Believe it or not, we shouldn’t flush our feces down the toilet without a second thought. In fact, stool is a reflection of a number of things that are going on inside us and an indicator of how healthy our gut is. We are very familiar with concepts such as the consistency and color of feces, but there are many other things that we must take into account if we want to be aware of our health in regards to this area.
Click through this gallery and find out what your stool says about you.
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water safety
Sudden diarrhea, especially when accompanied by bloating, nausea, and cramps, can indicate a Giardia infection. You can ingest these microscopic parasites through untreated water.
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Effort
If you have to strain a lot when you go to the bathroom, you may have constipation.
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Effort
Keep in mind that overexerting yourself can cut off the oxygen supply to your brain and can even cause you to pass out.
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Regular
However, if you comfortably go to the bathroom once a day, you’re absolutely fine!
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Grain of corn
If you’ve ever wondered why they appear in your poop, it’s because of the cellulose. Our bodies do not digest it and therefore expel it.
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Having to wipe yourself just a couple of times usually means your stool is the right consistency.
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Cleaning
And it also means that the sphincter is closing properly, as it should. So cleaning once or twice usually means that everything is fine.
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snake-shaped feces
It’s important to look at your stool so you can get an idea of its shape, size, and consistency. If it’s similar to a snake, then you’re fine (not an anaconda though…).
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Sausage-shaped stool
Another good reference for detecting healthy stools is a sausage with cracks.
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Pebble-shaped stools
If, on the other hand, you look down the toilet and see what look like pebbles, then it’s a sign of constipation. In the absence of any other issues causing constipation, increase your water and fiber intake, and you should be back on track.
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pencil shaped stool
Thin stools can also be a sign of constipation. In the worst cases, it is also a sign of colon cancer. When in doubt, get yourself checked out.
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Yellow
The stools should be brown. They can be different shades of brown, but brown nonetheless. Yellow stools can be a sign of an infection, a gallbladder problem, or even a liver disorder like Gilbert’s syndrome.
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Blanco
White stools can be a sign of a liver problem. This can occur when bile from the liver cannot reach the gastrointestinal tract.
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Verde
And if you have explosive diarrhea that looks like green algae, get tested for a Clostridioides difficile infection. It’s a treatable bacterial infection, but it’s definitely not fun.
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Negro
Black is also not a good sign. It can indicate a problem in the upper digestive tract or even a bleeding ulcer.
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Negro
But not everything is bad. Things like the antacid Pepto-Bismol can turn your stools black.
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blue and violet
Blue or purple stools can be caused by a variety of foods, including some cookies, cakes, and even Burger King’s Black Halloween Whoppers.
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Gluten
If your hydration is adequate and you have loose stools, especially after eating gluten-rich foods, you may need to be tested for celiac disease.
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Colitis ulcerosa
Needless to say, urgent (and constant) bloody diarrhea is not a good sign. A chronic inflammatory disease called ulcerative colitis could be to blame, but it’s always best to see your doctor.
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Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease (a type of inflammatory bowel disease) can cause bloody stools. So do not hesitate to consult a doctor if you detect any trace of blood when you go to the bathroom.
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It’s not always serious
Red stools do not always mean there is blood in them. For example, if you eat beets, your stool may turn red.
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incomplete evacuation
If you have to go again soon, this could be a sign of constipation or, in fact, something like irritable bowel syndrome.
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Steatorrhea
If your stools are particularly fatty, you may be experiencing a symptom called steatorrhea, which is essentially the result of fat malabsorption. It can be related to multiple conditions, so it’s always a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor.
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Stinks
It’s a fact, but if it has a really foul smell, then it could be a sign that something is wrong. If it continues like this, get yourself checked out as it may be related to an infection or disease.
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Mariko Aoki Phenomenon
Have you ever walked into a bookstore, smelled a new book, and suddenly felt the need to go to the bathroom? You may be suffering from the Mariko Aoki phenomenon, an expression named after the writer who first mentioned it in an article in 1985.
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Mucus
All stools have mucus, although most of it is not visible as a thick layer. Excess mucus can indicate that something is wrong, that is, that you are constipated or dehydrated.
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Poop floating is not good
If your stool floats, it may be a sign that you have excess fat in your poop. This may be a sign that your intestine is not absorbing all the ingredients that it normally should.
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food bits
If you constantly see bits of food in your stool, be sure to slow down the next time you eat. Take your time to chew food properly and this will facilitate digestion.