Should your stool float or sink. What does the color of your poop indicate. How can the shape and consistency of your stool reveal potential health issues. Why does healthy poop have an unpleasant odor.

The Significance of Stool Buoyancy: Floating vs. Sinking

When it comes to bowel movements, many people wonder about the ideal characteristics of healthy stool. One common question is whether poop should float or sink. Generally speaking, healthy stool tends to sink to the bottom of the toilet bowl. This is because normal feces are dense enough to descend through the water.

Floating stools can occur occasionally and may not always indicate a problem. Temporary causes of floating poop include:

• Consuming new foods
• Eating gas-producing foods
• Gastrointestinal infections
• Stomach bugs

However, if your stools consistently float and appear greasy, it could be a sign of malabsorption. This condition occurs when your body struggles to absorb nutrients properly. Persistent floating stools, especially when accompanied by weight loss, warrant a visit to your healthcare provider.

Composition of Healthy Stool

Understanding the components of normal poop can help you better assess your digestive health. Typical stool consists of:

• Indigestible fat
• Food residue
• Bacteria
• A large percentage of water

The proper balance of these elements results in stool that is dense enough to sink. A satisfying “plop” sound when your poop hits the water is often a good indicator of healthy bowel movements.

Decoding Stool Color: What Different Hues Reveal

The color of your stool can provide valuable insights into your digestive health and overall well-being. Healthy poop typically ranges from light yellow to dark brown, with the most common shade being medium brown. This coloration is primarily due to bile, a substance produced by the liver to aid in digestion.

Normal Color Variations

It’s important to note that stool color can fluctuate based on your diet. For instance, consuming large quantities of blueberries or foods containing dark food dyes may result in very dark or even black stools. These temporary changes are usually not cause for concern.

Concerning Color Changes

Certain stool colors may indicate underlying health issues:

• Light brown or gray: May suggest bile duct problems or liver issues
• Clay-colored: Could indicate hepatitis, bile duct blockage, or gallstones
• Red or bloody: Potentially signifies rectal bleeding, hemorrhoids, or more serious conditions

If you notice persistent changes in stool color outside the normal range, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Interpreting Stool Shape and Consistency

The shape and consistency of your stool can offer additional clues about your digestive health. Healthy poop typically appears as formed logs with a clay-like consistency. However, there is a range of normal variations in stool shape and size.

Normal Stool Shapes

• Log-shaped
• Snake-like
• Various lengths and diameters

These shapes are generally considered normal and are not cause for concern.

Abnormal Stool Shapes and Their Potential Meanings

Certain stool shapes and consistencies may indicate digestive issues:

• Lumpy or small, ball-like shapes: May suggest constipation
• Pebbly or dry: Could indicate dehydration
• Jagged or fuzzy appearance: Might signify a low-fiber diet
• Extremely soft or lacking definition: May indicate insufficient fiber intake

If you consistently notice abnormal stool shapes or consistency, consider adjusting your diet and hydration habits. Persistent issues should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

The Role of Fiber in Digestive Health

Fiber plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bowel movements and overall digestive function. Adequate fiber intake contributes to well-formed stools and regular bowel habits.

Benefits of Fiber for Digestive Health

• Promotes regular bowel movements
• Helps prevent constipation
• Supports healthy gut bacteria
• Aids in maintaining a healthy weight

To ensure you’re getting enough fiber, incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes into your diet. The recommended daily intake for adults is between 25 to 30 grams of fiber.

Tips for Increasing Fiber Intake

1. Start your day with a high-fiber breakfast cereal
2. Snack on fresh fruits and raw vegetables
3. Choose whole grain bread and pasta over refined alternatives
4. Add beans or lentils to soups and salads
5. Opt for brown rice instead of white rice

Gradually increase your fiber intake to avoid digestive discomfort, and be sure to drink plenty of water to help the fiber move through your digestive system effectively.

Hydration and Its Impact on Stool Quality

Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy bowel movements and overall digestive function. Water plays a vital role in softening stool and facilitating its passage through the intestines.

Signs of Dehydration in Stool

• Hard, dry stools
• Difficulty passing stools
• Infrequent bowel movements

If you notice these symptoms, it’s crucial to increase your fluid intake. Aim for at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day, and adjust based on your activity level and climate.

Tips for Staying Hydrated

1. Carry a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day
2. Set reminders to drink water regularly
3. Consume water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables
4. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, as they can contribute to dehydration
5. Drink a glass of water with each meal

By maintaining proper hydration, you can help ensure smooth and regular bowel movements, supporting overall digestive health.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Stool-Related Concerns

While occasional changes in stool characteristics are normal, certain symptoms may warrant medical attention. It’s important to be aware of potential red flags that could indicate underlying health issues.

Symptoms That Require Medical Evaluation

• Persistent changes in stool color, especially black or red stools
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Unexplained weight loss accompanied by changes in bowel habits
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Blood in the stool
• Persistent floating stools with a greasy appearance

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. Early detection and treatment of digestive issues can prevent more serious complications.

