What are the different colors of poop? What is considered normal and abnormal stool appearance? Discover the fascinating facts about feces and its diverse characteristics.

Exploring the Spectrum of Poop Colors: What’s Normal and What’s Not?

Poop, also known as stool or feces, is a natural by-product of the digestive process. This bodily waste can come in a variety of colors, shapes, and consistencies, each with its own significance. Understanding the different characteristics of poop can provide valuable insights into one’s overall health and help identify potential underlying issues.

The Color Palette of Poop: From Brown to Black, White, and Beyond

The “normal” color of poop is generally medium to dark brown, as it contains a pigment called bilirubin that is formed when red blood cells break down. However, poop can also come in other hues, each with its own meaning:

• Black: Stools that appear black, especially with a coffee-ground-like appearance, may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding. Certain medications and supplements, such as iron and bismuth, can also cause black poop.
• White or Gray: Pale or white-colored stools can suggest issues with the liver or gallbladder, as they may lack sufficient bile pigments.
• Green: Green poop can be caused by consuming green foods like spinach or kale, but it may also be a sign of too much bile and not enough bilirubin.
• Red: Red-colored stool can be a result of gastrointestinal bleeding, but it can also be caused by consuming foods like beets or berries.
• Orange: Orange poop is often the result of consuming foods rich in the pigment beta-carotene, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and winter squash. However, certain medications or blocked bile ducts can also lead to this color.
• Yellow: Yellow or greasy-looking stool may indicate issues with fat absorption or problems with enzyme or bile production.

The Importance of Consistency: Understanding Healthy Poop Characteristics

In addition to color, the consistency of poop can also provide valuable information about one’s digestive health. The Bristol Stool Chart, developed by doctors in the Bristol Royal Infirmary, categorizes poop into seven types based on its appearance and texture:

1. Separate hard lumps, like nuts (constipation)
2. Sausage-shaped but lumpy (constipation)
3. Like a sausage but with cracks on the surface (normal)
4. Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft (normal)
5. Soft blobs with clear-cut edges (diarrhea)
6. Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool (diarrhea)
7. Watery, no solid pieces (diarrhea)

Ideally, a healthy poop should be passed easily, with minimal strain, and have a soft, yet firm, consistency. Consistency can vary from person to person, but significant changes in stool characteristics may indicate an underlying health condition.

The Frequency Factor: How Often Should You Poop?

The frequency of bowel movements can also be an important indicator of digestive health. Most people pass stool once or twice a day, though some may do so every other day or up to three times daily. At a minimum, a person should have a bowel movement at least three times a week.

Deviations from this norm, such as pooping too often (more than three times a day) or not often enough (less than three times a week), may suggest a digestive issue that requires medical attention.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Recognizing Abnormal Poop Characteristics

While minor changes in poop color, consistency, or frequency are often nothing to worry about, certain signs may indicate a more serious underlying condition. If you experience any of the following, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional:

• Persistent changes in poop color (red, black, green, yellow, or white)
• Greasy or fatty-looking stool
• Pain or bleeding during bowel movements
• Diarrhea or constipation that lasts for more than a few days
• Excessive straining or difficulty passing stool

Maintaining Digestive Health: Tips for Healthy Poop

To maintain a healthy digestive system and promote regular, normal bowel movements, consider the following tips:

1. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
2. Consume a fiber-rich diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
3. Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption, as they can disrupt bowel function
4. Exercise regularly to support healthy digestion
5. Manage stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices

Remember, the appearance and characteristics of your poop can provide valuable insights into your overall health. By understanding the normal range of poop colors and consistencies, you can better identify any potential issues and take proactive steps to maintain a healthy digestive system.

Appearance, color, and what is normal

Poop, also known as stool or feces, is a normal part of the digestive process. Poop consists of waste products that are being eliminated from the body. It may include undigested food particles, bacteria, salts, and other substances.

Sometimes, poop can vary in its color, texture, amount, and odor. These differences can be worrying, but usually, these changes are not significant and will resolve in a day or two. Other times, however, changes in poop indicate a more serious condition.

Keep reading to discover more about the different types of poop, including what is and is not normal.

Fast facts on types of poop:

• Poop can come in different shapes, colors, and smells.
• A person should pass a normal, healthy poop easily and with minimal strain.
• Anyone who has blood in their stool should seek urgent medical attention.

Normal poop is generally:

• Medium to dark brown: This is because it contains a pigment called bilirubin, which forms when red blood cells break down.
• Strong-smelling: Bacteria in excrement emit gases that contain the unpleasant odor associated with poop.
• Pain-free to pass: A healthy bowel movement should be painless and require minimal strain.
• Soft to firm in texture: Poop that is passed in one single piece or a few smaller pieces is typically considered to be a sign of a healthy bowel. The long, sausage-like shape of poop is due to the shape of the intestines.
• Passed once or twice daily: Most people pass stool once a day, although others may poop every other day or up to three times daily. At a minimum, a person should pass stool three times a week.
• Consistent in its characteristics: A healthy poop varies from person to person. However, a person should monitor any changes in the smell, firmness, frequency, or color of poop as it can indicate there is a problem.

Image credit: Kylet, 2011.

Devised by doctors in the Bristol Royal Infirmary, England, and based on the bowel movements of nearly 2,000 people, the Bristol stool chart characterizes the different types of poop as shown above.

Types 1 and 2 indicate constipation, types 3 and 4 are considered healthy stool, while types 5 to 7 suggest diarrhea and urgency.

While brown poop is considered the “normal” color of poop, some greenish-brown hues may also be acceptable.

Poop can be other colors too, such as:

Black

Stools that are black, especially if they have the appearance of coffee grounds, suggest gastrointestinal bleeding. Substances such as iron supplements, black licorice, black stout, and bismuth medications also cause black poop.

White

If stools are white, gray, or pale, a person may have an issue with the liver or gallbladder as pale stools suggest a lack of bile. Some anti-diarrhea medications cause white stools.

Green

Spinach, kale, or other green foods can cause green poop. However, green-colored stool may be a sign that there is too much bile and not enough bilirubin in the poop.

Red

Share on PinterestWhile normal poop is usually brown, other colors are possible, including black or white.

Poop that is red-colored may be the result of gastrointestinal bleeding. Small amounts of blood in the stool can indicate hemorrhoids.

Eating beets or red berries, or drinking beet or tomato juice, also turns poop red. Once these foods have passed through the digestive tract, poop should become brown again.

Orange

Consuming many orange-colored foods, which are rich in a pigment called beta-carotene, causes orange stool.

Carrots, sweet potatoes, and winter squash are among the many foods that contain this pigment.

However, blocked bile ducts or certain medications including some antacids and the antibiotic rifampin can cause orange poop.

Yellow

If stool appears yellow or is greasy-looking, it suggests the poop contains too much fat. This may be the result of absorption issues, or difficulty producing enzymes or bile.

Most people will experience variations in stool color at some stage. Usually, this is down to diet or some other minor cause. However, anyone who experiences changes in poop color that last for 2 or more weeks or has red or black stool should see their doctor.

How long should a poop take?

At most, it should take no more than 10 to 15 minutes to pass stool.

People that take longer than this may have constipation, hemorrhoids, or another condition.

The following situations may suggest a digestive issue:

• pooping too often (more than three times daily)
• not pooping often enough (less than three times a week)
• excessive straining when pooping.
• poop that is colored red, black, green, yellow, or white
• greasy, fatty stools
• pain when pooping
• blood in the stool
• bleeding while passing stool
• watery poop (diarrhea)
• very hard, dry poop that is difficult to pass

People experiencing any of these types of poop should see a doctor.

Share on PinterestExcessive caffeine consumption may cause abnormal poop. Staying hydrated can prevent constipation.

Abnormal poop can have many causes, ranging from minor to severe. Causes can include:

Stress

Digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can be triggered or exacerbated by stress. In some people, it can manifest as diarrhea and in others as constipation.

Dehydration

Not drinking enough water and other fluids can lead to constipation, as stool requires moisture to be able to move through the digestive tract. Too much caffeine and alcohol can contribute to dehydration.

