15+ Alarming Reasons You Should Pay More Attention to Your Poop

When it comes to our health, we often focus on what we eat, how much we exercise, and our mental well-being. But there’s one often-overlooked aspect of our health that can provide a wealth of information about our body: our poop! Yes, it may seem a bit taboo, but paying attention to your bowel movements can reveal important insights into your health. Here’s why you should care about your poop, along with what different consistencies and colors mean, plus some fun facts!

1. White stool

Stools that appear white or clay-colored are unusual and may indicate a serious health problem. This discoloration occurs when the liver fails to produce bile or when bile does not flow into the small intestine to help digest food. Bile, an essential digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, usually gives stools their normal brown color during digestion.

Conditions that affect the liver, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, may cause white stools. In addition, certain medicines and substances, including barium used in X-rays of the digestive tract and certain antacids containing aluminum hydroxide, can also change the color of the stools. If white stools are observed, it is important to seek immediate medical attention to determine the underlying cause.

2. Black stool

The consumption of dark-colored foods or drinks, such as beetroot or iron supplements, may cause stools to appear black. On the other hand, it could also be a sign of possible bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

For example, suppose your stools are not only black, but they also have a foul odor. This could be a red flag for underlying health problems. These include conditions such as peptic ulcers, gastritis, inflammation, or colon polyps. If this is the case, it is important to seek medical advice. Your doctor may suggest diagnostic procedures such as an endoscopy or colonoscopy to find the source of the problem.

3. Yellow-colored stool

Bilirubin and bile are responsible for the natural brown color of faeces. Bilirubin mixes with bile in the gallbladder and is produced in the liver when red blood cells break down. The combined bilirubin and bile eventually reach the intestines, where they are broken down by intestinal bacteria and excreted in stool or urine.

A high-fat diet is a common cause of yellow stools. But a number of health problems can be associated with yellow stools. These include liver and gallbladder disease, pancreatic problems, celiac disease, Gilbert’s syndrome, giardiasis, high-stress levels and an unhealthy diet, experts say.

4. Reddish-yellow stool

The appearance of red-colored stools can be confusing and cause concern. While it is sometimes attributed to the ingestion of red-colored foods or products containing dyes (such as Pepto-Bismol with bismuth), it could also indicate bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract. This type of bleeding can be associated with a number of factors, including hemorrhoids, colon fissures, intestinal inflammation, or bleeding from the stomach or intestines.

Suppose you notice bright red streaks on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl, especially if they are accompanied by pain or itching. In this case, it is more likely to be associated with hemorrhoids or anal fissures. In some cases, it may be the result of an intestinal infection. However, if red stools are accompanied by symptoms such as fever and a general feeling of being unwell, or if the blood appears clotted or granulated like coffee grounds, experts advise seeking immediate medical attention, as these symptoms could indicate internal bleeding in the digestive tract.

5. Green-colored stool

It’s important to realise that you’re not alone if you’ve ever been surprised by an unusual hint of green in your stool after a trip to the toilet. As Dr Lee explained, the color and tone of stools can naturally vary from one day to the next. This variation is perfectly normal and reflects the ever-changing dynamics within your body. But what factors contribute to these fluctuations?

• Eating green foods such as broccoli, kale and spinach is the most likely cause of green stools. The green color is due to chlorophyll, a natural pigment in these vegetables that can color your stools.
• Taking antibiotics can affect your digestion and cause changes in the color of your stools. This is because antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your digestive system, potentially causing your stools to appear greenish. In addition, certain medicines can irritate your stomach and cause diarrhea, which can have a greenish tinge due to the presence of bile.
• Changes in the color of your stools may indicate the presence of an infection or underlying health problem. A greenish tint to your stools may indicate a bacterial, viral or parasitic infection, which may cause rapid passage of intestinal contents and unabsorbed bile. In such cases, these substances may not be adequately absorbed in the bowel, resulting in green or watery stools.

