Healthy stool is regular, easy to pass without pain or heavy straining, typically brown, and not extremely hard or watery. Clinicians often use the Bristol Stool Form Scale: types 3–4 are commonly considered ideal; types 1–2 suggest constipation; types 6–7 suggest diarrhea. Color changes can be meaningful: bright red blood (many causes, including hemorrhoids), black/tarry stools (possible upper GI bleeding or medications), or pale/clay stools (possible bile-flow issues) should be assessed. Odor alone is not diagnostic, but greasy, shiny, sticky stools plus weight loss can suggest malabsorption. Frequency varies—many references consider anywhere from three times per day to three times per week within normal range. The key is a sustained change from your own baseline. If changes last beyond ~3 weeks or are accompanied by bleeding, anemia, or unexplained weight loss, seek medical evaluation.