Dear charliedavies22,
There is no such thing like healthiest size of stool. However, I would like to give you certain information.
There are seven types of stool:
Type 1: Separate hard lumps, like nuts (hard to pass)
Type 2: Sausage-shaped, but lumpy
Type 3: Like a sausage but with cracks on its surface
Type 4: Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft
Type 5: Soft blobs with clear cut edges (passed easily)
Type 6: Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool
Type 7: Watery, no solid pieces. Entirely liquid
Diarrhea is defined by the World Health Organization as having 3 or more loose or liquid stools per day, or as having more stools than is normal for that person.
Constipation refers to bowel movements that are infrequent and/or hard to pass.
I would say type IV is normal. Type III is near normal.
Hope that this information helps and hope that you will get better soon.
Thank you for using MedHelp's "Ask an Expert" Service, where we feature some of world's renowned medical experts in their fields. Millions have benefitted from our service to get personalized advice for them and for their loved ones.
Best Regards,
Dr. Vaibhav Banait.
What is the healthiest size for stool?
Dear charliedavies22,
Thanks for the query.
Diarrhea is best described as increase in frequency and fluidity of stools when compared to normal consistency and frequency of stool for that person.
You possibly had acute infectious diarrhea when abroad. The frequency has decreased but the fluidity has not improved possibly because of mild persistent infection. This should improve over next couple of weeks.
Intestinal infection sometimes damages brush border of small intestine. Brush border helps absorption of nutrients. Damage results in malabsorption especially of carbohydrates (Especially milk) and also increased fluidity of stools. Stopping milk for few weeks till brush border regenerates should help. I would also recommend increasing fiber intake in diet like Isapgol husk (Psyllium husk) which is available over the counter.
Changed bowel pattern beyond 4-6 weeks should always be investigated and any serious bowel problem should be ruled out.
I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you.
Thank you for using MedHelp's "Ask an Expert" Service, where we feature some of world's renowned medical experts in their fields. Millions have benefitted from our service to get personalized advice for them and for their loved ones.
Best Regards,
Dr. Vaibhav Banait.