Have you ever wondered what bowel changes might signal about your health?
Stool is a huge topic that no one likes to talk about, but a quick look before vacuuming can give clues about your health.
Having proper bowel movements is a critical part of digesting the food we eat. Stool, created by the large intestine, is the body's way of getting rid of waste.
While you should talk to your doctor about any concerns, changes in color and consistency can indicate what's going on in your digestive system.
1. Rocks and Pebbles
Stool that is hard and shaped like small rocks or pebbles is likely a sign of constipation.
The large intestine helps concentrate waste by absorbing water. If the muscle contractions in the large intestine are not working properly, waste in the colon becomes more concentrated, creating harder stools.
2. Color Changes
One of the most common concerns I hear from patients is the change in stool color, which is a concern for patients. Stool color is affected by the foods you eat and the types of bacteria that live in the large intestine. There is a lot of food coloring in what we eat and drink, of course the color of the stool will also change. A change in stool color does not cause concern as long as it does not appear black or bloody; This may flag other problems with the digestive system.
3. Black and Tarry Consistency
The most common cause of black and tarry consistency is taking iron supplements or a medication that contains bismuth, such as Pepto-Bismol. However, it may mean that you are losing blood somewhere in your gastrointestinal tract, such as your stomach or small intestine.
4. Oily Stool
If you have stool that looks oily, it may be a sign that your body is not absorbing fats properly. Consistency changes; It may be caused by infection, indigestion of nutrients due to celiac disease, or problems such as pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis.
5. Pencil-Thin
Stools that are just sometimes too thin are not a cause for concern. Muh It helps waste concentration because it is mainly due to contractions in the large intestine.
If there is a sudden and continuous change in stool, you may have a blockage in the colon and you should see your doctor.
Read: 0
