Zhwan Azad
Poop is an often-overlooked aspect of our health. In the 21st century, we have realized the importance of monitoring our well-being, yet we overlook the signals our body sends us. However, analyzing the color and shape of our stool can provide vital information about our overall health. Despite the unpleasantness of the task, it is a simple yet effective way to gauge our well-being.
Viral Strange will list 12 things you should look out for in your poop to know more about your health.
POOP COLOR
The color of stool can vary slightly based on diet. However, brown is typically considered normal. However, a sudden unexplained change in color may be a cause for concern.
1. White
The absence of bile can be indicated by whitish, grayish, or clay-colored stool, pointing towards potential issues with the liver and gallbladder, such as gallstones or cirrhosis, arising from blocked bile ducts or other underlying causes.
If the brown stool has white mucus, it could signify the presence of Crohn’s disease.
2. Green
The green hue of feces comes from consuming vegetables high in chlorophyll, such as spinach. Also, it can be the addition of green food coloring in drinks or iron supplements.
However, if food is not the root cause, it indicates that the stool moved too rapidly through the digestive system, leaving insufficient time for bile and bilirubin to be processed.
3. Yellow
When stool appears yellow, it can indicate blocked bile ducts and inadequate fat absorption. Additionally, a deficiency in pancreas-produced enzymes may point toward chronic pancreatitis, celiac disease, or cystic fibrosis. However, yellow stool can also appear by non-threatening factors such as consuming excess carrots or yellow-colored beverages.
4. Black
If you notice black stool, it could be due to medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen, iron supplements, or bleeding in the intestines which requires prompt medical attention. However, a more frequent cause is consuming black and blue foods like blueberries or licorice.
5. Red
If you notice red stool, it is often related to your dietary intakes, such as beets, tomatoes, or colored drinks. However, if your diet is not the cause, you should seek medical attention. The presence of blood in your stool can indicate more serious issues such as anal fissures, hemorrhoids, ulcerative colitis, or cancer and requires prompt medical evaluation.
POOP SHAPE
Scientific research can convince you that monitoring your stool is normal. The Bristol Royal Infirmary scientists developed the Bristol stool chart to categorize feces into seven types and provide health insights.
1.
Appearance:
- Separate solid lumps reminiscent of nuts or goat feces.
Meaning:
- Severe constipation.
If you experience this type of stool, it could indicate a lack of fiber in your diet. Add fiber-rich foods to your diet, such as whole wheat pasta, raspberries, and lentils.
2.
Appearance:
- Sausage-shaped, large, and lumpy.
Meaning:
- Constipation.
If you are experiencing this type of stool, it may also indicate constipation caused by a lack of fiber in your diet. However, other reasons for constipation include long-term use of antidiarrheal medication and a lack of physical activity. To address this issue, consider adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet and incorporating regular exercise into your routine.
3.
Appearance:
- A cracked sausage-shaped poop.
Meaning:
- Normal stool.
If you have this type of stool, it’s a good sign that your bowel movements are healthy and normal. Make sure to drink plenty of water and engage in regular physical activity like walking.
4.
Appearance:
- Soft, sausage-shaped, and smooth.
Meaning:
- Perfect stool.
Congratulations! This type of stool is an excellent indication that your bowel movements are healthy and normal. To maintain this, try to consume a balanced diet and avoid stressful situations. Keep up the great work!
5.
Appearance:
- Soft lumps with clear-cut edges.
Meaning:
- Light diarrhea.
If you have this type of stool, it may indicate light diarrhea, which could also be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Try eating low-fiber foods like bananas, crackers, and potatoes. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention from your healthcare provider.
6.
Appearance:
- Fluffy pieces with ragged edges.
Meaning:
- Mild diarrhea.
This type of stool may indicate mild diarrhea, which could be caused by consuming too much fiber in your diet. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, and try consuming boiled potatoes and bananas. Over-the-counter medications like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol may also be helpful. If symptoms persist longer than two days, consult with a healthcare professional.
7.
Appearance:
- Liquid without solid pieces.
Meaning:
- Severe diarrhea.
This type of stool may indicate severe diarrhea, which could be a sign of food poisoning, lactose intolerance, bacterial infection, or medication intake. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, and consider using over-the-counter medications. If symptoms persist for more than two days, or if you experience abdominal pain or discomfort, consult a healthcare professional immediately.
Have you seen any changes in your poop lately? Have you ever sought medical help regarding the issue? Let us know in the comments!
You missed a very important point!
Many women get diarrhea before or when their period begins – because of the hormons 😉 So this is totally normal and has nothing to do with health conditions
I am so SICK of hearing about this SH1T! 🤣🤣🤣
Why does mild diarrhea have ragged edges? 😂😂😅💩🚽
Just an F.Y.I. Sever Constipation can come from taking opiates. If you’re taking in opiates regularly for whatever reason, it can and will most likely to cause Constipation. The reason is because opiates slow down your digestive system also causing acid-reflux. In some cases it’s severe. That’s why opiates should only always be used temporarily and not long term because they can cause way more harm than good. Not to mention addiction and that’s a whole different ball game in itself.
I’m on opiate based medication due to severe back pain from breaking my back in 2016, I’ve had an operation and have rods, nut and bolts holding my spine together whilst my L5 S1 vertebrae together, I have been on opiate based medication since 2018 after exhausting every other option, I’m on quite a strong dose and I am indeed addicted to them for the amount of time I have been taking them, so trust me when I say avoid these luke the plague, I’m still in constant chronic pain even with this medication in my system but having to take 50mg every 12 hours, I know if I’m late by even half an hour for my meds as the feeling from being addicted is intense even more so that having foreign metals screwed into my spine and having no disc, it got scraped away and replaced with a cage, I wish now that I’d of not had the operation as I’m worse now than before its just I’m also no addicted to
Yes , I wondered why that wasn’t mentioned at all.
As well you forgot the normal “gallbladder-less” poop that come with an over production of bile… this article would be more useful if it’s thoroughly and accurately researched.
Hair in poop
Do you have a cat? I have friends who found out it was cat hair!!!