Lack of dietary fiber

Fiber acts as a binding substance to give stool its form. It also helps poop to move smoothly through the digestive tract. A diet that is low in fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses, can lead to bowel problems.

Food intolerances and allergies

People with an intolerance or allergy to certain foods can often experience diarrhea, constipation, or other traits of abnormal poop when they consume a problematic food.

For example, people with lactose intolerance often experience diarrhea if they have dairy, while those with celiac disease will have an adverse reaction to gluten.

Medical conditions

Certain conditions can cause constipation, diarrhea, or other poop abnormalities. Examples of such conditions include:

See a doctor if changes to poop persist for 2 or more weeks.

Seek immediate medical treatment if the stool is bright red, black, or resembles coffee grounds. This suggests blood loss, which could become a medical emergency if left untreated.

How to ensure healthy bowels

To ensure healthy bowel function and healthy poops, follow the tips below:

• Eat enough fiber: Aim to get the recommended minimum daily amount of fiber, which is 25 grams (g) for women and 38 g for men under 50 years old; women over 50 should aim for 21 g while men over 50 should consume 30 g daily.
• Drink plenty of water: A reasonable amount is about 8 glasses (64 ounces) per day. It is especially important to stay hydrated when consuming more fiber.
• Take probiotics. These beneficial bacteria can be found in capsule form, although some yogurts and drinks can also provide probiotics. Probiotics have been found to aid in relief from constipation, as well as infectious diarrhea.
• Try magnesium: Magnesium hydroxide is often used to treat constipation. It is safe for most people, although it is not recommended for people with renal insufficiency.
• Exercise: Staying physically active can encourage normal bowel function and can alleviate constipation. It also relieves stress, a common cause of abnormal poops.

A well-functioning digestive system is essential for health and wellbeing. It also suggests that a person is eating a balanced diet balanced diet.

Poop abnormalities that persist can lead to complications. For example, ongoing diarrhea can result in nutritional deficiencies while constipation can cause bowel obstructions.

Normal poop tends to be brown, soft to firm in texture, and easy to pass. If someone experiences changes in poop, they should monitor the changes and consult a doctor if the issue does not resolve within 2 weeks.

To encourage a normal bowel function, a person should eat a fiber-rich diet, take regular exercise, try to reduce stress, and drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

Appearance, color, and what is normal

Poop, also known as stool or feces, is a normal part of the digestive process. Poop consists of waste products that are being eliminated from the body. It may include undigested food particles, bacteria, salts, and other substances.

Sometimes, poop can vary in its color, texture, amount, and odor. These differences can be worrying, but usually, these changes are not significant and will resolve in a day or two. Other times, however, changes in poop indicate a more serious condition.

Keep reading to discover more about the different types of poop, including what is and is not normal.

Fast facts on types of poop:

• Poop can come in different shapes, colors, and smells.
• A person should pass a normal, healthy poop easily and with minimal strain.
• Anyone who has blood in their stool should seek urgent medical attention.

Normal poop is generally:

• Medium to dark brown: This is because it contains a pigment called bilirubin, which forms when red blood cells break down.
• Strong-smelling: Bacteria in excrement emit gases that contain the unpleasant odor associated with poop.
• Pain-free to pass: A healthy bowel movement should be painless and require minimal strain.
• Soft to firm in texture: Poop that is passed in one single piece or a few smaller pieces is typically considered to be a sign of a healthy bowel. The long, sausage-like shape of poop is due to the shape of the intestines.
• Passed once or twice daily: Most people pass stool once a day, although others may poop every other day or up to three times daily. At a minimum, a person should pass stool three times a week.
• Consistent in its characteristics: A healthy poop varies from person to person. However, a person should monitor any changes in the smell, firmness, frequency, or color of poop as it can indicate there is a problem.

Image credit: Kylet, 2011.

Devised by doctors in the Bristol Royal Infirmary, England, and based on the bowel movements of nearly 2,000 people, the Bristol stool chart characterizes the different types of poop as shown above.

Types 1 and 2 indicate constipation, types 3 and 4 are considered healthy stool, while types 5 to 7 suggest diarrhea and urgency.

While brown poop is considered the “normal” color of poop, some greenish-brown hues may also be acceptable.

Poop can be other colors too, such as:

Black

Stools that are black, especially if they have the appearance of coffee grounds, suggest gastrointestinal bleeding. Substances such as iron supplements, black licorice, black stout, and bismuth medications also cause black poop.

White

If stools are white, gray, or pale, a person may have an issue with the liver or gallbladder as pale stools suggest a lack of bile. Some anti-diarrhea medications cause white stools.

Green

Spinach, kale, or other green foods can cause green poop. However, green-colored stool may be a sign that there is too much bile and not enough bilirubin in the poop.

Red

Share on PinterestWhile normal poop is usually brown, other colors are possible, including black or white.

Poop that is red-colored may be the result of gastrointestinal bleeding. Small amounts of blood in the stool can indicate hemorrhoids.

Eating beets or red berries, or drinking beet or tomato juice, also turns poop red. Once these foods have passed through the digestive tract, poop should become brown again.

Orange

Consuming many orange-colored foods, which are rich in a pigment called beta-carotene, causes orange stool.

Carrots, sweet potatoes, and winter squash are among the many foods that contain this pigment.

However, blocked bile ducts or certain medications including some antacids and the antibiotic rifampin can cause orange poop.

Yellow

If stool appears yellow or is greasy-looking, it suggests the poop contains too much fat. This may be the result of absorption issues, or difficulty producing enzymes or bile.

Most people will experience variations in stool color at some stage. Usually, this is down to diet or some other minor cause. However, anyone who experiences changes in poop color that last for 2 or more weeks or has red or black stool should see their doctor.

How long should a poop take?

At most, it should take no more than 10 to 15 minutes to pass stool.

People that take longer than this may have constipation, hemorrhoids, or another condition.

The following situations may suggest a digestive issue:

• pooping too often (more than three times daily)
• not pooping often enough (less than three times a week)
• excessive straining when pooping.
• poop that is colored red, black, green, yellow, or white
• greasy, fatty stools
• pain when pooping
• blood in the stool
• bleeding while passing stool
• watery poop (diarrhea)
• very hard, dry poop that is difficult to pass

People experiencing any of these types of poop should see a doctor.

Share on PinterestExcessive caffeine consumption may cause abnormal poop. Staying hydrated can prevent constipation.

Abnormal poop can have many causes, ranging from minor to severe. Causes can include:

Stress

Digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can be triggered or exacerbated by stress. In some people, it can manifest as diarrhea and in others as constipation.

Dehydration

Not drinking enough water and other fluids can lead to constipation, as stool requires moisture to be able to move through the digestive tract. Too much caffeine and alcohol can contribute to dehydration.

Lack of dietary fiber

Fiber acts as a binding substance to give stool its form. It also helps poop to move smoothly through the digestive tract. A diet that is low in fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses, can lead to bowel problems.

Food intolerances and allergies

People with an intolerance or allergy to certain foods can often experience diarrhea, constipation, or other traits of abnormal poop when they consume a problematic food.

For example, people with lactose intolerance often experience diarrhea if they have dairy, while those with celiac disease will have an adverse reaction to gluten.

Medical conditions

Certain conditions can cause constipation, diarrhea, or other poop abnormalities. Examples of such conditions include:

See a doctor if changes to poop persist for 2 or more weeks.

Seek immediate medical treatment if the stool is bright red, black, or resembles coffee grounds. This suggests blood loss, which could become a medical emergency if left untreated.

How to ensure healthy bowels

To ensure healthy bowel function and healthy poops, follow the tips below:

• Eat enough fiber: Aim to get the recommended minimum daily amount of fiber, which is 25 grams (g) for women and 38 g for men under 50 years old; women over 50 should aim for 21 g while men over 50 should consume 30 g daily.
• Drink plenty of water: A reasonable amount is about 8 glasses (64 ounces) per day. It is especially important to stay hydrated when consuming more fiber.
• Take probiotics. These beneficial bacteria can be found in capsule form, although some yogurts and drinks can also provide probiotics. Probiotics have been found to aid in relief from constipation, as well as infectious diarrhea.
• Try magnesium: Magnesium hydroxide is often used to treat constipation. It is safe for most people, although it is not recommended for people with renal insufficiency.
• Exercise: Staying physically active can encourage normal bowel function and can alleviate constipation. It also relieves stress, a common cause of abnormal poops.

