What does your poo say about you?

Wait, don't flush! 

Every time you flush the loo you're sending valuable information about your health down the drain. So, next time to you go... take a peek. It may not be the nicest of habits, but it could save your life.

Why it's important 

9 out of 10 UK adults are deficient in dietary fibre, with over 60% of our food intake made up of ultra-processed, low-fibre foods. Sadly these stats are only getting worse. 

Incidences of chronic disease have risen by 25% globally over the last decade alone. Diet and lifestyle are to blame. Low fibre diets have been linked with increased risk of heart disease, colon cancer, type-2 diabetes and stroke. 

It's not all gloom  

Recent studies have shown that increasing your fibre intake by just 7g per day can lower your risk of all cause mortality from the 4 most common chronic diseases by up to 30%. The more fibre and the more diversity of fibre you consume, the more this risk reduces. 

These ground-breaking insights are based on epidemiological evidence from the EPIC study (the largest study of its kind with data from 500,000 participants) and a meta-analysis of 243 studies published by the Lancet.  Both are linked if you want to read more. 

Fibre works in many ways 

Fibre regulates how you digest and absorb nutrients from food, and helps to remove waste and toxins from your body.  It also acts as prebiotic food to feed the healthy microbes in your gut, all 100 trillion of them! These microbes produce a range of chemicals that help regulate your immune system, your blood glucose levels and even influence your mood and mental state.

What does your poo say about you? By monitoring your bowel movements, you can get a good idea of whether or not you are getting enough fibre in your diet.   This Bristol stool chart is a simple and trusted reference.  If you are type 3 and 4, you’re in doing well. Type 1 & 2, you’re constipated and need to up your fibre intake and drink more water. Type 5-7, you need more fibre, so up the number of whole fruits, whole grains, veggies, nuts, seeds, beans and legumes in your diet. Please note: type 7 may indicate a viral or bacterial infection so worth checking in with your doctor.

Here are 4 simple ways to add more fibre to your diet

1. Add Indi Body to your routine with 5.3g of fibre per serving from 12 plant sources.

2. Add mixed seeds to smoothies, porridge or plain yoghurt. This will not only add fibre and protein to your day but also up your fibre diversity which is key for good health.

3. Snack on mixed nuts and seeds with fresh fruit.

4. Add lentils, beans and chickpeas to your menu every day.