Maintaining good health is a top priority for many individuals, and it’s important to recognize that our bodies have unique ways of communicating with us. By understanding these signals, we can significantly enhance our overall quality of life. One often overlooked area of our bodily functions that deserves more attention is the topic of feces.
Feces is typically a taboo subject that is often avoided in conversations. However, giving more consideration to this bodily function is crucial. Our bowel movements can provide valuable insights into our overall health and well-being.
By openly discussing and paying attention to our bowel movements, we can gain a better understanding of our body’s needs and take proactive steps to maintain optimal health.
1. White
Abnormal stool color, specifically white or clay-colored stools, can indicate a potentially serious health issue.
This change in color occurs when the liver either fails to produce bile or when bile doesn’t flow properly into the small intestine for food breakdown. Bile, an essential digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, normally gives stools their typical brown color during the digestion process.
Liver diseases, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, are common culprits behind white stools. Additionally, certain medications and substances like barium (used in digestive tract X-rays) and certain antacids containing aluminum hydroxide can also cause stool discoloration. If you notice white stools, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention to identify and address the underlying cause.
2. Green
Let’s start by pointing out an important fact — you’re not the only one who has noticed an unexpected hint of green in your stool after going to the toilet. According to Dr. Lee, the color and shade of stool can vary from day to day, and this is normal, as things are constantly changing. But what can cause these changes?
- Eating green foods, such as broccoli, kale, and spinach, is the most likely explanation for why you produce green stools. The chlorophyll that gives these vegetables their greenish color can also stain your stools.
- The use of antibiotics can affect digestion and change the color of your stools. This is because these drugs can alter the bacterial flora in the gut, which can result in a greenish tint to the stool. In addition, some medicines can upset your stomach and produce diarrhea with a greenish tint due to the presence of bile.
- Changes in stool color can also be a sign of a possible infection or health problem. The presence of a greenish hue could be a sign of a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection in the body, which may generate a rapid transit response of intestinal contents and unabsorbed bile. In such cases, this and other fluids are not absorbed properly in the intestine, which may result in green or watery stools.
3. Yellow
The brown color of stool is a result of the presence of bilirubin and bile. Bilirubin is produced in the liver through the breakdown of red blood cells and combines with bile in the gallbladder. This mixture then passes into the intestines, where bacteria further break it down and eliminate it in the feces or urine.
While a diet high in fats is a common cause of yellow-colored feces, there are various health conditions that can also contribute to this change in stool color. These conditions include liver and gallbladder disorders, pancreatic disorders, celiac disease, Gilbert’s syndrome, giardiasis, stress, and poor dietary habits. It’s important to consult with experts to determine the underlying cause if you experience yellow-colored feces.
4. Black
Dark or black stools can occur due to the consumption of dark-colored foods and beverages, like beetroot, or the use of certain supplements containing iron. However, it is essential to be aware that black stools can also indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
When black stools are accompanied by an unpleasant odor, it may signify an underlying health issue such as peptic ulcer, gastritis, inflammation, or colon polyps. In such cases, it is crucial to seek medical attention and consult with your doctor. They may suggest diagnostic procedures such as an endoscopy or colonoscopy to identify the source and nature of the problem. Early detection and proper medical guidance are important in addressing any potential health concerns related to black stools.
5. Reddish-yellow
Defecating red feces can be confusing and worrying. While it can sometimes be due to the consumption of red foods or dyes such as Pepto-Bismol, which contains bismuth, it can also be a sign of bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract. Causes of the latter can be hemorrhoids, fissures in the colon or signs of inflammation in the intestines, bleeding in the stomach or intestines.
If you notice bright red streaks on toilet paper or in the toilet, and you have pain or itching, it is likely to be due to hemorrhoids or anal fissures. It could also be due to inflammation in the intestines.
However, if the red stools are accompanied by fever and malaise, or if the blood looks lumpy like coffee grounds, experts recommend calling your doctor immediately, as this may be a sign of internal bleeding in the digestive tract.
6. Hard, pellet-like
If your stools appear small, hard, and resemble pellets, it is likely that you are experiencing constipation or a decreased frequency of bowel movements. This condition often occurs when your diet lacks sufficient fiber. Other factors that can contribute to constipation include inadequate hydration and a lack of physical activity. It is also worth noting that certain medications or underlying medical conditions can disrupt normal bowel function and lead to constipation.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is advisable to address your diet, increase your fiber intake, stay adequately hydrated, and engage in regular physical activity. If the issue persists or becomes concerning, consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended to identify any underlying causes and explore appropriate treatment options.
7. Cracked
If your stools appear sausage-shaped with surface cracks, it could be a sign of mild constipation resulting from a suboptimal diet or prolonged sitting. This type of stool is often associated with functional constipation, which is typically caused by dietary or lifestyle factors. It may indicate that the stool has spent approximately seven days in the bowel before being expelled.
To alleviate mild constipation, it is advisable to improve your diet by increasing fiber intake and staying adequately hydrated. Engaging in regular physical activity and avoiding prolonged periods of sitting can also help promote healthy bowel movements. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking medical advice is recommended to rule out any underlying conditions and receive appropriate treatment.
8. Soft and smooth
Healthy stools are usually cylindrical, sausage-like in shape, about the width of a banana, and between 4 to 8 inches. When flushed, they should keep their shape and have the right amount of water and nutrients. A consistency similar to soft ice cream is ideal. In addition, having a healthy, normal bowel system means having a bowel movement every one to three days.
9. Drop-shaped
When the stool has a soft consistency and falls in the form of small droplets with distinct edges, it is considered to be slightly loose. It is normal for people who go to the toilet two or three times a day to experience this type of bowel movement, especially after major meals. The soft, drop-shaped stools are easily and effortlessly passed.
10. Poorly defined edges
Stools that are soft with fluffy bits are indicative of an early stage of diarrhea. This can occur when the colon expels stool rapidly, often due to sudden changes in diet, physical activity levels, or stressful situations. During such episodes, it can be challenging to control the urgency or timing of bowel movements. When the body experiences stress or is not accustomed to a healthy diet and lifestyle, stools may pass through the intestines at an accelerated pace.
As a result, they may not undergo proper processing, leading to the presence of unabsorbed water and nutrients in the stool. It is important to address the underlying factors causing the diarrhea, such as managing stress, gradually introducing dietary changes, and adopting a healthier lifestyle to promote regular and well-formed bowel movements. If diarrhea persists or worsens, seeking medical advice is advisable to identify any underlying conditions and receive appropriate treatment.
11. Liquid
When stool transforms into a watery consistency and is expelled uncontrollably, it indicates an advanced stage of diarrhea. This condition arises from the irritation of the small intestine, leading to the passage of fluids through the body without undergoing proper processing. While a portion of the fluid may be absorbed by the large intestine, a significant amount accumulates in the rectum, resulting in sudden and severe diarrhea.
There are many signs our body sends us that indicate certain issues. For example, there is a reason why our eyelids tremor and our back gets acne out of the blue.