Our bowel movements can provide valuable insights into our digestive health, and understanding the characteristics of our stool is key to maintaining a balanced digestive system. The Bristol Stool Chart offers a useful framework for categorizing stool into different types.
Type 6 stool, the sixth category on the chart, represents a stool consistency that is loose and mushy, often described as fluffy or mushy with ragged edges. While it may not be the most pleasant topic to discuss, understanding the features of Type 6 stool can help us identify potential issues with our digestive system and take appropriate measures to maintain optimal bowel health.
In this article, we will delve into the characteristics, possible causes, and management strategies related to Type 6 stool, providing you with valuable information to promote a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.
Bristol Stool Chart Type 6: Poop looks like Mashed Potatoes Consistency
Type 6 stool is characterized by its fluffy and mashed potatoes-like consistency. Let’s uncover the unique characteristics of Type 6 stool.
Example Images of Type 6 Stool
Hover over with a mouse or tap with your finger on the image to un-blur it. Keep reading for more Type 6 Stool examples.
Appearance of Type 6 Stool
When you observe Type 6 stool, you will notice that it has a fluffy and soft consistency, resembling mashed potatoes or porridge. The stool appears in lumps or pieces with ragged edges, lacking the well-formed structure seen in previous stool types.
Consistency of Type 6 Stool
Type 6 stool is loose and soft, falling into the category of “soft blobs with ragged edges.” It is not watery or completely formless but has a malleable texture. The stool may be easy to pass but may require more wiping compared to firmer stools.
Causes and Implications of Type 6 Stool
Type 6 stool can be influenced by various factors, including diet, medications, and underlying conditions. Here are a few potential causes and implications.
Diet
Certain dietary factors can contribute to Type 6 stool. Consuming excessive amounts of high-fiber foods or foods that have a laxative effect, such as prunes or certain fruits, can lead to looser stool consistency.
Food intolerance
Food intolerance happens when a person has difficulty digesting a particular food or food group. While it is not life threatening, it can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. A food intolerance is sometimes referred to as food sensitivity, these two terms are used inter-changeably.
It is estimated around 20% of the world population has a food intolerance. It is very common and seems to be on the rise.
Learn more about different types of food intolerance here.
Medications
Some medications, such as antibiotics or medications that affect the gut motility, can result in changes in stool consistency, including Type 6 stool. It is important to discuss any medication-related concerns with your healthcare provider.
Digestive Disorders
Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or malabsorption disorders can affect stool consistency, potentially leading to Type 6 stool. If you experience persistent changes in stool consistency along with other digestive symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation.
More Example Images of Type 6 Stool
Hover over with a mouse or tap with your finger on the image to un-blur it. See examples of poop looks like Mashed Potatoes.
How to Address Type 6 Stool
To maintain healthy bowel movements and promote optimal digestive health, consider the following tips for Type 6 stool.
Balanced Diet
Follow a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid excessive intake of foods that can loosen the stool, and work with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian if you have specific dietary concerns.
Hydration
Stay adequately hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. Sufficient hydration helps maintain proper bowel function and can contribute to healthy stool consistency.
Probiotics
Consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your routine. Probiotics rich food can help support a healthy gut microbiome, potentially improving digestive health and stool consistency.
However, do not take probiotics supplement randomly. It can cause more issues and sometimes, might be why you have poop that looks like mashed potatoes.
Understanding Overflow Diarrhea
While Type 6 stool is generally not cause for major concern, it’s important to be aware of the possibility of developing a condition known as overflow diarrhea. Overflow diarrhea occurs when liquid stool leaks around a partial blockage in the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as the colon or rectum. This leakage happens when liquid stool bypasses the blockage, resulting in loose and frequent bowel movements. Learn more about overflow diarrhea here.
Seek Medical Evaluation
If you experience persistent changes in stool consistency, accompanying symptoms, or concerns about your digestive health, consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.
Conclusion:
Type 6 stool, characterized by its fluffy and mashed potatoes-like consistency, signifies looser stool compared to previous types. It can be influenced by factors such as diet, medications, and underlying digestive conditions. By understanding the characteristics and potential causes of Type 6 stool, you can make informed choices to promote healthy digestion and overall well-being.
If you suspect a food intolerance causing diarrhea, learn more about different types of food intolerance here.
Free Resources to Help You Get Started
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Free IBS Relief Masterclass | ibsdietitian.com/masterclass |
| Free Low FODMAP Starter Guide | ibsdietitian.com/fodmap-diet-pdf |
| IBS Patient Toolkit | ibsdietitian.com/resources |
| IBS Nutrition Podcast | ibsdietitian.com/podcast |
| Stool Education (Poopedia) | poopedia.org |
| Free Symptom Tracker | poopedia.org/resources |
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References:
American College of Gastroenterology. (2021). ACG clinical guideline: management of irritable bowel syndrome. The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 116(1), 17-44. doi: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001001
American College of Gastroenterology. (2020). ACG Clinical Guideline: Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 115(2), 165-178. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000501
Mayo Clinic. (2022). Stool Colors: What They Mean. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/stool-color/expert-answers/faq-20058080
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2017). Gas in the Digestive Tract. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gas-digestive-tract
I have had type 6 stool on my third stool bowel movement for the pass weeks. I’m almost sure I have IBS based on the symptoms and my high anxiety I have been dealing with this year. I am waiting on 3 stools test by my physician. I hope it’s not IBS but if it is , it isn’t the first time I have it. I had it back in 2004. After a colonoscopy ruling everything out. The GI finally diagnosed me with IBS
Hi Leo, thank you for sharing your experience. It sounds like you’ve been through a lot, and it’s good that you’re working with your physician to get to the root of your symptoms. Anxiety can definitely play a significant role in digestive health, especially when it comes to IBS. It’s also worth noting that IBS can recur, particularly during stressful periods.
