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A “ghost poop” isn’t a bowel movement you should fear \u2014 it’s something to aim for. Antonio Hugo Photo via Getty Images<\/p>\n
\u201cGhost poops\u201d might sound like an inherently scary type of bowel movement, but according to gastroenterologists, they\u2019re actually quite healthy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ghost poops are bowel movements that leave no skid marks in the toilet bowl or streaks on your toilet paper. Julia Barten, a physical therapist at the\u00a0Stanford Pelvic Health Center<\/a>, calls these \u201cunicorn poops\u201d or \u201cno wipers.\u201d<\/p>\n Why? \u201cBecause the stool is so well formed that there\u2019s no remnant fecal matter left behind when you wipe,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n In other words: They\u2019re the perfect poo. Here\u2019s what causes ghost poops \u2014 and what they say about your overall health:<\/p>\n What makes a bowel movement a \u2018ghost poop\u2019?<\/strong><\/p>\n If you take a look at the Bristol Stool Scale<\/a>, a visual chart that classifies bowel movements, ghost poops qualify as a Type 4 poo, Barten said. Though there may be no evidence left in the pot, your poop might look like a piece of sausage that\u2019s smooth and soft. \u201cI would consider that to be an absolutely perfect poop,\u201d Barten said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Dr. Ira Leeds<\/a>, a Yale Medicine colorectal surgeon, said ghost poops\u00a0\u2014\u00a0or nirvana poops, as he calls them \u2014 easily (but noticeably) pass through the anal canal, sink to the bottom of the toilet, and leave no residue when wiping. These three factors are indicative of good bowel health.<\/p>\n A bowel movement that easily moves through the anal canal typically has an ideal consistency, according to Leeds. As such, you don\u2019t have to push as hard. This, in turn, minimizes straining and toilet time, which can both lead to complications like hemorrhoids and anal fissures, he explained.<\/p>\n Floating poops typically have a higher fat content, which causes them to stay on the surface of the water. But when your poop sinks? This suggests your digestion is functioning well. <\/p>\n \u201cFats, proteins and carbohydrates are being broken down properly into their constitutive parts that can be used by the body effectively,\u201d Leeds said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Finally, seeing a lot of residue on the toilet paper when wiping could mean you have an underlying health issue. According to Leeds, if you have to wipe at least three times, you may want to investigate. While your diet may be to blame (more on that below), excess wiping can occur if you have hemorrhoids, fissures, chronic itching, or an anal fistulae, Leeds noted.<\/p>\n What can you do to ensure you have ghost poops?<\/strong><\/p>\n There are multiple factors that can impact the consistency of your poop such as diet<\/a>, your stress<\/a> levels along with how much you sleep<\/a> and exercise.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you want to improve your gut health, Barten recommended starting with dietary changes. In general, a high-fiber diet will bulk up your stool so that it looks like the Type 4 poo on that Bristol Stool Scale. Aim to consume 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a>. The more fiber you eat, the better your stool consistency will be, the easier it\u2019ll be to go to the bathroom, and the less toilet paper you\u2019ll need, Leeds said.<\/p>\n Many people have food sensitivities and intolerances. So, it\u2019s worth being aware of how you react to various foods and drinks. The reason: \u201cAvoiding foods that irritate your gut is important for having well-formed stools,\u201d Barten said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Evidence<\/a> also shows that exercise can improve your bowel movements. \u201cRegular cardiovascular exercise improves nervous system regulation and movement literally helps things move better \u2014 our joints, our muscles and our bowels,\u201d Barten said. The CDC suggests getting 150 minutes<\/a> of exercise each week, but even small bursts of activity<\/a>, like going on a short stroll, can boost your gut health.<\/p>\n Finally, prioritize your sleep (aim for seven to eight hours<\/a> of shut-eye each night) and do your best to manage your stress. \u201cOur gut is our emotional center,\u201d Barten said. <\/p>\n