Loose Poops – What Do They Mean?

Going “No. 2” – as humans, it’s natural for us all, and we all have natural patterns. Some of us go a few times a week, while some go a few times a day.

What’s normal varies, but ongoing changes in your bowel movements can signal that something’s going on.

“Avoiding the extremes can help you achieve better gut health. Don’t be preoccupied with every minor change,” said Christopher Hurley, MD, Avera Medical Group Gastroenterology. “On the other hand, don’t avoid looking altogether and miss a red-flag warning like blood in the stool.”

Common Causes of Loose Stools

The most common loose poop causes are things like:

• Viruses
• Food allergies
• Changes in diet or overeating certain foods (like spinach, coffee, ice cream)
• Food poisoning
• Medication side effects

“This is important when we consider how medications, including over-the-counter ones, interact,” said Hurley.

Some chronic conditions that cause loose stools:

• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Celiac disease

Bristol Stool Scale Explains Poop Types

The Bristol Scale can help patients as well as health care professionals categorize stool:

• Type 1: Separate hard lumps, like nuts, and can be 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 that’s passed easily
• Type 6: Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool
• Type 7: Watery, no solid pieces, entirely liquid

Consider Dietary Changes for Loose Bowels 

Diet is a big deal. We all face gas and bloating, and when we have “more gas” it might be what you eat. Avoiding certain foods can help with gas. In most cases gas amounts are subjective and rarely indicate a serious condition, Hurley said.

• Eat high-fiber, low-fat foods with every meal.
• Drink lots of water. Water alongside high-fiber foods works best.
• Cut back on alcohol and caffeine. Drinking too much alcohol, soda and coffee remove moisture and can cause loose stools.
• Be sure the food you eat is safe. Cook foods thoroughly, wash your veggies and fruits and make sure to do the same with your hands – especially after handling raw meat.

Changes in Poop Worth Reporting

When patterns in our stools change, it can indicate gastrointestinal issues. Here's how to know when to take action.

“We don’t want you to overly fixate on what’s in the bowl nor ignore it altogether,” Hurley said. Some indicators might require medical attention.

Consider these tips:

• Ongoing diarrhea
• Unexplained weight loss
• Pain during bowel movements
• Stool that's discolored or thin or tar-like

“Size, shape or smell can vary but changes that stick around are worth reporting,” Hurley said.

See a Doctor for Blood or Tar-Like Stools 

Look for red flags, including in the toilet. Prolonged changes in bowel habits or blood in the stool can be symptoms of serious conditions, including colorectal cancer.

“Patients say ‘Oh, I never look at it!’ Don’t do that,” Hurley said. “You should look to make sure you don’t see blood or tar-like stools.” Both are indicators of possible serious conditions and should lead you to call your provider.