A well-functioning digestive system is essential for health and wellbeing. It also suggests that a person is eating a balanced diet balanced diet.

Poop abnormalities that persist can lead to complications. For example, ongoing diarrhea can result in nutritional deficiencies while constipation can cause bowel obstructions.

Normal poop tends to be brown, soft to firm in texture, and easy to pass. If someone experiences changes in poop, they should monitor the changes and consult a doctor if the issue does not resolve within 2 weeks.

To encourage a normal bowel function, a person should eat a fiber-rich diet, take regular exercise, try to reduce stress, and drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

Appearance, color, and what is normal

Poop, also known as stool or feces, is a normal part of the digestive process. Poop consists of waste products that are being eliminated from the body. It may include undigested food particles, bacteria, salts, and other substances.

Sometimes, poop can vary in its color, texture, amount, and odor. These differences can be worrying, but usually, these changes are not significant and will resolve in a day or two. Other times, however, changes in poop indicate a more serious condition.

Keep reading to discover more about the different types of poop, including what is and is not normal.

Fast facts on types of poop:

• Poop can come in different shapes, colors, and smells.
• A person should pass a normal, healthy poop easily and with minimal strain.
• Anyone who has blood in their stool should seek urgent medical attention.

Normal poop is generally:

• Medium to dark brown: This is because it contains a pigment called bilirubin, which forms when red blood cells break down.
• Strong-smelling: Bacteria in excrement emit gases that contain the unpleasant odor associated with poop.
• Pain-free to pass: A healthy bowel movement should be painless and require minimal strain.
• Soft to firm in texture: Poop that is passed in one single piece or a few smaller pieces is typically considered to be a sign of a healthy bowel. The long, sausage-like shape of poop is due to the shape of the intestines.
• Passed once or twice daily: Most people pass stool once a day, although others may poop every other day or up to three times daily. At a minimum, a person should pass stool three times a week.
• Consistent in its characteristics: A healthy poop varies from person to person. However, a person should monitor any changes in the smell, firmness, frequency, or color of poop as it can indicate there is a problem.

Image credit: Kylet, 2011.

Devised by doctors in the Bristol Royal Infirmary, England, and based on the bowel movements of nearly 2,000 people, the Bristol stool chart characterizes the different types of poop as shown above.

Types 1 and 2 indicate constipation, types 3 and 4 are considered healthy stool, while types 5 to 7 suggest diarrhea and urgency.

While brown poop is considered the “normal” color of poop, some greenish-brown hues may also be acceptable.

Poop can be other colors too, such as:

Black

Stools that are black, especially if they have the appearance of coffee grounds, suggest gastrointestinal bleeding. Substances such as iron supplements, black licorice, black stout, and bismuth medications also cause black poop.

White

If stools are white, gray, or pale, a person may have an issue with the liver or gallbladder as pale stools suggest a lack of bile. Some anti-diarrhea medications cause white stools.

Green

Spinach, kale, or other green foods can cause green poop. However, green-colored stool may be a sign that there is too much bile and not enough bilirubin in the poop.

Red

Share on PinterestWhile normal poop is usually brown, other colors are possible, including black or white.

Poop that is red-colored may be the result of gastrointestinal bleeding. Small amounts of blood in the stool can indicate hemorrhoids.

Eating beets or red berries, or drinking beet or tomato juice, also turns poop red. Once these foods have passed through the digestive tract, poop should become brown again.

Orange

Consuming many orange-colored foods, which are rich in a pigment called beta-carotene, causes orange stool.

Carrots, sweet potatoes, and winter squash are among the many foods that contain this pigment.

However, blocked bile ducts or certain medications including some antacids and the antibiotic rifampin can cause orange poop.

Yellow

If stool appears yellow or is greasy-looking, it suggests the poop contains too much fat. This may be the result of absorption issues, or difficulty producing enzymes or bile.

Most people will experience variations in stool color at some stage. Usually, this is down to diet or some other minor cause. However, anyone who experiences changes in poop color that last for 2 or more weeks or has red or black stool should see their doctor.

How long should a poop take?

At most, it should take no more than 10 to 15 minutes to pass stool.

People that take longer than this may have constipation, hemorrhoids, or another condition.

The following situations may suggest a digestive issue:

• pooping too often (more than three times daily)
• not pooping often enough (less than three times a week)
• excessive straining when pooping.
• poop that is colored red, black, green, yellow, or white
• greasy, fatty stools
• pain when pooping
• blood in the stool
• bleeding while passing stool
• watery poop (diarrhea)
• very hard, dry poop that is difficult to pass

People experiencing any of these types of poop should see a doctor.

Share on PinterestExcessive caffeine consumption may cause abnormal poop. Staying hydrated can prevent constipation.

Abnormal poop can have many causes, ranging from minor to severe. Causes can include:

Stress

Digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can be triggered or exacerbated by stress. In some people, it can manifest as diarrhea and in others as constipation.

Dehydration

Not drinking enough water and other fluids can lead to constipation, as stool requires moisture to be able to move through the digestive tract. Too much caffeine and alcohol can contribute to dehydration.

Lack of dietary fiber

Fiber acts as a binding substance to give stool its form. It also helps poop to move smoothly through the digestive tract. A diet that is low in fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses, can lead to bowel problems.

Food intolerances and allergies

People with an intolerance or allergy to certain foods can often experience diarrhea, constipation, or other traits of abnormal poop when they consume a problematic food.

For example, people with lactose intolerance often experience diarrhea if they have dairy, while those with celiac disease will have an adverse reaction to gluten.

Medical conditions

Certain conditions can cause constipation, diarrhea, or other poop abnormalities. Examples of such conditions include:

See a doctor if changes to poop persist for 2 or more weeks.

Seek immediate medical treatment if the stool is bright red, black, or resembles coffee grounds. This suggests blood loss, which could become a medical emergency if left untreated.

How to ensure healthy bowels

To ensure healthy bowel function and healthy poops, follow the tips below:

• Eat enough fiber: Aim to get the recommended minimum daily amount of fiber, which is 25 grams (g) for women and 38 g for men under 50 years old; women over 50 should aim for 21 g while men over 50 should consume 30 g daily.
• Drink plenty of water: A reasonable amount is about 8 glasses (64 ounces) per day. It is especially important to stay hydrated when consuming more fiber.
• Take probiotics. These beneficial bacteria can be found in capsule form, although some yogurts and drinks can also provide probiotics. Probiotics have been found to aid in relief from constipation, as well as infectious diarrhea.
• Try magnesium: Magnesium hydroxide is often used to treat constipation. It is safe for most people, although it is not recommended for people with renal insufficiency.
• Exercise: Staying physically active can encourage normal bowel function and can alleviate constipation. It also relieves stress, a common cause of abnormal poops.

A well-functioning digestive system is essential for health and wellbeing. It also suggests that a person is eating a balanced diet balanced diet.

Poop abnormalities that persist can lead to complications. For example, ongoing diarrhea can result in nutritional deficiencies while constipation can cause bowel obstructions.

Normal poop tends to be brown, soft to firm in texture, and easy to pass. If someone experiences changes in poop, they should monitor the changes and consult a doctor if the issue does not resolve within 2 weeks.

To encourage a normal bowel function, a person should eat a fiber-rich diet, take regular exercise, try to reduce stress, and drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

How Your Diet Can Affect Your Poop Color – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

What goes in must come out — and it usually comes out in shades of brown. So it can be quite a surprise if your poo is suddenly red, green or orange.

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In some cases, crayon-colored doo is a clue that there’s a medical problem, says gastroenterologist Christine Dr. Lee, MD. But more often than not, it comes down to diet.

“A lot of foods we eat can change the color of a bowel movement,” Dr. Lee says.

The science of stool color

Stool gets its brown hue from bile, a greenish-brown fluid that aids digestion. “But the exact shade varies from person to person and from day to day,” Dr. Lee says.