Preparing for Your Doctor’s Visit

To make the most of your appointment, consider the following steps:

1. Keep a diary of your bowel movements, noting any changes or unusual characteristics
2. Track your diet and fluid intake
3. List any medications or supplements you’re taking
4. Prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss with your doctor

By providing detailed information, you can help your healthcare provider make an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

The Connection Between Gut Health and Overall Well-being

The health of your digestive system plays a crucial role in your overall well-being. Emerging research has revealed the intricate relationship between gut health and various aspects of physical and mental health.

The Gut-Brain Axis

The gut-brain axis refers to the bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. This connection influences various aspects of health, including:

• Mood and mental health
• Immune function
• Inflammation
• Cognitive function

Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through proper diet and lifestyle choices can positively impact your overall health and well-being.



Promoting Gut Health

To support a healthy gut microbiome and optimize digestive function, consider the following strategies:

1. Consume a diverse range of plant-based foods
2. Include fermented foods in your diet, such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut
3. Limit processed foods and artificial sweeteners
4. Manage stress through relaxation techniques and regular exercise
5. Get adequate sleep
6. Consider probiotic supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional

By prioritizing gut health, you can potentially improve various aspects of your physical and mental well-being.

Understanding the characteristics of healthy stool and recognizing potential warning signs can provide valuable insights into your overall health. By paying attention to the color, consistency, and buoyancy of your bowel movements, you can gain a better understanding of your digestive function and detect potential issues early on. Remember that occasional variations are normal, but persistent changes or concerning symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and prioritizing gut health can contribute to regular, healthy bowel movements and support your overall well-being.



What It Can Tell You About Your Health

Healthy poop typically sinks to the bottom of the toilet bowl. You may have floating poop temporarily if you have an illness. But regular floaters can indicate a health condition.

When was the last time you took a look at what you left behind in the toilet bowl?

While there are certainly more appealing (and better-smelling) things to look at, checking out what’s coming out the other end can actually tell you a lot about your diet, activity level, and health in general.

It can be especially important to know whether your poop sinks or floats. But since you’re probably (hopefully?) not looking at anyone else’s poop on the regular, it can be hard to know whether yours is “normal.”

Let’s cover the basics of what normal, healthy poop looks like, what to do when it doesn’t look normal, and when to see a doctor.

Poop typically consists of:

• indigestible fat
• food residue
• bacteria
• a large percentage of water

Hearing a hearty “plop!” when you’re sitting on the toilet is actually a sign that your poop is dense and, therefore, healthy.

If you’re eating a fiber-full diet and your digestive system is firing on all cylinders, your poop should be heavy enough to land at the bottom of the toilet bowl.

What to do if your poop floats

Even though healthy poop sinks, occasionally your poop will float like a life preserver.

If you’re leaving the occasional floater behind, it’s probably not a cause for concern. Eating a new food or food that gives you a lot of gas can make your poop less dense, resulting in floating stools. After a day or so, this typically goes away on its own.

Floating poop can sometimes be a symptom of a gastrointestinal infection or a stomach bug. These, too, tend to be temporary and will go away on their own.

But if your poop frequently floats and feels greasy, it could mean that you’re experiencing malabsorption.

Another symptom of malabsorption is weight loss. See your doctor if this is a regular symptom for you, especially if it’s accompanied by floating poops.

Floating poop can also be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS has other symptoms, too, such as:

• cramping
• bloating after meals
• constipation
• frequent diarrhea

If you frequently have floating poop in addition to these other symptoms, talk with your doctor.

Healthy stool is brown. This is because bile from your digestive organs tints the color of your poop.

Your poop can vary in color according to what you’ve eaten recently. If your poop looks super dark or even black, it’s probably because you’ve been eating a lot of blueberries or a food that uses dark food dyes, like black licorice.

Unhealthy shades

If your poop isn’t on the range of colors between yellow and dark brown, it can indicate an underlying health concern.

Light color

Poop that’s a lighter shade of brown or gray, or clay-colored, can indicate that your bile ducts aren’t functioning at their full capacity. This can be a sign of:

• hepatitis
• bile duct blockage
• gallstones
• swelling in the liver or pancreas

If your poop becomes lighter in color than usual and doesn’t return to its dark brown color, pay attention to other symptoms you be having. Contact your doctor if you aren’t feeling well.

Red

Poop that’s red, or stools that come out bloody, can be a sign that you have a blockage at your rectum. It can also indicate hemorrhoids or gastrointestinal bleeding.

In some cases, red poop can be a warning sign of colorectal polyps or intestinal cancer.

If you’re seeing blood in your stool or frequently have red poop, contact your doctor and let them know, regardless of other symptoms. They’ll be able to tell if you need to have your stool tested to determine what’s causing your red poop.

Poop can take many shapes and still be healthy.

Your feces will typically appear in formed logs with a clay-like consistency. Narrow, snake-shaped poop is also considered normal. Your poop can be large, small, short, or long: All these shapes fall on the spectrum of normal.