While you’re waiting on your test results, you might find our IBS Nutrition Podcast helpful—it’s packed with expert tips and strategies for managing IBS, including how diet and lifestyle changes can support your gut health. We’re here if you have more questions or need further support!
Hi, so I first had constipation and then now I’m having type 6 and it’s been like this for probably a week , and I was constipated before this, for like almost 2 weeks. I do eat a lot of fiber stuff and I’m taking fiber multivitamins. I am having to go to the doctors to probably take a stool test and I’m nervous that it’s gonna come out bad the only symptom I really having is just the type 6. And I’m not sure what it is fully.
Dear Julie, do you usually need to push and bear down hard when you have a bowel movement ? My doctor told me that it’s not necessary to have a B.M. every day. She said that she doesn’t move her bowels every day. I usually have one or two bowel movements a week, sometimes just one bowel movement a week. My stools are usually really big, and they hurt as they pass through my anus. Try probiotics. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that help you to digest your food. You can buy them at any Health Food store or regular supermarket. Also, drink a lot of water and organic juice. Aloe Vera juice is good for constipation. Also, as soon as you feel the urge to defecate, find a bathroom as soon as possible even if you need to use a public restroom. As soon as you sit on the toilet, push a few times until the stool is near your anus and then push it all the way out and push a few more times to make sure that your rectum is completely emptied. Try Metamucil and a stool softener to help your stools come out of your anus easier.
Hi Britney, thanks for sharing your struggles. It’s great that you’re going to your doctor to get a stool test, as that can provide more clarity on what might be happening. While it can be nerve wracking waiting for results, knowing what’s going on, can help with navigating and managing symptoms. If you need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Also, tune into our IBS Nutrition Podcast to learn more about IBS, IBS sub-types, and ways to manage your symptoms. We have an episode on constipation and another on diarrhea, and mixed bowel type.
Is type 6 stools something i need to fix. I honestly like when I’m type 6 the best – it feels like I fully emptied out. Is it something I should work on firming up?
Hi Julie, thank you for reaching out! It’s great that you’re in tune with how your body feels. While Type 6 stools can sometimes feel like a full emptying, they might also indicate loose stools or diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration or nutrient absorption issues over time. To help answer your question, I recommend checking out our podcast episode on diarrhea: The Different Types of Diarrhea in IBS and How to Manage Them.
Additionally, our IBS Nutrition Podcast is packed with expert advice on managing stool consistency and overall gut health. Don’t forget to download our free symptom tracker from poopedia.org/resources to better understand your patterns and track progress!
Dear Julie, do you usually need to push and bear down hard when you have a bowel movement ? My doctor told me that it’s not necessary to have a B.M. every day. She said that she doesn’t move her bowels every day. I usually have one or two bowel movements a week, sometimes just one bowel movement a week. My stools are usually really big, and they hurt as they pass through my anus. Try probiotics. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that help you to digest your food. You can buy them at any Health Food store or regular supermarket. Also, drink a lot of water and organic juice. Aloe Vera juice is good for constipation. Also, as soon as you feel the urge to defecate, find a bathroom as soon as possible even if you need to use a public restroom. As soon as you sit on the toilet, push a few times until the stool is near your anus and then push it all the way out and push a few more times to make sure that your rectum is completely emptied. Try Metamucil and a stool softener to help your stools come out of your anus easier.
I was having severe ‘tension’ in my chest region yesterday followed by severe painful cramping further down today. The cramps caused intense sweating and chill sensation. Later, I had a very small Type 1.5 bowel movement with no relief. Three hours later, I experienced a Type 5 BM immediately followed by an extremely large (might have been the largest ever) Type 6 BM and I was sweating the whole time. But I didn’t really get any relief and I’m still in a lot of pain.
Hi, I really appreciate your site!
I was an avid nail biter since I remember and had an ocasional softer bowel movements – which was expected. My regular type was 3 or 4, 3 to 4 times a week.
I finally stoped with this habit in Spring and since then I am noticing bigger frequency of type 5 and 6 BM and more frequent movement, almost daily.
I tried taking Linex Forte and Darmflora Plus during Summer months, on/off in July and August and it worked by stabilizing BM to 3 and 4 again. I then stopped in August and now throughout September I had almost daily 5 and 6 types… Last two weeks more 6 than 5.
My partner says that she has 5 and 6 regualry and that she doesnt find it weird, but I am stressing out a bit… It really used to be rare for me. My doctor doesnt seem worried, since I do not experience any cramps or pain (before visiting the toilet, I get a normal, sometimes a bit growling, feeling to move bowels), very rarely farting, and there was never any blood or discoloring in poop.
I take psyllium at night and I go to the bathroom in the morning and the stool is number 6 on the brystol chart. Sometimes is more normal. I also don’t eat red meat, pork or consume coffee or sodas or sugar. I don’t drink alcohol either. Could this be because of my diet ?
My 3 yr old has been experiencing type 6. She says her tummy hurts right before she needs to go but that is usually her comment before the restroom regardless, so I wasn’t looking too heavily into that. Her eating and energy seem normal, but over the past 2 days I have noticed type 6 poop or ones that crumble
Apart on the toilet. She experiences loud farts right before she goes and the poop shoots out quickly with the fart. It’s not liquid. I am debating if this is a virus or perhaps diet related? Maybe too much fruit? She also recently discovered my xylitol gum and has been chewing that…