Most of us are not used to checking up what are we leaving behind after using the toilet. However, you are probably not aware how important is that for our overall health. Since the poop can show us numerous things about our health condition, and that information can save our life.
1. So, do you know your shit?
The small brown blob in your bathroom are the leftovers of your food after the body has consumed all the nutrients from it.
That is your body’s natural way to eliminate the waste it doesn’t need, and that is why the pooping is very important for your health. You can tell what is happening inside your body just by the smell and the look of your poop.
2. Poop textures
Sausage-shaped, soft and smooth
This usually suggests that you are doing good.
Separate hard lumps, as nuts
This indicates that you should eat some fruits and vegetables and drink more water. You have a lack of fiber and fluids.
Watery, all liquid, no solid pieces
It’s a case of diarrhea, probably due to some kind of infection. It’s necessary to drink more liquids in order to replace the loss of liquids. Since if you don’t do this you might become really dehydrated.
Soft blobs, clear-cut edges
In case you are pooping multiple times a day, that is normal.
Sausage- shaped, pretty lumpy
This is nothing dangerous, however, you need to consume more fluids and fiber.
Sausage-shaped, cracks on the surface
This is also normal, although the cracks mean that you need to increase the intake of water.
Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool
It’s not really normal since it’s probably becoming diarrhea.
Soft sticks to the side of the toilet bowl
As a result of the presence of too much oil, your body is not absorbing the fats well. Because of chronic pancreatic, your body can’t properly absorb that.
3. Shade of poop
Green
This is maybe a result of consuming a lot of green food coloring or leafy veggies. The food might be going through the large intestine very quickly.
Brown
Your health condition is very bad if your poop is brown. The brown color of the poop comes from the bile that is produced in your liver.
Black
It indicates that you are bleeding internally, because of cancer or ulcer. However, this can also be a result of taking some vitamins that include bismuth sub-salicylate or iron. If this worries you, you should call your doctor.
Yellow
It’s a sign of excess fat. This is happening because of some malabsorption disorder, such as celiac disease.
Light-colored, clay-colored or white
It can indicate a bile duct obstruction that can be a result of using certain medicines. You should probably see a doctor.
Red or blood-stained
Blood in your poop can be a sign of cancer. Therefore, if you notice blood in your stool you should visit a doctor.
4. Quick facts about poop
- It normally takes 1 to 3 days from the time you consume food until the time it becomes a poop.
- Poop is made up of mucus, undigested food, dead cells, and bacteria.
- Healthy poop sinks very slowly.
How often you need to poop?
Many people can go once or twice a day, although some may go more or less. There is no normal frequency, as per doctors, therefore while you are comfy – you are fine.
5. How to keep your poop healthy?
You need to drink plenty of water, exercise on a regular basis and have a diet that is rich in fiber (20 to 25g). Since dietary fiber is beneficial if you have troubles with pooping.
Being properly hydrated helps ensure that the colon is slippery enough for the poop to move through.
6. When to visit a doctor?
You need to visit your doctor if you notice some symptoms out of the usual in your poop and they persist. We all need to pay attention to what our body is trying to tell us.
Source: Health Tips Porta
