What Your Poop Says About Your Health 💩

Normal: Light to dark brown. This indicates healthy digestion of bilirubin, a yellowish-green waste product broken down by your liver.
Red: Can indicate bleeding in the lower digestive tract.
Black: Might be caused by bleeding in the upper digestive tract or iron supplements.
White/gray: Could signal liver problems or a blocked bile duct.
Yellow/green: May suggest a fatty diet, rapid digestion, or a parasite infection.
Shape and consistency:
Ideal: Smooth, sausage-shaped, and easy to pass.
Lumpy/hard: Signs of constipation, possibly due to dehydration or lack of fiber.
Loose/watery: Diarrhea, which could be caused by a variety of factors like infection, food intolerance, or stress.
Greasy/oily: May indicate difficulty absorbing fat, potentially due to a digestive issue like celiac disease.
Frequency:
Normal: Can vary from a few times a day to every other day.
Straining: A sign of constipation.
Urgent feeling: Could be diarrhea or inflammatory bowel disease (IBS).
Additional factors:
Mucus: Small amounts are normal, but excessive mucus might indicate irritation in the digestive tract.
Blood: Always consult a doctor if you see blood in your stool.
Keep in mind:
Occasional changes in your bowel habits are normal. But if you experience persistent changes in color, consistency, frequency, or presence of blood or mucus, see a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.
Here are some resources for more detailed information:
National Institutes of Health
Mayo Clinic