“Healthy stool is brown and is a small “log” pointed at both ends “.
While stool is a rather uncomfortable topic, causing many to feel squeamish, your stool can be news of a variety of health issues. Constant changes may mean it's time to “see your GP.” The doctor tells you what to pay attention to.
“Healthy feces are brown in color and are a small log, pointed at both ends. A change in stool consistency can be a sign of illness. Small, hard, lumpy stools are a sign of constipation. Soft loose stools or loose stools indicate diarrhea,” says gastroenterologist Alexandra Alisova, especially for MedicForum.
A change in the color of your stool can also be a cause for concern.
Black
Feces that appear black and tarry, also known as melena, can be caused by bleeding in the stomach .
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Melena is one of the telltale signs of cirrhosis, which describes scarring of the liver that prevents the organ from working properly. According to the doctor, this color may be caused by supplements, as “iron tablets can also turn poop black.
Red
“Bleeding in the colon, rectum or anus means that the red blood can either be mixed with the stool or sometimes just on top of it. This may be due to inflammatory bowel disease, hemorrhoids (hemorrhoids) or, less commonly, bowel cancer.”
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Pale
Pale stools describe a clay-colored appearance that is caused by a lack of bile pigment.
“This is common with alcoholic hepatitis or gallstones, but can sometimes indicate pancreatic cancer.”
Such stools may be loose , sloppy and difficult to flush down the toilet.
Green
“Bacterial infections such as salmonella can turn green, as can viruses and parasites, so stools are often changes color during an attack of gastroenteritis.”
Green-colored stools can also be caused by a diet rich in green vegetables, due to the green pigment found in plants – chlorophyll.
MedicalForum has previously written about foods rich in green vegetables. magnesium.
Important! Information provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first sign of illness, consult a doctor.