The Scoop on Poop: What Your Stool Says About Your Diet

Have you ever stopped to think about what your poop can tell you about your health and diet? Believe it or not, your feces can act as a valuable indicator of your nutritional intake. From color to consistency, your poop can reveal a lot about what’s going on inside your body.

“When you’re eating right for you, your body produces good poops,” says Todd Sinett, D.C., founder of Tru Whole Care in New York City and author of The Good Sh*t.

Let’s dive into what experts have to say about the relationship between your poop health and the food on your plate. Keep in mind that certain health conditions can also impact your stool, so if you have concerns, it’s always best to consult a physician.

Poop Color: What It Means

Food coloring isn’t the only thing that can affect the color of your poop. Here’s a breakdown of what different poop colors may signal about your diet:

Brown Poop

Brown poop is a sign of good poop health and a healthy diet. The shade of brown can indicate how quickly your stool is moving through your digestive system.

“Stool that moves quickly may be lighter in color, while stool that sits in your colon longer can darken,” explains Bethany Doerfler, R.D.N., a gastrointestinal research specialist.

Green Poop

If you’ve been eating lots of green veggies, your poop may take on a green hue due to chlorophyll content. However, green stools can also be a sign of rapid transit through your GI tract, such as in cases of diarrhea.

Red Poop

Foods like beets can turn your stool red. If you haven’t consumed any red foods, it’s best to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying health issues.

Black Poop

Iron supplements and medications like Pepto-Bismol can darken your stool. If you notice persistent black stools, it may indicate an issue with your diet.

Orange Poop

Beta carotene from foods like carrots can give your stool an orange tint. Consuming excessive amounts of carrot juice can lead to this coloration.

Yellow Poop

Pale yellow stools may suggest fast-moving bowels, which can be a result of a high-fiber diet.

Poop Frequency and Consistency Matter

The frequency and consistency of your bowel movements are important indicators of your digestive health. Here’s what you need to know:

The Bristol scale categorizes stool into seven types, ranging from separate hard lumps to entirely liquid stools.

Types 1 and 2: Constipation

If your poop is hard and dry, you may need more soluble fiber in your diet. Including fruits like berries, pears, and kiwis can help alleviate constipation.

Types 3 and 4: Normal

Congratulations if your stool falls into this category! This is considered a healthy consistency, indicating a well-rounded diet.

Food Chunks

Seeing undigested food in your stool is normal and simply means that your body didn’t fully break down the fibers.

Types 5 to 7: Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be caused by various factors, including certain foods, lack of fiber, or food intolerances. It’s important to identify the root cause to address this issue.

Greasy Floaters

Presence of fat in your stool may indicate malabsorption issues, which should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Tracking Your Poop for Better Health

Keeping track of your food intake and bowel movements can provide valuable insights into how your diet is affecting your digestive health. If you notice any patterns or changes, it’s wise to consult a doctor or dietitian for guidance.

Remember, your poop health is a reflection of your overall well-being. By paying attention to your stool and making necessary adjustments to your diet, you can ensure a healthier gut and a happier you.