another major health indicator. Healthy stools are typically a shade of brown, due to bile produced by your liver. However, other colours could mean different things: Black or red: These colours could indicate bleeding in the digestive tract (Wilkins & Weymuller, 1990). Pale or grey: This might point to a lack of bile, possibly caused by a blockage in the bile duct. Green: Can be due to rapid transit through the intestines, or even a diet high in leafy greens (Smith, 2018). Consistency: The Bristol Stool Chart The consistency of your stool can tell you even more. The Bristol Stool Chart (Heaton & Lewis, 1997) categorises stool into seven types: Types 1-2: Hard, lumpy stools indicate constipation and sluggish transit time. Types 3-4: Sausage-like and smooth—this is what you want. These types indicate optimal digestion and healthy gut function. Types 5-7: Soft or liquid stools may suggest diarrhoea or poor nutrient absorption. Consistency matters because it can reveal problems such as malabsorption, where the body fails to properly absorb nutrients from food (Turner, 2009). Smell Let’s not sugar-coat it—poop always smells. However, particularly foul-smelling stools could indicate something wrong with your digestion. Strong odours might signal malabsorption, infections, or imbalances in your gut microbiome (Khalil et al., 2020). Gut Microbiome: The Brain Behind Your Bowel Your gut microbiome is a community of trillions of microorganisms living within your intestines, and it plays a monumental role in your overall health. These microbes are not just passive inhabitants—they influence digestion, immunity, and even mental health (Jandhyala et al., 2015). Shocking fact: Did you know that there are more bacterial cells in your body than human cells? Your gut microbiome is a vast ecosystem that outnumbers your human cells 10 to 1 (Sender et al., 2016). Mood and the Gut-Brain Axis Your gut has a direct line of communication with your brain called the gut-brain axis. About 90% of your body's serotonin, a key neurotransmitter that regulates mood, is actually produced in the gut (Yano et al., 2015). Poor gut health has been linked to depression and anxiety—which means that maintaining a healthy gut could help boost your mood and mental well-being (Cryan & Dinan, 2012). Signs of Good vs. Bad Gut Health Good Gut Health: Regular, well-formed stools (Types 3-4). Minimal bloating and gas. Clear skin, as gut health impacts conditions like acne (Bowe & Logan, 2011). Stable mood and energy levels (Rinninella et al., 2019). Bad Gut Health: Irregular bowel movements (constipation or diarrhoea). Excessive bloating, gas, or discomfort. Frequent indigestion or heartburn. Low energy or poor sleep. Mood swings or anxiety (Rinninella et al., 2019). To find out more about how to positively impact your gut microbiome, along with what foods to eat, check out our article about one of the most important nutrient groups, you're probably not getting enough of. Testing Your Gut Microbiome Testing your gut health can provide personalised insights into what is going on inside your digestive system. Your gut microbiome’s composition can be influenced by your diet, lifestyle, and even genetics (Petersen & Round, 2014). Through a Gut & Gastrointestinal Tests, you can get insights into: The balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria. The presence of pathogens or yeast overgrowth. Specific imbalances that may need correction. Understanding your gut microbiome allows for targeted interventions, such as specific dietary adjustments or probiotics that can help restore balance (Zmora et al., 2016). Gut Health Shockers: What You Should Know Did you know that artificial sweeteners, found in many "sugar-free" drinks, can negatively impact your gut microbiome? Studies show that some artificial sweeteners can alter gut bacteria and lead to metabolic changes, including increased risk of insulin resistance (Suez et al., 2014; Suez et al., 2015). This means that your attempt to cut sugar might actually be harming your gut! Another shocking fact? Chronic stress not only impacts your mental well-being but also negatively alters the gut microbiome, leading to increased gut permeability, a condition commonly known as ‘leaky gut’ (Moussaoui et al., 2016). This is why managing stress is crucial for maintaining gut health. Take Charge of Your Gut Health Your bowel movements offer invaluable clues about your gut health. By monitoring the frequency, colour, consistency, and smell of your stools, you can gain better insight into how well your digestive system is functioning. Gut health affects more than just digestion—it influences immunity, skin health, and even mood regulation. If you’re noticing irregularities in your bowel movements or experiencing ongoing digestive issues, it might be time to explore the root causes. Gut microbiome testing can provide the insights needed to tailor interventions, improve gut health, and ultimately enhance your overall well-being. Remember: Your gut is constantly sending you signals. Are you listening?