The truth about ‘ghost’ poos and why it’s a sign you’re ‘one of the healthiest people on the planet’

If you ever go to the bathroom and what comes out seems to disappear without a trace, then you have experienced something known as “ghost poop.”

If you’ve wiped your butt and there’s nothing on the toilet paper roll, that’s also elusive point two.

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Both can be incredibly satisfying, but also quite confusing.

The good news is that experts say both are signs that your gut is healthy.

Naturopath Janine Bowring even went so far as to say, “If you have this type of poop, you may be the healthiest person on the planet.”

It’s unclear where the term “ghost poop” comes from, but it’s easy to see how it got its name.

“It’s the poop where you look in the toilet and think, ‘I’m sure I just pooped, but it’s gone,'” Bowring said.

“You even wipe and think, ‘I thought I pooped, I don’t see anything’.”

The author and mother of five, who goes by @j9naturally on TikTok, believes there is a simple explanation.

“Well, you probably have enough fiber,” she said in a short video on the app.

The Canadian added that a ghost poop can also mean you’re getting enough essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 in your diet.

Dr. Philippa Kaye, an NHS GP, agreed that smooth bowel movements were an indicator of good health.

She said: “Stool that can be passed easily and without strain but is not too loose can be healthy stool as it does not cause constipation or diarrhea.”

Overall, it’s about checking in regularly and keeping an eye on any abnormalities, she added.

“A normal bowel habit can range from several times a day to twice a week,” said Dr. Kaye.

“The key is knowing what is normal for you and seeing a doctor if this changes.”

“I would recommend people look at their stool and the paper to check for blood.”

Being aware of your usual toilet habits can help you recognize signs of changes, such as symptoms of colon cancer, which include blood in the stool.

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The Bristol stool chart is an easy way to detect changes and diagnose certain bowel diseases.

Developed in 1997, it describes seven types of poop and what each one means.

• Types 1 to 2 indicate constipation
• Types 3 to 4 are ideal because they pass without any problems
• Types 5 to 7 indicate diarrhea and urinary urgency

GP Sarah Jarvis said: “Your poop can definitely say a lot about your gut health.”

“The Bristol stool chart is often used by doctors to determine what your stool looks like.

“They range from Type 1 – very hard pellets, like rabbit droppings – to Type 7 – completely liquid droppings with no solid pieces.”

“Types 6 and 7 usually mean you have a gastrointestinal problem or an inflammatory bowel problem, while types 1 and 2 are much more common and indicate you have constipation.

“Constipation is linked to all sorts of other medical problems like hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, and even an increased risk of colon cancer if it’s a long-term problem.”

“In the middle is Type 4 – a smooth, soft sausage.

“Eating enough fiber, exercising regularly, and keeping fluid intake up all contribute to this type of poop.”

“You probably walk regularly and don’t have to exert yourself.”