Using the Bristol Stool Chart by Colon Clinic – A New U, Sheffield
Your poo can tell you a great deal about your health. The shape, texture and consistency of your stoolare direct reflections of your digestive health, hydration levels and bowel function.
At www.colonclinic.co.uk, we use our own Bristol Stool Chart (shown above) as a clear visual guide to help clients understand what their bowel movements mean and when digestive support may be needed.
This chart is used daily at A New U in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, by Erica Hartley, Advanced Colonic Hydrotherapist, to assess bowel health and colon function.
Why the Bristol Stool Chart Matters for Gut Health
The Bristol Stool Chart categorises stools into seven types, based on how quickly waste moves through the colon.
Healthy digestion depends on:
- Regular bowel movements
- Adequate hydration
- Balanced fibre intake
- A well-regulated nervous system
Persistent changes in stool can indicate constipation, dehydration, stress, gut irritation or digestive imbalance.
Stool Types Explained: What Your Poo Is Telling You
Type 1: Separate Hard Lumps (Severe Constipation)
What it means:
- Severe constipation
- Dehydration
- Low fibre intake
- Slow bowel transit
- Stress affecting digestion
This stool type suggests waste is remaining in the colon for too long, allowing excessive water to be reabsorbed.
Type 2: Sausage-Shaped but Lumpy
What it means:
- Constipation
- Inadequate hydration
- Insufficient fibre intake
- Poor bowel routine
Many people believe this is normal, but it often indicates the bowel requires additional support.
Type 3: Sausage-Shaped with Cracks
What it means:
- Generally normal bowel movement
- Mild dehydration
- Early signs of constipation
This stool type is common but can often be improved with better hydration and dietary support.
Type 4: Smooth, Soft, Sausage or Snake-Like (Ideal)
What it means:
- Healthy digestion
- Good hydration
- Balanced fibre intake
- Efficient bowel movement
This is considered the ideal stool type and is highlighted on the Colon Clinic Bristol Stool Chart.
Type 5: Soft Blobs with Clear-Cut Edges
What it means:
- Low fibre intake
- Faster gut transit
- Mild digestive imbalance
Occasional Type 5 stools can be normal, but frequent occurrences may suggest underlying gut issues.
Type 6: Mushy Stool with Ragged Edges
What it means:
- Mild diarrhoea
- Food intolerance
- Stress-related digestive upset
- Gut irritation
This stool type often reflects inflammation or heightened bowel sensitivity.
Type 7: Watery Stool (Diarrhoea)
What it means:
- Severe diarrhoea
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Food poisoning
- High stress levels
Persistent Type 7 stools should always be investigated further.
What Is Considered a Healthy Bowel Movement?
As shown on the Colon Clinic Bristol Stool Chart, healthy bowel movements usually fall within Types 3 and 4.
If your stool regularly falls outside this range, your digestive system may be signalling that support is needed.
When to Seek Professional Gut Health Support
You may benefit from professional guidance if you experience:
- Ongoing constipation or diarrhoea
- Irregular bowel habits
- Bloating or abdominal discomfort
- Incomplete bowel evacuation
- Long-term changes in stool consistency
At A New U, we specialise in colon health and digestive wellbeing, supporting clients throughout Sheffield and South Yorkshire.
Final Thoughts from Erica Hartley
Your poo is not something to ignore. It is daily feedback from your digestive system. Understanding your stool type using the Bristol Stool Chart allows you to take proactive steps towards improving your gut health.
At Colon Clinic – A New U, Erica Hartley, Advanced Colonic Hydrotherapist, provides professional, discreet and supportive care to help restore healthy bowel function naturally.
Erica’s Colon Clinic, A New U is based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, J35 M1.
Tel: 07841 474988