Different people produce different amounts of bile, due to causes such as genetics and the health of the gallbladder (the body’s bile storage unit). And even within your gut, bile levels naturally fluctuate over time.

“Variability is the norm,” says Dr. Lee. Factor in the influence of the foods you eat, and you’re looking at a rainbow of possibilities.

Here are common causes of colorful number twos.

Green vegetables

Shades of yellow and green are common hues on the poo color wheel. But if you eat a lot of dark, leafy greens, you might be surprised with bright green poop.

Beets

“Beets tend to scare people,” Dr. Lee says. That’s because a big serving can turn your stool a (harmless) blood-red color.

Blueberries and cherries

Cherries can turn the stool reddish, while blueberries can paint your poo shades of deep blue or even black. Dr. Lee says in both cases, you’d have to eat more than a handful to see such rainbow shades. (One more reason to avoid an all-blueberry diet.)

Carrots

All that beta carotene is good for you, but it can turn your waste orange. “You’d have to eat a lot of carrots, though,” Dr. Lee says. “We tend to see this more in people who guzzle carrot juice.”

Food dyes

Artificial food coloring can go in one end and out the other, turning stool to just about any shade in the rainbow. And if you scarf handfuls of rainbow-colored candy, the colors might mix to turn your poo black. Food dyes tend to change stool color more often in kids, who are (possibly) more likely than their parents to eat an entire bag of colorful candy in one sitting.

Supplements and medicines

Medicines can do weird things to the color of your bowel movements. Some antibiotics reportedly tint them yellow or green. And that bubblegum-pink Pepto-Bismol® you swallow for an upset stomach can turn them jet black.

When should you worry about the color of your poop?

If you eat a ton of blueberries or go overboard on the carrot juice, expect it to affect your stool color for a couple of days. But if the color changes persist, or you can’t connect them to anything you ate, it might be a sign for concern.

Some of the more worrisome colors:

• Red to black: Red or black poop can be a sign of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. “Blood in the stool can be anything from bright red to maroon to black, depending on where the bleeding is happening in the GI tract,” Dr. Lee says.
• Gray: Pale or clay-colored stool can indicate a problem with the pancreas or bile ducts.

In both cases, Dr. Lee recommends calling your doctor. Also check in with your doctor if you have other symptoms, such as diarrhea, fever or pain. “Ask yourself: How are you feeling? Put it into context,” Dr. Lee says. “If you feel normal and don’t have diarrhea, 99% of the time, colored stool stems from something you ate.”

Unusual Stool Color | Children’s Hospital Colorado

• Stool color that is strange or different than normal
• Normal stool colors are any shade of brown, tan, yellow or green
• The only colors that may be caused by a disease are red, black and white
• Dark green may look like black, but dark green is a normal color

Causes of Unusual Stool Color

• Almost always due to food coloring or food additives.
• Stool color relates more to what is eaten than to any disease.
• In children with diarrhea, the gastrointestinal (GI) passage time is very rapid. Stools often come out the same color as the fluid that went in. Examples are Kool-Aid or Jell-O.
• The only colors we worry about are red, black (not dark green) and white.

Clues to Unusual Stool Colors

Red:

• “Bloody stools”: 90% of red stools are not caused by blood
• Blood from lower GI tract bleeding
• Medicines. Red medicines (like Amoxicillin). Sometimes, other medicines that turn red in the GI tract (such as Omnicef)
• Foods. See list below.

Foods That Can Cause Red Stools:

• Red Jell-O, red or grape Kool-Aid
• Red candy, red licorice
• Red cereals
• Red frosting
• Red food coloring
• Beets
• Cranberries
• Fire Cheetos
• Paprika
• Red peppers
• Rhubarb
• Tomato juice or soup, tomato skin

Black:

• Blood from stomach bleeding (stomach acid turns blood to a dark, tar-like color)
• Foods. Licorice, Oreo cookies, grape juice
• Medicines. Iron, bismuth (Pepto-Bismol)
• Other. Cigarette ashes, charcoal
• Bile. Dark green stools from bile may look black under poor lighting. Smear a piece of stool on white paper. Look at it under a bright light. This often confirms that the color is really dark green.

Green:

• Green stools are always normal, but they can be mistaken for black stools.
• Bile. Most dark green stools are caused by bile.
• Green stools are more common in formula fed than breastfed infants. It can be normal with both.
• Green stools are more common with diarrhea. This is due to a fast transit time through the gut. However, formed stools can also be green.
• Dark green stools may look black under poor lighting. Eating spinach can cause dark green stools.
• Medicines. Iron (such as in formula)
• Foods. See list below.

Foods That Can Cause Green Stools:

• Green Jell-O
• Grape-flavored Pedialyte (turns bright green)
• Green fruit snacks
• Spinach or other leafy vegetables

White or Light Gray:

• Foods. Milk-only diet
• Medicines. Aluminum hydroxide (antacids), barium sulfate from barium enema
• Liver disease. Babies with blocked bile ducts have stools that are light gray or pale yellow.

The Scoop on Poop | Gastrointestinal Society

From diet to disease, many things affect your poop. If you have any concerns that your stool is abnormal, then visit your physician.

1. What is poop made of?

In a typical bowel movement, about 75% of the stool volume is water. The other 25% is a mixture of things, primarily dead and living bacteria, food waste, as well as undigested parts of foods, typically fibrous foods such as seeds, nuts, corn, and beans, and substances contributed by the intestines and liver, such as mucus and bile (a dark green to yellowish-brown fluid). Many things can affect the balance of stool content, including diet, medications, supplements, and the presence of a GI disease, disorder, or infection.

2. What is a healthy bowel movement?

An ideal stool is medium-brown, long, smooth, and soft, which passes easily from the body with little straining or effort. Healthy individuals typically have bowel movements anywhere between three per day and three per week. More than three per day is often associated with diarrhea, and fewer than three per week typically suggests constipation, although there must be other symptoms present before the stool strictly qualifies as either diarrhea or constipation. Ideal stool requires little effort and no straining for elimination.

3. What does the colour of my poop mean?

Brown: Healthy bowel movements tend to be brown, due to the presences of bile and bilirubin, which is a product resulting from dead red blood cells being broken down in the intestine.

Black: If your stool is black, it is important to see your doctor, as it could be a sign of internal bleeding from higher in the digestive tract, especially if it smells foul and is tarry. However, there are many benign causes of black stool, including ingesting something with bismuth subsalicylate such as Pepto-Bismol® (which can also turn your tongue black), iron supplements, black liquorice, blueberries, or other darkly coloured foods.

Red or Maroon: If you are bleeding in the lower portion of the digestive tract, then this could cause bright red stool. Bleeding could be a result of inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, fissures, polyps, or colorectal cancer. However, a red stool might be unrelated to bleeding, since consuming large amounts of foods with red colouring, such as cakes or colourful packaged breakfast cereals, tomato-based sauce and soup, and beets can also colour your stool red.

Orange: If you consume excess beta-carotene from supplements or produce, such as carrots, sweet potato, squash, some leafy greens, and some herbs, then your stool can appear orange.

Yellow/Pale Brown/Grey: Bright yellow diarrhea can signify a condition known as Giardiasis (see sidebar). Stool that is yellow or pale can also result from reduced production of bile salts, since a normal, brown-coloured stool acquires its hue from breaking down bile. Pale stool (yellow or grey) can signify a problem with the liver or gallbladder, so if you have persistently light-coloured stool, then you should see your physician.

Green: Most often, green stool is the result of ingesting large quantities of green foods, such as leafy greens or foods with green colouring added. Iron supplements may also cause the stool to become green. However, green stool could also signify a colonic transit time that is too fast. Bile usually becomes darker as it passes through the large intestine but stays green if it moves through too quickly.

Blue: Eating lots of blue foods (e.g., blueberries) or beverages with blue food colouring (e.g., grape pop) can turn your stool this colour.

4. Is the texture of my bowel movement normal?

The Bristol Stool Chart is the most useful tool developed for assessing the texture and shape of your stool. On a scale of 1-7, you rate your stool on how solid or liquid it is. For instance, small, hard lumps that are difficult to pass would be a 1, and entirely liquid would be a 7. On this scale, 1-2 could signify constipation, 3-5 are healthy stools, and 6-7 point to diarrhea.