6. Drop-shaped stool

Your stool will be slightly loose if it has a soft, drop-shaped form with clear edges. This type of stool is common in people who have two or three bowel movements a day, especially after large meals. These soft, droplet-shaped stools are usually easy to pass and do not require much effort.

7. Soft and smooth stool

Typically, a healthy stool is cylindrical in shape, resembling a sausage. It is about the width of a banana and between 4 and 8 inches long. It should retain its shape when defecated. It should contain an appropriate balance of water and nutrients. The ideal consistency will be similar to soft ice cream. In addition, having a bowel movement every one to three days is important for maintaining a healthy and regular bowel system.

8. Hard, pellet-like stool

If your stools are small, firm and resemble pellets, it’s likely you have constipation or infrequent bowel movements. This condition is usually caused by a diet low in fibre, along with other factors such as inadequate hydration and physical inactivity. Constipation can also be caused by certain medications or underlying medical problems that affect normal bowel function.

9. Liquid poop

It’s a more serious stage of diarrhea if your stools turn into a watery, uncontrollable discharge. This condition is the result of irritation in the small intestine, which results in the passage of unprocessed fluid through the body. Some of this fluid may be absorbed in the large intestine. However, most of it accumulates in the rectum, causing sudden and severe diarrhea.

10. Feces with poorly defined edges

If your stools become soft and contain fluffy particles, you’re in the early stages of diarrhea. This can happen when your bowel passes stool quickly, often due to sudden changes in diet, increased physical activity, or stress. Managing the urgency or timing of bowel movements can be a challenge with loose stools.

During times of stress, or when the body is undergoing changes in diet and physical activity, stools may pass through the digestive system more quickly than usual. If it doesn’t spend enough time in the bowel, it may not be processed properly and may retain excess water and unabsorbed nutrients.

11. Cracked stool

If your stools are sausage-shaped with cracks in the surface, you may have mild constipation. This can be caused by diet or prolonged sitting. This type of stool is often seen in cases of functional constipation, which is related to dietary or lifestyle factors. They may indicate that the stool has spent about seven days in the colon before being evacuated.

12. Quickly sinking stool

If you notice that your stool sinks to the bottom of the bowl immediately, it may be a sign of a lack of fluid and fiber in your diet. Such stools often appear darker in color because they spend more time in the intestinal tract. The FDA recommends a daily fiber intake of about 28 grams for optimal digestive health. You can achieve this by eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and unsalted nuts and seeds, as these are excellent sources of fiber.

13. Floating stool

Occasional floating stools are generally nothing to worry about as they are often the result of increased gas in the stool. This can be caused by factors such as the consumption of fizzy drinks, beans, or sugary foods. However, if your stools consistently float, this could indicate a problem with fat absorption in your body. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if this is a recurring problem.

14. Facts about poop

• Frequency Varies: While the average person may poop once a day, it’s normal to go anywhere from three times a week to three times a day!
• The smell is Key: The odor of your poop can change based on your diet. Foods high in sulfur (like broccoli and cabbage) can cause particularly strong odors!
• Poop Colors: Did you know that certain foods can change your poop color? Beets can cause red poop, while foods with food coloring can lead to unexpected hues!
• Size Matters: A healthy poop is usually about the size of a banana and should float! If it sinks, it might be a sign of a high-fat content.
• Diverse Microbiome: Your poop is a reflection of the trillions of bacteria in your gut. A diverse microbiome is linked to better health!

Paying attention to your poop may not be the most glamorous aspect of health, but it can serve as a window into your body’s inner workings. By monitoring the consistency and color of your bowel movements, you can gain valuable insights into your digestive health. Remember, if you notice any significant changes or persistent issues, consulting with a healthcare professional is always a wise choice.

If you thought your poop could reveal a lot, wait until you discover the hidden traits your body might be showing that only a tiny percentage of people have. Curious? Stay tuned for our next article, where we dive into these rare features!