Type 1 has spent the longest time in the colon and type 7has spent the least. Stools at the lumpy end of

the scale are hard to pass and often require a lot of straining. Stools at the loose or liquid end of the

spectrum can be too easy to pass - theneed to pass them is urgent and accidents can happen. The ideal

stools are types 3and 4, especially type 4, as theyare mostlikely to glide outwithout any fuss.

* Afterwards there is only a pleasant feeling of relief

* All this is most likely if the stool is Bristol StoolForm Scale, type 4

» Type 1: Separate hard lumps, like nuts

Typical for acute disbacteriosis. These stools lack a normal amorphous quality, because bacteria are

missing and there is nothing to retain water. The lumps are hard and abrasive, the typical diameter ranges

from 1 to 2 cm (0.4–0.8”), and they’re painful to pass, because the lumps are hard and scratchy. There is

Represents a combination of Type 1 stools impacted into a single mass and lumped together by fiber

components and some bacteria. Typical for organic constipation. The diameter is 3 to 4 cm (1.2–1.6”). This

type is the most destructive by far because its size isnear or exceeds the maximum opening of the anal

canal’s aperture (3.5 cm). It’s bound to cause extreme straining during elimination, and most likely to

cause anal canal laceration,hemorrhoidal prolapse, or diverticulosis. To attain this form, the stools must be

in the colon for at least several weeks instead of the normal 72hours. Anorectal pain, hemorrhoidal

disease, anal fissures, withholding or delaying of defecation, and a history of chronic constipation are the

most likely causes. Minor flatulence is probable. A person experiencing these stools is most likely to suffer

from irritable bowel syndrome because of continuous pressure of large stools on the intestinal walls. The

possibility of obstruction of the small intestine is high, because the large intestine is filled to capacity with

weeks. Typical for latent constipation. The diameter is 2 to 3.5 cm (0.8–1.4”). Irritable bowel syndrome is

likely. Flatulence is minor, because of disbacteriosis. The fact that it hasn’t became as enlarged as Type 2

suggests that the defecations are regular. Straining is required. Allof the adverseeffects typical for Type 2

stools are likely for type 3, especially the rapid deterioration of hemorrhoidal disease.

» Type 4: Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft

This form is normal for someone defecating once daily. The diameter is 1 to 2 cm (0.4–0.8”). The larger

diameter suggests a longer transit time or a large amount of dietary fiber in the diet.

This form is close to the margins of comfort in several respects. First, it may be difficult to control the urge,

especially when you don’t have immediate access to a bathroom. Second, it is a rather messy affair to

manage with toilet paper alone, unless you have access to aflexible showeror bidet. Otherwise, I consider

it borderline normal.These kind of stools may suggest a slightly hyperactive colon (fast motility), excess

dietary potassium, or sudden dehydration or spike in blood pressure related to stress (both cause therapid

release of water and potassium from blood plasma into the intestinal cavity). It can also indicate a

hypersensitive personality prone to stress, too many spices,drinking water with a high mineral content, or

the use of osmotic (mineral salts)laxatives.

no place to go but down, because thelargeintestineisstuffed with impacted stools throughout its entire

length. Some water gets absorbed, the rest accumulates in the rectum. The reason this type of diarrhea is

called paradoxical is not because its nature isn’t known or understood, butbecausebeing severely

constipated and experiencingdiarrhea all atonce, is, indeed, a paradoxical situation. Unfortunately, it’s all

too common.