5. Why do some stools float and others sink?

Most stool sinks because the contents of feces tend to be denser than water. However, some stool just floats and, generally, this is nothing of concern, as it is usually the result of gas within the fecal matter, or a high fibre intake. Excess fat in the stool (steatorrhea) can also cause feces to float. This is especially common in individuals who have GI conditions that affect fat absorption, such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease, but can also happen in healthy individuals who consume large quantities of fat, which is likely the cause if the stool is also oily and foul smelling.

6. Why does it hurt when I have a bowel movement?

There are many reasons why defecation might cause pain. Depending on the type and severity of the pain, it could be anything from what you ate to an irritated hemorrhoid. In rare cases, a tumour in the intestine could make bowel movements painful. If you have any concerns about persistent pain, see your physician. Here are some common causes:

• Constipation is the most common cause of pain; if your stools are hard and difficult to pass, this could be the culprit
• Diarrhea can also cause cramping, leading up to elimination
• If you eat too much spicy food, the oils can stay in your stool and cause burning upon defecation, in the same way that they can make your mouth burn when you eat them
• Hemorrhoids, anal fissures (tears in the anus), and abscesses can cause pain and bleeding
• Bowel conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), and colorectal cancer can also cause pain
• Severe pain while experiencing bowel movements could signify a tumour obstructing the rectum or anus

7. Why does my poop smell so bad?

The first thing to remember is that what goes in also comes out, so if you had a spicy meal, chances are you’ll smell it strongly when it exits. Meat produces more smell than vegetables and intestinal bacteria produce several sulphur-containing compounds that are the primary smelly culprits along with fatty acids and skatole, a product resulting from the naturally-occurring process of amino acids being broken down in the intestine. The human nose can detect hydrogen sulphide in concentrations as low as one-half part per billion, making it easy for us to smell stool! Malabsorption, particularly of fats (see FAQ 5), can cause a stronger odour, so talk to your doctor if this persists.

Animals and Poop

• The white part of bird stool is actually the bird’s version of urine. Birds have only one hole for defecation and “urination”. The white part is uric acid, which is not very soluble in water, as opposed to the urea that mammals excrete, which is why the “urine” from birds is white.
• Adult African elephants eat 200-250kg of food a day and poop about 50kg daily. Some ingenious individuals in Thailand make paper from elephant dung – an astounding 115 sheets per day from one elephant’s deposits – which is primarily composed of fibre. They claim the paper does not smell and is bacteria-free.
• Both the Adélie penguin and silver-spotted skipper butterfly – in its caterpillar stage – projectile poop; the caterpillar ejects its stool as far away as 1.4 meters!
• A rabbit produces two types of digestion bi-products, leading some folks to believe they eat their poop. However, its fecal pellet is brown, hard, and spherical, with little odour, as it is composed mostly of undigested fibre (rabbits don’t generally eat these). However, rabbits also pass cecotropes, composed of nutrients from the rabbit’s digestion, which the rabbit needs to eat a second time to extract the necessary nutrition. These pellets consist of small, soft, shiny globs, each coated with a layer of rubbery mucus, and pass from the body in an elongate mass. As it contains a large mass of beneficial cecal bacteria, it has a strong odour, which the rabbit appears to enjoy. The mucosal coating protects the bacteria as they re-enter the stomach en route to the intestines.

First published in the

Inside Tract® newsletter issue 182 – 2012

Image: Rasulov | Bigstockphoto.com

Green Stool: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

Stool is naturally brown due to the digestion of bile salts produced by the liver and blood pigments such as bilirubin. As food moves through the digestive tract, digestive enzymes break down the bile, which is green-yellow, changing stool to a brown color.

A variety of factors can influence the color of your stool, many of which are not cause for concern, but others can indicate a more serious underlying condition.

Black Stool

Newborns in their first days pass meconium, a stick, black stool consisting of the cells, fluids and tissues consumed in the womb. This stool is normal and should change to yellow or tan as the baby begins feeding.

In older children and adults, black stool can be caused by certain substances or medications, such as iron supplements and Pepto-Bismol. However, black stool can also be caused by a serious condition, such as bleeding in the digestive tract caused by a peptic ulcer.

Seek prompt medical care if you have unusually dark stools or any change in the color or texture of your stool. If your stools are black and tarry in texture, bloody, or if you have major rectal bleeding, seek immediate medical care (call 911).

Green Stool

Green stool can result from consuming foods that are naturally or artificially green in color. Spicy foods, caffeinated drinks, or medications like antibiotics that affect your digestive tract can cause food to move through faster than normal and result in green or dark stools.

Pale Stool

Pale stool that is white, light-colored, or clay-colored means your digestive system is not getting enough bile from the liver. This may result from a narrowing or obstruction of the bile duct, which is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment. Pale stools may also be accompanied by jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (sclerae) caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the body. In some cases, pale stools may be caused by certain over-the-counter medications or substances used in X-ray procedures, such as barium.

Because pale stools may be caused by a serious disease or condition, you should seek prompt medical care if you, or your child, have unusually pale or light-colored stools. Early diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of pale stool can reduce the risk of possible complications, such as liver failure.

Red Stool

Small amounts of fresh, red blood are normal if you have hemorrhoids or any kind of injury to the perianal area. However, if your stool is dark red or black, this could indicate gastrointestinal bleeding farther up your digestive tract. Talk to your doctor right away if you notice this type of deep red stool, or if your bright red stool turns into bloody diarrhea.
Yellow Stool

Poop that is yellowish, smelly or greasy could indicate too much fat in the stool. This could be the result of a disorder, such as celiac disease, that prevents your digestive tract from extracting and digesting nutrients properly.

Conditions that affect the intestines, especially those that interfere with fat absorption, can also cause yellow stool. For example, Giardia, a parasite that can be found in waste products and contaminated water, can cause yellow diarrhea, fever, and flu-like symptoms.

Yellow stool is unusual, and may be a symptom of a serious medical condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for severe abdominal pain, stool with blood or pus, high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit), significant vomiting, seizures, changes in mental status, or sudden behavior changes. Symptoms of dehydration, such as decreased urination, increased thirst, fatigue, and light-headedness also require immediate medical care.

If your yellow stool persists for more than a day or two or causes you concern, seek prompt medical care.

90,000 What the color of an adult’s stool will tell you about: norms and pathologies

What the color of feces will tell you about

istockphoto.com

The color of feces may be the result of some food eaten, or it may indicate health problems. What color is the norm for an adult, and when do you need to see a doctor urgently?

Read also Legs cramp: what serious problems does your body hide?
First, let’s explain what feces are.These are the remnants of digested food, from which, in the process of metabolism, the body has taken away all the useful substances. And this remaining mass of the intestinal musculature moves to the anus for removal from the body. It makes sense that the color and composition of stool can change depending on what we eat.

The color of the stool of a healthy person can depend on many factors and it varies from light brown to dark brown. It depends on the presence of a product in the feces, produced as a result of the processes of pigment metabolism and bile secretion.Why can the feces change their color, and which of them should cause concern, and which simply changes color from nutrition?

What are the reasons for the discoloration of feces

What problems will the color of feces tell about / istockphoto.com

• The use of various food products, especially when it comes to such products that are saturated with natural food colors. For example, beets, broccoli, spinach, and so on.
• Taking medications
• Disorders of the digestive system
• Changes in the color of feces may also be evidence that pathological processes have begun to develop in the body, such as:
• Presence of malignant and benign neoplasms
• Rectal bleeding
• Ulcer or erosion of the stomach
• Hepatitis
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Hemorrhoidal bleeding

Read alsoHow to say goodbye to tonsillitis: causes, symptoms and prevention of the disease

In case of any changes in the color of feces, apart from obvious reasons for this, you should immediately contact your doctor, since a timely diagnosis can prevent the problem even in its early stages.

What can the different color of feces indicate?

