Our stool reveals a lot about our health, yet it’s often a taboo topic. Dr. Rhianna McClymont, Lead GP at Livi, says, “It’s important to normalise talking about poo… if it’s something serious, it’s crucial to catch it early.”

Stool consistency and appearance can reflect fiber intake, hydration, and gut health. Ignoring changes might mean missing early signs of illness. Even habits like using phones on the toilet for too long may negatively affect digestion.

Researchers from the University of Chicago and Amsterdam developed a tool called the metabolic dysbiosis score (MDS). It analyzes 13 fecal metabolites and may predict a critically ill patient’s risk of dying within 30 days. “Fecal metabolic dysbiosis holds potential as a biomarker,” researchers told *ScienceAlert*.

Gut imbalances, or dysbiosis, can cause bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements and may lead to conditions like Crohn’s disease or colitis if untreated. Since the gut and brain are linked, poor gut health may even affect mental well-being.

Ongoing studies are testing MDS across more patient groups, offering hope for earlier diagnosis and personalized treatment.