The gut is also the most important immune system in the human body. Only when the gut is healthy can the human body be healthy. Regarding how to determine if your gut is healthy, doctors from Zhengzhou Huashan Anus and Intestine Hospital have provided the following five criteria:
1. Frequency of bowel movements - having no more than three times a day and no less than three times a week are both within the normal range.
2. Weight of bowel movements - the diameter should be around 2cm~3cm, weight about 100 grams, and total length around 15 cm.
3. Stool color - healthy stools are yellow or brownish-yellow, influenced by bile pigments, with varying depths; additionally, the depth of color differs between those who mainly consume vegetables and those who primarily eat meat, with the latter being slightly darker.
4. Shape of stool - normal stool should be banana-shaped, with a water content of approximately 60%~75%. Too little water can easily cause constipation; too much water leads to diarrhea.
5. Time per session - normal bowel movement time should be around 5~10 minutes. Too long or too short is not ideal.
If your bowel movements fall within these five standards, it indicates that your gut is very healthy. Continuing to maintain good living habits is an essential tool for achieving physical health.