10+ Alarming Poop Signs That Could Mean Trouble

Prioritizing good health means paying attention to our bodies’ subtle signals. One of the most overlooked indicators of well-being is stool, a topic many prefer to ignore. However, understanding what it reveals about our health can make a significant difference, and today, we’re diving into why it deserves more attention.

CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED AS A SUBSTITUTE OF MEDICAL ADVICE. SEEK GUIDANCE OF YOUR DOCTOR REGARDING YOUR HEALTH AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS.

Healthy poop

To understand what your stool indicates about your health, we should first recognize what a normal stool looks like. Healthy stool should be brown, well-formed, moist, and consistent, with a mild odor. This suggests that your digestive system is functioning properly and everything is in good shape!

Green

Noticing a hint of green in your stool? You're not alone. Dr. Lee explains that stool color can vary daily due to constant changes in digestion, and in most cases, it's completely normal. But what exactly causes these shifts?

• Eating green vegetables like broccoli, kale, and spinach is the most common reason for green stools. The chlorophyll in these foods can naturally tint your stool.
• Antibiotics can also disrupt gut bacteria, leading to changes in digestion and stool color. Some medications may even cause diarrhea with a greenish hue due to the presence of unabsorbed bile.
• In some cases, green stools may indicate an underlying infection. Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can speed up digestion, preventing bile from being fully absorbed, which can result in watery or green-colored stools.

Black

Dark or black stools can be the result of consuming certain foods and beverages, such as beetroot or taking iron-containing supplements. However, they can also be a warning sign of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

If black stools have a foul odor, they may indicate an underlying condition like a peptic ulcer, gastritis, inflammation, or colon polyps. In such cases, seeking medical attention is crucial. Your doctor may recommend tests like an endoscopy or colonoscopy to determine the cause. Early detection and proper medical care are essential for addressing any potential health concerns.

White

Unusual stool color, particularly white or clay-colored stools, may signal a serious health concern. This discoloration occurs when the liver fails to produce bile or when bile flow to the small intestine is obstructed, preventing proper digestion. Bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, typically gives stool its normal brown hue.

Liver conditions such as hepatitis or cirrhosis are frequent causes of white stools. Additionally, certain medications, including some antacids containing aluminum hydroxide, and barium used in X-ray imaging of the digestive tract, can also lead to stool discoloration. If you observe white stools, it is essential to seek prompt medical evaluation to determine and treat the underlying cause.

Yellow

The brown color of stool comes from bilirubin and bile, both essential for digestion. Bilirubin is formed in the liver as red blood cells break down, then mixes with bile in the gallbladder before passing into the intestines. There, gut bacteria further process it, eventually eliminating it through feces or urine.

A high-fat diet is a common reason for yellow-colored stool, but several health conditions can also contribute to this change. Liver and gallbladder disorders, pancreatic issues, celiac disease, Gilbert's syndrome, giardiasis, stress, and poor dietary habits may all play a role. If you notice persistent yellow stools, consulting a medical professional is crucial to identify the root cause.

Reddish-yellow

Seeing red-colored stool can be alarming, but the cause isn't always serious. Consuming red foods or dyes, such as those found in certain medications like Pepto-Bismol, can sometimes be the reason. However, red stools may also indicate bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract, potentially caused by hemorrhoids, anal fissures, intestinal inflammation, or internal bleeding.

If you notice bright red streaks on toilet paper or in the toilet, along with pain or itching, hemorrhoids or anal fissures are the likely culprits. Inflammation in the intestines can also contribute to this change.

However, if red stools are accompanied by fever, general discomfort, or blood that appears dark and clumpy like coffee grounds, seek medical attention immediately, as this could indicate internal bleeding in the digestive system.

Hard, pellet-like

If your stools are small, hard, and pellet-like, it could indicate constipation caused by low fiber intake, dehydration, or lack of physical activity. Certain medications or medical conditions may also contribute to this issue.

To relieve constipation, increase fiber consumption, stay hydrated, and remain active. If the problem persists, seek medical advice to identify underlying causes and appropriate treatment options.

Cracked

If your stools are sausage-shaped with surface cracks, it could signal mild constipation caused by a low-fiber diet or prolonged sitting. This suggests waste has spent around seven days in the bowel before being expelled. Functional constipation is often linked to lifestyle and dietary habits.

To promote regular bowel movements, increase fiber intake, stay hydrated, and engage in physical activity. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice to rule out underlying conditions and receive appropriate treatment.

Poorly defined edges

Stools that are soft with fluffy bits may indicate the early stages of diarrhea. This often occurs when the colon expels waste too quickly due to sudden dietary changes, stress, or shifts in physical activity. During this time, bowel movements may feel urgent and harder to control.

Rapid digestion can prevent proper nutrient absorption, leading to excess water in the stool. Managing stress, gradually adjusting your diet, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help restore normal bowel function. If diarrhea persists or worsens, consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions.

Liquid

When stool becomes watery and uncontrollable, it signals an advanced stage of diarrhea. This occurs when the small intestine becomes irritated, causing fluids to pass through the body without proper absorption. While the large intestine may retain some fluid, excess liquid accumulates in the rectum, leading to sudden and severe diarrhea.

It has mucus in it

Although mucus in stool is normal, a large amount of it is not. This can indicate stress, dietary factors, intestinal disorders, parasites or protozoa, bacterial or viral infections, ingested foreign objects, or even tumors. Since the causes are so varied, it is important to consult a doctor to determine the underlying issue.

Very thin poop

Thin, ribbon-like stool may indicate a possible narrowing of the intestinal tract, which can be caused by various factors, such as irritable bowel syndrome, polyps or tumors in the intestines, inflammatory bowel diseases, constipation, and intestinal spasms.

Digestive issues can sometimes be resolved with a simple change - cutting out lactose. Check if you have lactose intolerance.