Your poo can say a lot about your wellness. As anyone who’s ever seen that musical episode of Scrubs can attest, “Everything comes down to poo.” How often you “go,” how much waste you excrete and the colour and shape of those deposits can indicate your general digestive wellbeing, and whether or not you have any potential health concerns to worry about. According to Dr. Jean-Pierre Raufman, a gastroenterologist at University of Maryland School of Medicine, ‘The digestive tract contains more bacterial cells than there are cells in the entire body. It’s very important that our bowels work well to absorb necessary nutrients but also keep out any foods, chemicals and germs that could do us harm.’ So what should you be looking for the next time you poop?
1. Colour: ‘Stool colour is often a reflection of what you eat,’ says wellness expert Linda Thrasybule. ‘Bright red stool usually suggests that blood is coming from the lower part of the digestive system, such as the large intestine, rectum or anus.’ Raufman adds, ‘Black stool could indicate bleeding in the stomach or the first part of the small intestine…The reason why stool is brown is because of our normal production of bile. If there’s a problem with bile flow, that may mean a problem like cancer of the bile ducts, or pancreatic cancer or hepatitis.’ This will lead to white or yellow stools.
2. Shape: Thrasybule notes, ‘A change in stool shape also could be cause for concern. Stools that are narrow and pencil-thin are thought by some experts to be a symptom of colon cancer…Another sign of a potential problem is soft stool. Stool that sticks to the side of the toilet bowl, or is difficult to flush, could indicate the presence of too much oil.’ Raufman explains, ‘Oil floats, so you’ll see it in the water. They look like fat droplets, which can mean the body isn’t absorbing the fats properly.’
3. Smell: ‘Stool is made up of undigested food, bacteria, mucus and dead cells,’ Thrasybule details. ‘It usually smells bad because of the bacteria and parasites, but it also can have compounds that produce an especially unpleasant smell… Reasons for a foul smell could include certain medications, having food that’s been stuck in the colon for too long, or having an infection.’ Raufman comments, ‘It’s hard to tell people that stool can smell even worse, but it can. If there is a change in your stool that persists or is unusual, you should see your doctor.’
4. Constipation: Thrasybule outlines, ‘Dry, hard stools that are hard to eliminate are a sign of constipation. People who are constipated may have bowel movements fewer than three times a week. Constipation is a common complaint, and most people experience it at least once in their lives. More than 4 million Americans have frequent constipation, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Constipation could be caused by a number of factors, including a poor diet, lack of exercise, certain medications, lack of fluids or various bowel disorders. If ignored, constipation could lead to complications such as haemorrhoids or rectal bleeding. The best way to relieve symptoms is to follow a well-balanced high-fibre diet, drink plenty of water, try to exercise regularly and go to the bathroom when you feel the urge.’
5. Diarrhoea: ‘Diarrhoea happens when loose, watery stools pass through your bowels too quickly,’ says Thrasybule. ‘Generally it lasts one or two days and goes away on its own… Parasites found in water and food can enter the body and disrupt the digestive system, causing Diarrhoea that can last several days. Diarrhoea also can suggest a more serious problem. Diarrhoea that lasts for at least four weeks may be a sign of a chronic disease, such as irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s disease.’
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