Analyzing your stool will help you understand how your body is reacting to the foods you are consuming.

If you don’t take the time to look at what you put out, you’re going to miss out on some vital feedback that your body is giving you.

So what exactly are you looking for?

We’re going to use the simple 4S technique. That is, we’re going to look at the size, shape, smell, and shade of your stool.

Note: this information has been sourced from an awesome infographic created by Kimberly Snyder.

Before we get into the analysis, here are some things you should know about your stools:

[Note: the image above states that whole grains are a poop superfood. This is because they are loaded with fiber. However, whole grains cause other problems like fat accumulation and metabolic syndrome. Instead, focus on leafy green vegetables to get your fiber.]

So a healthy stool should look like a torpedo – it should be large, soft, fluffy and easy to pass.

What if it’s not shaped like a torpedo?

Well, here are some images that can help give you a better idea of what exactly your stool is trying to tell you…

The shade or colour of your stool can also give you a lot of information…

It takes a bit of time and practice to really learn how to read and understand what your stool is telling you.

An ideal stool looks like a torpedo – it should be large, soft, fluffy and easy to pass.

– Dr. Foxx-Orenstein, president of the American College of Gastroenterology