Although the vast majority of people are embarrassed to talk about their stool, it is of great importance to discuss this issue. After all, their result says a lot about the functioning of the intestinal system. The main points to consider are the color and consistency of the “poop”. So, let's break down everything you need to know about stool health.
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It is necessary to be attentive to the signals that the feces transmit
According to experts, healthy poop has a medium brown color, but there is a possibility that the color will be different from time to time.
As an example, we can mention beets. This food is capable of changing the color of the stool. However, there are specific colors that should be analyzed more carefully. See the main ones below.
- pale stools
When you go to the bathroom and notice that your stool is pale or gray in color, it means that gallstones are forming a blockage in your bile ducts.
Another justification is some problem that results in a lower production of bile. Also, it's a clear sign that the fat present in your food is not being digested well. We call it steatorrhea, signaling pancreatic cancer.
- yellow stool
In some cases, yellow stools may just be the result of eating yellow foods. But it is also a common color for people who have gastrointestinal reflux disease.
In other situations, they can be signs of poor fat absorption, which characterizes celiac disease. Intestinal infection is another possibility. And finally, Crohn's disease, which also features a yellow poop.
- green stools
As with the yellow coloring, it is common to see green stool when you consume foods in this color. However, it can also be a warning sign of a possible bacterial infection.
Viruses such as salmonella, giardia or norovirus are common in green stool. They cause diarrhea, so the bile doesn't have time to break down the stool, turning it brown.
- bright red poop
When the stool shows this color, it is a warning sign of possible bowel cancer. Now, if he's shiny, it might just be because you ate a food with that color.
If the stool is dark red in color, it means bleeding from the upper part of the tract. Already light red, indicates bleeding in the large intestine or rectum. These are common signs of hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
- black stools
In addition to dark foods, constipation can also be a cause of black stool. However, extremely dark stools can be a sign of bleeding in the upper part of the GI tract.
And in relation to textures, what do you need to pay attention to?
Check out what different stool conditions can indicate:
- pebble feces
The ideal shape is poop that looks like a sausage or snake and passes easily through the anus. If the stool is divided into small pieces, it may indicate a lack of fiber.
- loose stools
If your stools are very loose, it could mean that there is too much fructose in your diet. Another justification is a possible stomach problem.
- floating stools
When the stools fluctuate, it is likely that there is a lot of gas consumption in your daily life. Also, irritable bowel syndrome can account for "floating poops".
- stools that sink
If your stool sinks in quickly, it means there is a lack of fiber or fluid in your diet. They usually have darker colors.
When should I be concerned?
It's important for you to understand the functioning of your intestine and know what's normal for it. There are people who go to the bathroom three times a day, but there are others who only go three times a week.
Symptoms such as bleeding, pain or lump in the belly, very tired, weight loss and changes in habits are also warning signs.