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Find a Program or Service. A somewhat log-like shape is how most poop should come out due to its formation within the intestines. Anywhere between a firm and soft consistency is pretty much normal.
If it sways too much one way or another, it could suggest some digestion or fiber issues. A healthy poop, however, should be easy to pass and take only a minute or so to push out. That said, some people do spend a bit more time on the toilet, so as a general rule, a poop should take no more than 10 to 15 minutes. On average, a person with healthy digestion will poop anywhere between every other day to three times a day. Any less could suggest possible constipation.
The Bristol stool chart is an overarching indicator of how and why different types of poops look or feel a certain way. Appearance: Hard and separate little lumps that look like nuts and are hard to pass. Indicates: Doctors also consider this a normal poop that should happen every 1 to 3 days. Appearance: Small, like the first ones, but soft and easy to pass; the blobs also have clear cut edges. Indicates: This too-soft consistency could be a sign of mild diarrhea. Try drinking more water and electrolyte-infused beverages to help improve this.
Even a hint of green is considered healthy. But if your poop is veering toward other ends of the rainbow, you might want to assess. While hints of green are quite normal , if your poop has gone from brown to full green, it may mean one of two things. Pale poop could also be a side effect of certain medications like antidiarrhea medicine. Either way, if it continues, consult a doctor.
If your stool is a little red, however, there may be no need to immediately fret. There are other, less serious reasons for this change in color. Foods like beets, cranberries, red gelatin, or tomato juice can turn poop red as well. Greasy, stinky, yellow stool is typically a sign of too much fat. If your poop looks bright yellow, it could signify a condition called giardiasis , which is caused by an intestinal parasite in North America and the world. Typically, you can get giardiasis from contaminated water or exposure to a person with the condition.
As alarming as this seems, all it means is that the stool is less dense than the others that sink. One potential reason for this lack of density can come from an increased amount of gas or water, or even a high fiber diet. If this is the case, the other abnormalities previously mentioned, like slight constipation, might also be present. Consuming many orange-colored foods, which are rich in a pigment called beta-carotene , causes orange stool.
However, blocked bile ducts or certain medications including some antacids and the antibiotic rifampin can cause orange poop. If stool appears yellow or is greasy-looking, it suggests the poop contains too much fat. This may be the result of absorption issues, or difficulty producing enzymes or bile. Most people will experience variations in stool color at some stage. Usually, this is down to diet or some other minor cause.
However, anyone who experiences changes in poop color that last for 2 or more weeks or has red or black stool should see their doctor. Digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome IBS , can be triggered or exacerbated by stress.
In some people, it can manifest as diarrhea and in others as constipation. Not drinking enough water and other fluids can lead to constipation, as stool requires moisture to be able to move through the digestive tract.
Too much caffeine and alcohol can contribute to dehydration. Fiber acts as a binding substance to give stool its form. It also helps poop to move smoothly through the digestive tract.
A diet that is low in fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses, can lead to bowel problems. People with an intolerance or allergy to certain foods can often experience diarrhea, constipation, or other traits of abnormal poop when they consume a problematic food. For example, people with lactose intolerance often experience diarrhea if they have dairy, while those with celiac disease will have an adverse reaction to gluten.
Certain conditions can cause constipation, diarrhea, or other poop abnormalities. Examples of such conditions include:.
Seek immediate medical treatment if the stool is bright red, black, or resembles coffee grounds. This suggests blood loss, which could become a medical emergency if left untreated. A well-functioning digestive system is essential for health and wellbeing.
It also suggests that a person is eating a balanced diet balanced diet. Poop abnormalities that persist can lead to complications. For example, ongoing diarrhea can result in nutritional deficiencies while constipation can cause bowel obstructions. Normal poop tends to be brown, soft to firm in texture, and easy to pass. If someone experiences changes in poop, they should monitor the changes and consult a doctor if the issue does not resolve within 2 weeks. To encourage a normal bowel function, a person should eat a fiber-rich diet, take regular exercise, try to reduce stress, and drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
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