What is a healthy looking poop?

“Healthy stool is usually considered a soft, formed bowel movement that is typically brownish in color,” says Dr. Cheng. “Stool may be indicative of a health problem if someone notices a change in their bowel habits with constipation or diarrhea, or notices a change in color of their stools.

piedmont.org - What Your Stool Says About Your Health | Piedmont Healthcare

Can you have pinto beans on keto?

CAN YOU EAT BEANS ON KETO? Most types of beans, such as red kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans, should be avoided on a standard ketogenic...

Last updated May 30, 2018

What supplements balance female hormones?

Probiotics, B vitamins, lecithin, and botanicals — like black cohosh and vitex — are useful in regulating hormone levels. These supplements can...

Last updated Jan 29, 2019

Promotion

What your stool says about your health

It may sound gross, but paying attention to your bowel movements is actually pretty important. Your bowel habits are a strong indicator of your digestive health. Changes in the color, shape and texture of your stool can reveal signs of infection, digestive issues or more serious health problems, such as cancer. But how can you determine if your stool is healthy? Michael Cheng, M.D., a Piedmont gastroenterologist, answers this probing question. “Healthy stool is usually considered a soft, formed bowel movement that is typically brownish in color,” says Dr. Cheng. “Stool may be indicative of a health problem if someone notices a change in their bowel habits with constipation or diarrhea, or notices a change in color of their stools. There may also be a problem if a person has signs or symptoms of not feeling well, which could include abdominal discomfort, nausea, change in appetite or change in weight.”

The Bristol Stool Scale

Fecal matter is 75 percent water and 25 percent solid matter, consisting of dead bacteria, indigestible food and inorganic substances. It usually takes about three days for food to pass through your system, resulting in a bowel movement. But when food passes through your system too quickly or too slowly, it can affect the size, color and texture of your stool. The Bristol Stool Scale classifies stool types into seven categories based on size and texture.

Signs of constipation

Types 1 and 2 are hard and lumpy, and painful to pass. These stools have been sitting in the large intestine and colon for a long time and are indicative of someone who may be constipated. “Constipation can be caused by many factors including medications, dietary changes, stress, or medical illness,” says Dr. Cheng.

Signs of healthy digestion

Types 3 and 4 are considered the optimal form of healthy stool. Healthy stool is typically sausage-shaped and snake-like. It is easy to pass, and it remains intact when it is flushed.

Signs of diarrhea

What happens if you eat too much protein and not enough fat on keto?

But if you don't get enough fat and aren't in ketosis because you eat too much protein, you could leave the body in a state of energy limbo. “If...

Last updated Aug 5, 2022

What chips to eat on keto?

Keto Friendly Chips to Buy Wilde Chicken and Waffles Chips. Wilde Chicken and Waffles Chips. ... Spicy Sweet Chili Tortilla Style Quest Chips....

Last updated Mar 31, 2021

Promotion

Stool types 5 through 7 are watery and mushy. These stools are in the large intestine and colon for the least amount of time and may present in the form of diarrhea. “Diarrhea can also be caused by many factors including medications, dietary changes or intolerance, stress, medical illness and infections,” says Dr. Cheng.

Stool color and your health

The color of your stool can also be a reflection of your overall health. “Healthy stool is usually brownish in color,” says Dr. Cheng. “There is cause for concern when stool is black or reddish, which may be indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding. Stools that are gray in color may also be concerning for liver problems.” And yellow, greasy, foul-smelling stool indicates that the intestines didn’t properly digest and absorb fat. This could be caused by a disease of the intestinal lining such as celiac disease or chronic pancreatitis.

Tips for maintaining healthy bowels

It’s important to maintain good bowel health, as 70 percent of the body’s immune system is contained within the digestive tract. To keep your bowel movements frequent and healthy, Dr. Cheng suggests the following tips: Eat a balanced, high-fiber diet. Fiber can help prevent or relieve constipation. Try fiber-rich foods like apples, carrots, beans, and whole wheat cereals. Exercise regularly. Exercise can decrease the time it takes for food to move through the large intestine, helping with constipation. Get a colonoscopy. Colonoscopies allow doctors to look for polyps inside the colon and rectum, which could be an early sign of cancer. Ask your primary care provider about scheduling a screening if you: Are 45 years old or older Have a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease Have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps Stay hydrated. Water helps to clear toxins from the body. Try to drink at least eight 8 ounce glasses of water a day. Need to make an appointment with a Piedmont physician? Save time, book online.

piedmont.org - What Your Stool Says About Your Health | Piedmont Healthcare

Will I look younger if I stop eating sugar?

You'll Age Slower Stop eating sugar. This is especially true when it comes to your looks. If you want to look younger than your age, eat a...

Last updated Oct 30, 2020

Why is my stomach still big on keto?

With less fiber, food generally moves slower through the GI tract. In turn, it will go through excessive fermentation, which can cause the body to...

Last updated Apr 25, 2021

Promotion

How fast do you lose weight on keto?

If a person follows the 75% fat /20% carb/5% fat keto diet, average results may look like this: Weeks 1–2: rapid weight reduction phase due to...

Last updated May 23, 2021

Promotion

Are sweet potatoes slow carb?

Benefits of low GI foods Share on Pinterest Quinoa and vegetables including carrots and sweet potatoes are slow-release carbs that are low on the...

Last updated Aug 15, 2019