10 Things Your Poop Can Tell You About Gut Health

Let’s talk about something we all do, but no one likes to talk about — poop. Yes, your daily deposit (or lack thereof) is one of the clearest indicators of what’s going on in your gut. Your body is sending messages with every trip to the bathroom, and it’s time we learn to decode them.

What your poop looks like, how often you go, and even how it smells can all reveal vital clues about your digestive health. From the downright hilarious to the surprisingly serious, let's break it down:

Let’s start with what we’re all aiming for — the perfect poop. You know the one — smooth, banana-shaped, easy to pass, and not too smelly. It’s a sign that your gut is in tip-top shape. This kind of stool means your digestion is working well, you’re getting enough fiber, and your gut bacteria are balanced.

Pro tip: If your poop is consistently perfect, keep up the good work! But if it’s not, a little digestive TLC might be in order. A prebiotic and probiotic supplement can help feed the good bacteria in your gut and keep things moving like clockwork.

If your poop looks like tiny, hard pellets, it’s a red flag that your gut is crying out for more fiber and water. Dehydration and low fiber intake make it harder for your stool to move through the intestines, causing it to dry out and harden into those less-than-ideal pebbles.

To smooth things out, drink more water and up your fiber intake. A prebiotic fiber like acacia gum nourishes good bacteria, making it easier to pass stool without straining. Plus, acacia is FODMAP-friendly, which means it’s gentle on sensitive tummies.

If your poop is floating instead of sinking, it could mean that your body is having trouble absorbing fat. This can be linked to poor digestion, or in some cases, more serious issues like malabsorption or gallbladder problems.

Before you freak out, try incorporating gut-soothing ingredients like L-glutamine and quercetin, which can help reduce inflammation and support fat absorption in your intestines. If the problem persists, it’s worth checking in with a healthcare professional.

Running to the bathroom after every meal? Frequent loose stools can signal that your gut is out of balance. Whether it’s from food intolerances, stress, or a lack of good bacteria, diarrhea is a sign that your digestive system is struggling to keep things steady.

This is where a good probiotic comes in handy. Bacillus coagulans is a tough probiotic strain that survives stomach acid and makes it all the way to your intestines, where it can help bring balance back to your gut and stop the urgency.

We’ve all been there — you're on a trip, days pass, and still no sign of movement. You're discomfort and the pressure in your gut continue to grow. Constipation is not only uncomfortable but also a major signal that your gut needs some attention. Lack of fiber, dehydration, and even stress can cause constipation, but the root problem is often an unbalanced gut.

Natural ingredients like licorice root increase mucus production and soothe your stomach lining, helping you stay regular. And marshmallows aren't just for s'mores. Marshmallow root, another natural ingredient, is known to ease constipation by promoting smoother digestion.

Noticing some mucus in your poop? While a little bit is normal, too much mucus could indicate that your gut lining is irritated, inflamed, or even compromised. Inflammatory conditions like IBS or food sensitivities can trigger excess mucus production.

To give your gut some extra love, will bring up some hero ingredients again: L-glutamine, which helps strengthen intestinal tissues and repair your gut lining, and quercetin, which reduces inflammation and plugs up those leaks. A little soothing can go a long way in clearing up the slippery stuff.

If you’re spotting undigested food in your poop (like those infamous corn kernels), your digestive system may not be breaking food down properly. This can be caused by eating too fast, not chewing enough, or your gut simply lacking the enzymes it needs to process certain foods.

Slow down, chew your food thoroughly, and consider adding a supplement which supports optimal digestion with ingredients like zinc, known for aiding nutrient absorption by strengthening the gut lining.

If your poop is coming out pencil-thin, it could be a sign of constriction in your intestines, often caused by inflammation or digestive issues like IBS. Persistent narrow stools might be worth checking out with a doctor, but for milder cases, it’s usually a sign your gut needs some TLC.

Remember marshmallow root? It can also help restore you poop to its rightful size by easing inflammation and soothing your digestive tract, promoting plumper and healthier poops.

Green stool isn’t always a reason to panic, especially if you’ve been loading up on leafy greens or taking an iron supplement. But if it’s happening regularly, it could mean food is moving too quickly through your digestive tract, not giving bile enough time to break things down.

Bacillus coagulans to the rescue! (Don't worry, we can't pronounce it either.)This robust probiotic supports the balance of gut bacteria, which plays a key role in regulating how quickly food moves through your digestive tract. It can also help improve the digestion of fats and other nutrients, slowing down the process and preventing green poop.

If your poop is looking a little too sunny, it could be a sign of fat malabsorption or liver issues. Yellow stools often indicate that your body isn’t breaking down fat properly, leading to that distinct color and an oily consistency.

To help get things back on track, you’ll want to focus on soothing your gut and supporting proper bile production. Mixhers Digestion contains ingredients like licorice root and marshmallow root, which help promote healing in the stomach and improve fat digestion, making sure everything’s running smoothly.

Poop may not be the most glamorous topic, but it’s a powerful tool in understanding your gut health. Whether you’re dealing with constipation, diarrhea, or just want to ensure smooth passage, paying attention to what’s happening in the bathroom can help you make informed decisions about your digestive wellness.