The Bristol Stool Chart is a guide that places stool into categories based on form. It's also called the Bristol Stool Form Scale. Stool is the waste that the body removes after digestion. There are seven stool types, ranging from hard lumps to liquid stool. Using the stool chart can help you track changes in your digestive health.

The Bristol Stool Chart can help you talk to your doctor about what is happening in your digestive system. The chart helps your doctor keep track of your health. The form of your stool can be a clue about health problems or conditions.

• Types 1 and 2 (Hard stools or constipation). These stools are hard and dry. They may be difficult or uncomfortable to pass. They're often darker in color. It means that the stool moved slowly through the digestive system, and more water was removed.
• Types 3 and 4 (Healthy). These stools are smooth and soft. They're often easy to pass without difficulty or urgency. It means that the stool moved through the digestive system at a healthy pace. Just enough water was removed from the stool to keep it moving along.
• Types 5 to 7 (Loose stools or diarrhea). These stools are fluffy and ragged or liquid. They may be lighter in color. It means that the stool moved too quickly through the digestive system, and not enough water was removed.

There are different ways to change your stool depending on its form. Here are some things you can do for each stool type.

• Eat more fiber, and drink more water.
• Move your body more.
• Try taking medicines. Your doctor can give you over-the-counter laxatives or prescription stool softeners.
• Avoid medicines that cause constipation. Talk to your doctor about the medicines you take.
• Ask your doctor for a referral to a counselor or psychologist. There is a connection between the brain and the gut. Look for someone who does cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or gut-directed hypnotherapy.

• Keep eating your normal diet with plenty of fiber and water.
• Keep getting your normal amount of activity.

• Drink more water.
• Hydrate with electrolytes.
• Talk to your doctor about over-the-counter antidiarrheal medicine.
• For adults, contact your doctor if you have diarrhea for more than 2 days. For children, contact the doctor if it lasts more than 24 hours.

Here are some general tips to make sure your stools are healthy.

• Get plenty of movement.
• Focus on getting enough fiber.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Go to the bathroom when you need to. Avoid holding it.
• Have a toilet routine. Try to go about the same time each day.
• Find ways to manage stress. Try meditation and relaxation exercises. Talk to your doctor about a referral to a mental health professional if needed.