Stool color norm / istockphoto.com

Light color of feces. Such a shade of excrement may appear due to the fact that:

• large quantities of potatoes or rice were consumed the day before
• Also, this color of feces always appears after a person undergoes an X-ray examination, in which barium sulfate is used
• excrement may have a light gray tint due to the use of certain medications associated with the elimination of diarrhea.

On the other hand, pale feces indicate that bile does not enter the intestines and this may be a sign of the development of diseases associated with blockage of the bile ducts, such as, for example:

• cholecystitis;
• pancreatitis;
• hepatitis;
• stones in the gallbladder or in the bile ducts;
• development of liver cancer or cirrhosis.

Read Also 9 Health Problems You Can Identify From Your Legs

Red color of feces. In this color, feces can be stained with foods eaten the day before, such as beets, tomatoes, watermelon and the like.
In other cases, such a shade may indicate:

• on the presence of bleeding, which is sometimes caused by taking potassium tablets or other drugs
• about hemorrhoids and fissures in the anus, which can also “stain” feces in the appropriate color
• on intestinal inflammation, which is additionally accompanied by diarrhea and severe cramps
• about malfunction of the large intestine
• about colon cancer
• on the presence of intestinal infection
• on the presence of parasites in the intestine

Normal stool color in an adult / istockphoto.com

Yellow color of feces. Yellow, light yellow and golden color of feces may indicate such ailments as:

• pancreatic insufficiency
• Poor digestion of food in the large intestine.

Read also Prostatitis: causes, symptoms and prevention of male disease

It should also be noted that in breastfed babies, the color of feces can also have shades from pale yellow to deep yellow, and sometimes with a greenish tint.

Green color of feces. Green is evidence:

• Certain diseases of the intestinal tract;
• pathological processes occurring in the small intestine;
• presence of dysbiosis;

90,015 taking certain groups of antibiotics;

90,015 dysentery;

• development of ulcers;

90,015 manifestations of malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal tract;

• diseases of the hematopoietic organs.

What foods color the stool black / istockphoto.com

Dark color of feces. Despite the fact that the appearance of black stool is much more frightening than bloody discharge in it, this is not always a pathology, since the black color of the stool can be evidence:

• receiving activated carbon;

90,015 medications containing iron;

• Consumption of blueberries in the diet

But if you find black feces, which has a viscous tarry consistency, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Black feces can be caused by:

• chronic consumption of alcoholic beverages;
• use of certain medications;
• taking drugs that provoke bleeding of the esophagus;
• gastritis;
• duodenal and gastric ulcer;
• colon cancer

It should always be remembered that suspicious changes in the color of stool should be the reason for immediate medical attention.This can prevent further serious consequences. Be healthy!

Expert Word

Doctor-gastroenterologist Olga Lyannaya especially focuses on the sharp change in stool quality after 45-50 years:

If you have always had a regular, normal bowel movement, and suddenly you suddenly have constipation or diarrhea, this is a reason to urgently go to an appointment with a gastroenterologist. Such changes can be symptoms of very serious diseases, including bowel cancer.

Read also What the color of an adult’s stool will tell you about: norms and pathologies

You are also interested to know about what is leaky gut syndrome and whether it needs to be treated

90,000 Why is the feces brown? – drvolkov.ru

Feces are of different colors: brown, yellow, red, white, green, gray and even black. In the vast majority of people, it is brown. As such, it is obtained due to the presence of bile in it, which flows from the gallbladder and is processed by bacteria in the intestines. This produces a byproduct called stercobilin, which gives the stool its brown color.

If there was no stercobilin in the feces, it would be gray or white. If you have problems with bile production, such as a blockage in the bile ducts, gallstones, or anything more serious, it will be.

In general, brown stool indicates that you are healthy. But other colors do not indicate health at all.

1. If you notice that the stool turns red, this may be a sign of internal bleeding. However, this can be after eating beets. If the esophagus or stomach is bleeding, then the stool will not be red, but black, and its smell will be much more fetid than usual.

2. The yellow color of the stool indicates that it contains a lot of fat. This is a bad sign. The smell is also extremely unpleasant.

3. Green stool indicates a bacterial infection or that you are a vegetarian and eat too much greens. If the latter is the case, eat some meat. It’s delicious too. If you are not a vegetarian, run to the doctor!

Curious facts about shit

• Sometimes there may be yellowish blotches in the feces, similar to corn. In fact, it is cellulose and fiber. The inner part of these inclusions will be completely digested, as it consists of starch.

• Feces have an unpleasant odor due to the presence of sulfur-rich organic compounds produced by bacteria such as indole, skatole and mercaptan. Another factor is the inorganic gas, hydrogen sulfide, formed during digestion.

• Meat-eaters’ feces smell worse than vegetarian feces.

• Poultry droppings are white due to the fact that the excretion of nitrogenous waste from the kidneys of birds enters the bloodstream and is subsequently excreted in the form of uric acid, which is poorly soluble in water, acquiring a white pasty form.

• Animals such as dogs, rabbits, rodents, gorillas, and many others eat their excrement to maintain their own health. Herbivores, such as rabbits, get enough undigested plants from their feces. Sometimes it is easier for them to eat their own feces than to look for fresh food to feed on. After processing the feces of some animals with bacteria in the intestines, it is enriched with vitamins. The animal cannot get such vitamins in any other way.Dogs get not only vitamins in this way, but also proteins. That is why they love to feast on cat feces so much. If you have both a cat and a dog, it is not necessary to empty the litter box completely, especially if the dog likes to lick it. Small amounts of stool may remain. Naturally, in this case, you should not let the dog lick yourself in the face.

• By the type and quantity of feces about a person, you can get some information. That is why people who study extraterrestrial civilizations argue that when aliens abduct people, the first thing they do is anal probing and study the contents of the abducted person’s intestines.

• In Islamic countries, the process of defecation is a whole ritual. You need to enter the toilet with your left foot, and exit with your right. It is necessary to wash with the left hand only. Public toilets in many Muslim countries are called “houses of Satan.”

• In India, instead of toilet paper, they simply use their hand, and always only the left. Naturally, there is water to wash it, but it is also on the left. If you give something to someone, it should already be done with the right hand, because the left hand in India is meant for the toilet.

• But in ancient Rome, a wet sponge on a stick was used to wipe after a bowel movement. Seems like a good invention. Its only drawback was that after use, the sponge was placed in a reservoir of salt water, after which another person used it. After that, using your own left hand does not seem such a terrible thing anymore.

• About 3/4 of your average stool is water. The remaining part consists of one third of dead bacteria that lived in the intestines, another third of fibrous substances, and the last third contains fats, phosphates, living bacteria, dead cells, mucus, protein and other substances.

90,000 complete guide to baby poop

© Liza Streltsova

Parenthood changes everyone. Yesterday you smugly giggled at those who wrote on the Internet panicky questions about “tight” and “pokakusiki”, and today you frantically compare the contents of your baby’s diaper with photographs on the Internet. All young parents are worried about the health of their baby – and we will help you save your nerves and time for searching.

So, here’s what is important to know about baby poop in the first months of life. First, the feces of a breastfed infant and a formula-fed infant will differ. Secondly, the vast majority of shades that you can find in a diaper are completely normal for an unformed baby’s digestive system. Let’s figure out what shouldn’t alarm you.

It is called meconium and appears during the first couple of days after giving birth.In appearance and consistency, meconium resembles engine oil and can cause genuine horror in young parents. Don’t worry, your baby is fine, he has parted with the last reminder of life in the womb, and is now ready for further development of the digestive system.

Most often, in healthy breastfed babies, the stool color will resemble mustard, sometimes with a yellowish, orangeish or greenish tinge. All of this is completely normal. Please note that the consistency of children’s stools is often liquid and uneven – this is also normal.You should not believe those who romantically tell that baby stools smell like milk or something else pleasant – it still has a rather specific smell, although it differs from the smell of stools of an adult or children who have already switched to adult food.

In artificially fed children, the stool is slightly more shaped than in the “naturalists”, but still remains soft. Yellow, yellow-brown, light brown or greenish feces are considered normal. And yes, the stool smell of formula-fed babies is much more like real poop.

