Your stool might not be a topic you discuss often, but it can reveal a lot about your health. Paying attention to your bowel movements can provide important insights into your digestive system and overall well-being. Here are 10 things your stool can tell you about your health.
1. Color Matters
Brown: This is the normal color, indicating a healthy digestive tract.
Green: Often caused by eating lots of green vegetables or food moving too quickly through the large intestine.
Yellow: Could indicate excess fat due to a malabsorption disorder like celiac disease.
Black: May be a sign of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract or could be from certain foods or supplements.
Red: Could be a sign of bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract or from foods like beets.
2. Consistency and Form
Type 1 (Separate hard lumps): Indicates constipation and a need for more fiber and water.
Type 2 (Lumpy and sausage-like): Also a sign of mild constipation.
Type 3 (Cracked sausage): Generally considered normal, though hydration could be improved.
Type 4 (Smooth, soft sausage): Ideal stool type, indicating healthy digestion.
Type 5 (Soft blobs with clear-cut edges): May suggest a lack of fiber.
Type 6 (Mushy consistency): Could indicate mild diarrhea.
Type 7 (Liquid): A sign of severe diarrhea and potential infection.
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