What Your Poop Says About Your Health 💩
Red:Â Can indicate bleeding in the lower digestive tract.
Black:Â Might be caused by bleeding in the upper digestive tract or iron supplements.
White/gray:Â Could signal liver problems or a blocked bile duct.
Yellow/green:Â May suggest a fatty diet, rapid digestion, or a parasite infection.
Shape and consistency:
Ideal:Â Smooth, sausage-shaped, and easy to pass.
Lumpy/hard:Â Signs of constipation, possibly due to dehydration or lack of fiber.
Loose/watery:Â Diarrhea, which could be caused by a variety of factors like infection, food intolerance, or stress.
Greasy/oily:Â May indicate difficulty absorbing fat, potentially due to a digestive issue like celiac disease.
Frequency:
Normal:Â Can vary from a few times a day to every other day.
Straining:Â A sign of constipation.
Urgent feeling:Â Could be diarrhea or inflammatory bowel disease (IBS).
Additional factors:
Mucus:Â Small amounts are normal, but excessive mucus might indicate irritation in the digestive tract.
Blood:Â 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