Bowel Transit Time

Instructions for Self-Testing

The purpose of this test is to measure how long food remains in your digestive tract.  Charcoal powder is used as a harmless marker which can be seen in the stool once it has completed its journey.

If you already use charcoal as a medication, do not consume any for one week prior to the test.  To begin the test, take four (4) charcoal capsules with breakfast.  Record the date and time of the test meal on the lines below.  Do not consume any more of the marker until five days after it has appeared in the stool.  Also, avoid beets, licorice, iron supplements, and any other substance which might color the stools.

After every bowel movement, observe the stool under bright light.  When a black or charcoal gray stool occurs, again record the date and time below.  Continue to observe and record every stool for five more days.  The color may return to normal within a day or two but may appear gray again a few days later.  Make sure you record every time you see the black or gray stool.

After the stools have been the normal color for five days in a row, you are ready to repeat the test, following the same instructions.  Three full tests should be done and reported to your doctor.

Related products available in the NaturoDoc Store: