5 Important Things Your Poops Can Tell About Your Health
The movement of the bowel is a critical part of digesting the food we eat. Stool is formed by the large intestine to get rid of the body’s waste.
1. Rocks and Pebbles
Hard poops and shaped like tiny rocks or pebbles is likely a sign of constipation. Also, if you are able to pass just a small amount of stool, it’s still considered constipation.
The function of the large intestine is to concentrate waste by absorbing water. If muscle contractions in the large intestine are not properly working, the waste left in the colon becomes harder.
2. Oily or greasy stool
A poop that appears oily, has a greasy consistency and is difficult to flush, its an indicator that your body is not able to properly digest fat.
It can be caused by an infection, nutrients not being digested due to celiac disease or a problem with the pancreas.
3. Color changes
The foods you eat and the kind of bacteria living in your colon affects the color of stools.
A change in the color of stool is usually not cause for concern, however, if it is black or bloody, it’s an indicator of other problems in the digestive system.
4. Pencil thin
Stool that is only occasionally
If the stool is very thin only occasionally, it’s nothing to worry. It is likely due to muscle contractions in the large intestine as it helps to concentrate waste.
If your stool always thin, it’s possible that there is a blockage in your colon and you might need to have a checkup.
5. Black and tarry
Black and tarry poop can result from taking iron supplements or a medication containing bismuth. It could also mean you’re losing blood somewhere in your gastrointestinal tract, like in the stomach or small intestine.