We have all been there. Glancing, then gawking at our latest offering to the porcelain gods. Well, today we will debunk those mysteries that come from within. That's right, I am talking about bowel movements, poop, stool, and fecal matter. What is normal? When should you seek medical attention? How often should you be going? These and other questions will be addressed.
What Colors Are Normal For Poop?
Brown is the most common color for stool due to the bile and acids found in the digestive tract. If poop is green it is most likely due to the food being digested rapidly. When poop is yellow and runny, there may be a chance that the gallbladder or pancreas is secreting too much bile to digest the food. Black stool can signify a problem, such as internal bleeding or cancer. Stool that is light in color – like gray clay – can also mean trouble if it’s a change from what you normally see. Although it doesn’t happen often, very light-colored stool can be reflective of liver disease. Food can also effect the color of poop. Highly pigmented foods, such as beets, blueberries, blackberries, and leafy greens may causes color changes. Foods and vitamins high in iron can also have a darkening effect on stool.
How Often Should You Be Pooping?
This question has a variety of answers. Some doctors will tell you that you should go everyday, others will tell you that less often is normal. “There is no normal when it comes to frequency of bowel movements, only averages” says Bernard Aserkoff, MD, a physician in the GI Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. The National Institute for Diabetes, Kidney, and Digestive Diseases says three times a week is normal and healthy for some people. Still others may say that however often you are used to going is the right amount.
When You Just Can't Go
Occasionally, you may experience times of trouble in the poop department. When you can't seem to go, constipation may be the cause. Constipation is most often defined as having a bowel movement less than 3 times per week. This can be caused by a variety of things: not enough fruits and vegetables in the diet, a reduction in physical activity, and drinking more water. Other causes of constipation may include:
- Colon cancer
- Diseases of the bowel, such as irritable bowel syndrome
- Pregnancy
- Underactive thyroid
- Mental health disorders
- Neurological disorders and diseases
- Use of certain medication
Constipation can be remedied by adding more fiber to the diet, drinking more water, exercise, and going when the urge hits you.
When You Can't Stop Going
The opposite problem of constipation is diarrhea, which can be just as uncomfortable and problematic. Diarrhea means that you have loose, watery stools more than three times in one day. You may also have cramps, bloating, nausea and an urgent need to have a bowel movement. This can be caused by a parasite, bacteria, food intolerance, or stress. Sometimes a cause cannot be found for diarrhea. Although usually not harmful, diarrhea can become dangerous or signal a more serious problem. You should talk to your doctor if you have a strong pain in your abdomen or rectum, a fever, blood in your stools, severe diarrhea for more than three days or symptoms of dehydration.
A Healthy Balance
It's important to remember that everyone experiences poop problems now and then. Eating a diet high in fiber and drinking plenty of water should keep your bowels happy and healthy. When in doubt, always contact a health professional with questions about your bowel habits.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sources
- http://women.webmd.com/pharmacist-11/digestive-problems
- Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/112905
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003125.htm
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/diarrhea.html
Renae Sevigny - Renae Sevigny has been writing for Suite101 since 2011. Her written works range from nonfiction articles to her work-in-progress novel.
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