After you start introducing complementary foods into your child’s diet, be prepared for the fact that his stool will change and become more and more like what you usually see in your toilet. Also, do not forget that children’s stools often take on the color of what was eaten: for example, orange after a carrot or pumpkin and a reddish tint after beets. So if you find a piece of shit of a non-standard color, then before you panic, remember what you fed the child the day before.

If you come across stools in a diaper several times in a row that looks greener and more liquid than usual, then this most likely indicates that the child has diarrhea. In babies, it can occur in the event of sudden changes in the diet (child or mother, if she is breastfeeding), and sometimes it can talk about food allergies or intolerances. Severe and frequent diarrhea (and if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain and abdominal pain, vomiting and fever) may indicate food poisoning or infection and requires a doctor’s attention.

Occasionally, a child’s stool may take on a yellowish or greenish tinge, and its texture becomes more slimy. Often this indicates increased salivation in a child – for example, during teething. The mucus from the saliva is not digested in the children’s stomach and comes out in its original form. However, if mucous stools persist for a long time, and the child does not feel very well, it may indicate an intestinal virus, in which case it is better to see a doctor.

If dense dark balls are found in the child’s diaper (in fairness, the likelihood that you will meet them increases significantly after the introduction of complementary foods), then this indicates constipation.Sometimes traces of blood may still be present on them – this is due to the fact that they hardly pass through the anus. Constipation suggests that you need to increase the child’s drinking regime and, possibly, consult a pediatrician.

All of the listed colors of the children’s chair should not cause you much anxiety (especially if they are not accompanied by any other problems and ailments). However, there are several varieties of poop that most likely indicate that something went wrong.

When there are red or pink streaks in your baby’s stool, it could be blood. Blood appears in the stool for various reasons: for example, if there are cracks or wounds somewhere in the rectum or anus of the child, or the child has an intestinal infection. Also, sometimes blood in the child’s stool can be found by mothers with cracked nipples – the child eats some blood with milk, and then it comes out from the other end.

If your child has very dark and thick stools (and by age it is no longer meconium), then it may indicate intestinal bleeding, and the child must be shown to the doctor.But first, remember – if your child is taking iron supplements (or iron-fortified formula), they also tend to make stools darker and thicker.

White or very light-colored stools are rare in children and almost always indicate a problem. Sometimes light-colored stools indicate liver problems, in other cases, allergies or an intestinal virus. Also, often the stool brightens from taking antibiotics or antacids. However, in any case, if your child has light stools (and even accompanied by other disturbing symptoms), this is a reason to see a doctor.

Read more on the topic

Light feces in a child

Infants will never tell or show exactly where they feel pain.
It is possible to judge the condition of a child only indirectly – by the color of his diapers or diapers.
Light-colored feces may appear in a child, which will certainly alert parents. In the first two or three days, the color of the child’s feces is deep green.
Subsequently, the color of the stool changes, approaching a rich apricot.
Apricot-colored feces indicate normal digestion.
When a child suddenly has light stool, some parents do not pay due attention to this fact. Others, on the contrary, sound the alarm by calling a doctor.
It is possible that light-colored feces in a child is a sign of some kind of pathology.
What does light stool mean?
Usually very light stool in a child indicates a lack of stercobilin, therefore, its synthesis is impaired.
In adults, this may indicate serious metabolic disorders, while for children, this condition most often indicates the imperfection of the liver, and specifically, the gallbladder.
Why does a child have light feces
Light feces always indicate a lack of pigment in it – stercobilin, which is formed from bilirubin in the liver with the direct participation of bile acids.
The causes of faecal discoloration are revealed by laboratory examination. Sometimes stercoblin is present in sufficient quantities, but the feces are almost white, why?
The child was overfed with carbohydrate-rich foods.The baby’s gallbladder is so small that it cannot deposit enough bile acids to process large amounts of food.
Incompletely digested carbohydrates leave the child’s body in a discolored state.
Or another situation – an excess of calcium in food. As you know, calcium is ordinary chalk, only it becomes such after processing in the gastrointestinal tract.
The child ate cottage cheese, sour cream, cheese.
Such cases are rare, but when they persistently repeat over and over again, you should think about what diseases the feces are light for, and how serious it is.
Light-colored feces are a sign of pathology of the digestive system:
• Liver. Ordinary obstructive jaundice. The first sign of liver failure will be discoloration of feces – yellowing of the skin will appear much later. An accurate diagnosis is made only in the laboratory.
• Intestines. The stool becomes so frequent that there is simply not enough stercobilin to stain it. The most common cause is dysbiosis.
• Kinking of the bile ducts due to improper position of the gallbladder.Bile is formed, but its exit from the bladder is difficult.
• Rotavirus infection. Similar to the common flu, but with symptoms of gastrointestinal tract damage.
Teeth are being cut. Temperature reaction is possible.
When should I see a doctor?
In cases where the child’s feces lose color for several times in a row. Doctors will be able to determine the causes of light stool and take timely measures. If you have played at Play Fortune casino, then leave your review on the official website here

90,000 Dog feces: what does a healthy dog’s stool look like?

Dog feces.It may not be the most enjoyable topic, but healthy dog ​​stool is often a sign of a healthy animal. Observing your pet’s stool parameters can be a good way to identify any health problems. Let’s take a look at what separates normal canine stool from abnormal stool, which may indicate deeper health problems.

What does the perfect chair look like?

A dog’s stool has four main parameters: color, content, consistency and coverage.Healthy dog ​​feces should be chocolate brown. As for its contents, let your veterinarian do all the dirty work. Most people will hardly see anything there without a microscope. Healthy dog ​​feces should be slightly hard in consistency, like a sculpting mass. Ideally, it should be in the shape of a log with small cracks. If you wanted to roll it up, it would disintegrate into small pieces. Finally, healthy stool has no surface coating at all. So if your dog has chocolate brown, slightly hard, uncoated bowel movements with nothing sticking out of it, then you’re fine.However, check out the signs that may indicate a health problem.

When to worry about dog poop

Again, the four parameters of your dog’s stool can help you determine if he may be sick. Although not very pleasant, the fastest way to detect any irregularities is to examine your pet’s stool while it is fresh.

Content specifics to watch out for

• Worms. They can be long and thin or look like small grains of rice. But you should only pay attention to this if they are present in a fresh sample. If the chair is outside for some time, the worms can simply get to it.
• Wool. Large hairballs in the stool may indicate excessive licking, allergies, or skin problems. Pay attention to how often you see hair in your stool and discuss this with your veterinarian.
• Foreign objects. Grass, plastic, stones, cloth and even money can sometimes be found in your dog’s chair, because dogs from time to time can swallow some random things. If you notice strange objects in your pet’s stool, you may need to consult your veterinarian about the need for a thorough examination or even an X-ray. It so happens that foreign objects get stuck in the digestive tract of dogs and have to be removed surgically.This is why it is best to contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice pieces of tissue or plastic in your dog’s stool.

Coating features

When you pick up dog faeces from the grass, they should not leave any traces behind. The mucous membrane often indicates inflammation of the colon and is usually accompanied by diarrhea. If you notice this mucus in your dog’s stool for several days in a row, you should see your veterinarian to determine next steps.

Color

A simple guide on how to tell if your pet has a health problem by stool color:

• Brown. The stool of a healthy puppy should be chocolate brown.
• strong> Green. Green stools may indicate that your dog is eating grass – perhaps to soothe an upset stomach.
• Black or Burgundy. This could be a sign of bleeding in the stomach or small intestine.
• Red stripes. Another sign of bleeding is probably in the lower gastrointestinal tract.
• Yellow. Yellow stools may indicate problems with the liver, pancreas, or gallbladder.
• White spots. Your puppy may have worms if you notice small white spots in his stool.

Consistency

When evaluating stool consistency, most veterinarians use a scale of one to seven, where one is very hard (almost dry) and seven is very liquid.Accordingly, the optimal consistency corresponds to number two on the scale. However, if your dog’s stool is slightly soft, don’t be alarmed. Just watch for softer and softer stools and freeze a few samples in case you need to take your dog to the veterinarian.

It is important to bring healthy stool samples for regular check-ups so that when your pet develops signs of unhealthy stool, the veterinarian has something to compare it to.If your dog appears to have healthy stools, but it has other signs of illness (refusal to eat, vomiting, lethargy, etc.), we still recommend that you take a stool sample when you take your pet to the veterinarian. Placing a stool sample under a microscope or doing other tests can provide a lot of useful information.

Collection of stool samples

Chances are good that you have found many different ways to clean up dog excrement in your yard or while walking.When it comes to cleaning up feces, there is no shortage of tools for this – there are scoops and special biodegradable bags. Therefore, when collecting a sample of healthy or unhealthy dog ​​feces to take to your veterinarian, be sure to use a clean bag. Pick up the sample carefully and place in a clean, shallow plastic container with a lid. Store the sample frozen until you deliver it to your veterinarian. If the stool is too runny to lift, be sure to take some clear pictures with your phone camera to show the doctor the consistency.You can also try collecting some liquid stool in a container using a clean stick or a plastic spoon. Never take a stool sample that has been exposed to heat or grass for a long time. These specimens may contain dirt or parasites that were not originally present in the stool. One last thing to watch out for is to clean up the dog poop as quickly as possible. If there are too many of them in the backyard, sooner or later the dog will start eating them. In addition, it can pose a threat to public health, as dog excrement can seep into groundwater and contaminate water sources.It should also be noted that you should always wash your hands after cleaning up the excrement, even if you have used gloves or put a bag on your hand.

Final Tips

Remember, your dog’s stool says a lot about his health. Responsible owners should follow these tips to better understand their dog and its health:

• Once your dog has done the job, rate the result in four dimensions: color, content, consistency and coverage.
• Always bring fresh stool samples with you whenever you visit your veterinarian.
• Clean up dog excrement immediately when walking.
• If your pet has trouble in the house, take him outside immediately and try to establish the correct procedure for defecation.
• Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog’s stool changes too much, starts eating his own feces, relieves frequently in the home, or if he has not defecated for more than 24 hours.

Dog feces are not a pleasant topic of conversation, but they can be a good indicator of your dog’s overall health. Early detection of signs of illness can help keep her healthy.

Chrissy Klinger

Chrissy Klinger is a pet owner who happily lives under the same roof with her furry family members, two children and her husband. When she’s free from teaching, writing, or blogging, Chrissy enjoys spending time with her family.Chrissy is committed to writing articles that help pet owners live more active and meaningful lives with their pets.

90,000 Rotavirus infection

About the center –

Learning to be healthy

Updated
05.04.2019

04/05/2019

Author: Manager

Rotavirus gastroenteritis is an acute infectious disease with a fecal-oral mechanism of transmission of the pathogen.

The source of infection is infected adults and children – sick or virus carriers, excreting rotaviruses in feces. During the first 5 days of illness, patients pose the greatest epidemiological danger to others.

Transmission mechanism: fecal-oral, sales – water, food; contact-household way, it is not excluded and air-dust. The most important transmission factor is water.

Milk and dairy products contaminated during storage or sale are dangerous from food products.

Contact-household transmission occurs more often in a family, in places of collective residence, if the rules of personal hygiene are not followed.

Among children and adults, rotavirus infection can manifest itself in the form of sporadic cases, local group diseases, outbreaks and is widespread.Seasonality is characteristic – winter-spring period. Natural susceptibility to rotavirus infection is high, the largest number of cases is observed among children aged 6 months and older. up to 2 years.

With rotavirus infection, there is a high focus, especially in preschool groups. Rotaviruses are also considered as one of the main agents in nosocomial outbreaks of gastroenteritis in maternity hospitals and children’s hospitals of various profiles. Adults and older children become infected from sick children attending children’s groups.

In those who have had rotavirus infection, a strictly specific immunity is formed, but its duration is unknown.

Disease Clinic

The incubation period is from several hours to 1-2 days.

Sick periods:

1. Initial phase – 12-24 hours;
2. Acute period (the height of the disease) – 3-4 days;
3. Convalescence period from 4-7 days.

Severity

The first signs of the disease are diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.Diarrhea is a constant symptom, relief after a bowel movement.

Stool profuse, watery, yellow, frothy, with a pungent sour odor.

With mild degree: body temperature is normal or rises to 37.5º, symptoms of intoxication are mild. There is no vomiting. The stool is thick, mushy, brown, up to 5 times a day. Patients complain of heaviness in the epigastric region, decreased appetite and other dyspeptic symptoms.

At moderate severity: body temperature 37.5º and above, moderately expressed symptoms of intoxication.Vomiting occurs in patients simultaneously with diarrhea or earlier, repeats 3-4 times and stops during the first day. Stool frequency 10-15 times a day, has a dull white color, sometimes mixed with mucus. Abdominal pain is localized in the epigastric and umbilical regions or is diffuse.

Severe disease: body temperature 38.0 º and above, lasts 1-3 days, there may be chills. Stomach pain can be very severe. Vomiting in severe cases of the disease occurs after eating or drinking.Vomit is abundant, contains food and mucus. Stool more than 15 times a day, copious, watery, yellow, frothy, with a pungent odor. When examining patients on the mucous membrane of the soft palate, palatine arches, tongue – hyperemia, granularity. Children may have signs of rhinitis, diffuse hyperemia of the tympanic membrane. Other organs and systems are also involved in the pathological process, but less often compared with the intestines. With a severe course of the disease, acute cardiovascular failure, fainting may develop.

Laboratory diagnostics: material for virological research is the feces of patients. Determine the rotavirus antigen in the first 2-3 days of illness.

Treatment:

– Diet No. 4: exclusion of vegetables, fruits, milk, dairy products, smoked meats, pickles, confectionery, carbonated drinks, juices;

– Sugar restriction;

– Antiviral drugs: kipferon, arbidol;

– Absorbents and binders: smecta, enterosgel, activated carbon;

– Polymorphic drugs: mezim forte, festal, panzinorm.

Disease prevention:

Preventive measures for rotavirus gastroenteritis are common, as for the entire group of intestinal infections with a fecal-oral mechanism of infection.

Thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits eaten raw, wash your hands with soap and water before preparing food and after cutting raw fish, meat or poultry, after walking, playing with animals. Avoid contact between raw and prepared foods. Store all perishable foods and ready meals in the refrigerator.

Indication for hospitalization:

1. Fever above 38.0º;

2. Vomiting more than 5 times a day;

3. Diarrhea more than 10 times a day.

Head of the infectious diseases department of CDC No. 1 Olga Ivanovna Isakova

Calprotectin rapid test RED, 10 tests

Calprotectin rapid test

Test principle: immunochromatographic, color-coded results.The control and analytical zone strips are colored differently.

Analyzed material: feces;

Stability of the result – 4 hours;

Sensitivity not less than 94%, specificity not less than 93%.

Test device type: individually packed test cassettes complete with silica gel;

Measurement type: qualitative;

Analysis time: no more than 10 minutes;

Sample type: feces – sample volume: no more than 125 µl of liquid feces;

Number of tests in a set: 10 tests;

Storage conditions: 2-30 hail.

The kit is intended for at least 10 determinations of latent blood antigens in human feces. The set includes:

Test cassettes in individual packaging 10 pcs, marked in Russian (test name, batch number, expiration date), complete with a plastic dropper bottle with a one-component buffer with a preservative, combined with a pipette and a spatula for taking a sample – 10 pcs …

Packing: The dropper bottle has screw caps on both sides.On the top side there is a cap with a break-off end for applying the sample solution to the test system. On the lower side, the lid is equipped with a plastic applicator (at least 40 mm long and a corrugated part at least 20 mm), and the neck contains a rubberized cut-off insert for an excess sample amount (for taking a fixed amount of sample into the container). To ensure a tight seal, there is a flexible gasket between each cap and the bottle.
Labels with empty signature fields for sticker on dropper bottles with buffer – 10 pcs.
Color instruction for the user in Russian.
The box contains full markings in Russian and is sealed with a first opening control seal.

The shelf life of the kit is not less than 24 months
The remaining shelf life at the time of delivery of the kit is not less than 80%

Manufacturer: LLC “RED”, Russia

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