Unhealthy shapes

There are some things about your poop’s consistency and shape that can point to an underlying health condition. Most things about your poop’s shape and size are related to your diet.

Poop that looks lumpy or comes out in small softball- or caterpillar-like shapes can mean that you’re constipated. Increase your water intake if you notice your poop coming out pebbly or dry, even if you’re not straining when you go.

Poop that looks jagged or fuzzy might mean it’s time to load up your plate with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

A low amount of fiber in your diet can result in poop that’s extremely soft. If your poop lacks (for lack of a better word) definition, change up the amount of fiber you’re getting at each meal.

Even healthy poop doesn’t smell the best. There’s a reason, after all, why the word “excrement” is synonymous with “gross.”

Unpleasant-smelling poop is the result of bacteria and food decay. Poop has a very distinct smell that you’re probably familiar with, and everyone’s poop smells unique to them. Poop that smells earthy or musty is typical and normal.

Unhealthy smells

Poop that smells greasy, foul, or especially putrid can be a sign from your body that there’s something else going on.

Taking antibiotics changes the microbiota in your gut. This can result in foul-smelling stool. It’s often temporary and will resolve on its own, but a course of probiotic supplements can’t hurt to help things along.

If you menstruate, your poop may have a distinct and powerful odor during your period (which is totally normal).

You may also experience foul-smelling stool in addition to diarrhea if you take more than the recommended dose of a multivitamin or supplement. This, too, will resolve on its own in a day or two.

Seeing a doctor

If your poop is especially smelly and accompanied by other symptoms, you may need to contact your doctor.

Bacterial infections like E. coli, food and dairy allergies, and gastrointestinal parasites can cause your stool to smell abnormally offensive. Malabsorption can also cause a strong stench.

If your poop smells worse than usual, pay attention to other symptoms that you may be having. See your doctor if you have especially smelly stools and:

• frequent cramping
• constipation
• diarrhea
• weight loss
• bloody stool

Some people poop a couple times a day. Others only poop every other day. Regularity is important, but there’s a wide range of what’s “normal” when it comes to poop frequency.

You may poop more often or less frequently depending on how much fiber is in your diet, how much meat you eat, how much physical activity you tend to get, and other factors.

Fixing constipation

If you feel constipated, first try to increase your water intake. Being dehydrated means that you might not have enough water traveling through your intestine to form solid, healthy poop.

If that doesn’t work, increase your fiber intake. Keep in mind that eating a lot of fiber can actually slow your digestion, at least at first.

Constipation home remedies are another option if you’re not pooping regularly. Consider taking a magnesium supplement or a natural laxative to get things moving. Getting some exercise, like going for a run or practicing yoga, can also help.

If you experience constipation on a regular basis, or if your stools are hard and dry, let your doctor know.

Healthy poop will typically sink to the bottom of the toilet, look dark brown, and smell a bit musty but not especially foul.

Poop gives you important clues into what’s going on inside your body. Any stool that’s not within the realm of what’s normal for you is a reason to pay close attention.

Stool that floats, is a different color than usual, and smells especially foul could indicate that you need to have a conversation with your doctor.

What It Can Tell You About Your Health

Healthy poop typically sinks to the bottom of the toilet bowl. You may have floating poop temporarily if you have an illness. But regular floaters can indicate a health condition.

When was the last time you took a look at what you left behind in the toilet bowl?

While there are certainly more appealing (and better-smelling) things to look at, checking out what’s coming out the other end can actually tell you a lot about your diet, activity level, and health in general.

It can be especially important to know whether your poop sinks or floats. But since you’re probably (hopefully?) not looking at anyone else’s poop on the regular, it can be hard to know whether yours is “normal.”

Let’s cover the basics of what normal, healthy poop looks like, what to do when it doesn’t look normal, and when to see a doctor.

Poop typically consists of:

• indigestible fat
• food residue
• bacteria
• a large percentage of water

Hearing a hearty “plop!” when you’re sitting on the toilet is actually a sign that your poop is dense and, therefore, healthy.

If you’re eating a fiber-full diet and your digestive system is firing on all cylinders, your poop should be heavy enough to land at the bottom of the toilet bowl.

What to do if your poop floats

Even though healthy poop sinks, occasionally your poop will float like a life preserver.

If you’re leaving the occasional floater behind, it’s probably not a cause for concern. Eating a new food or food that gives you a lot of gas can make your poop less dense, resulting in floating stools. After a day or so, this typically goes away on its own.

Floating poop can sometimes be a symptom of a gastrointestinal infection or a stomach bug. These, too, tend to be temporary and will go away on their own.

But if your poop frequently floats and feels greasy, it could mean that you’re experiencing malabsorption.

Another symptom of malabsorption is weight loss. See your doctor if this is a regular symptom for you, especially if it’s accompanied by floating poops.

Floating poop can also be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS has other symptoms, too, such as:

• cramping
• bloating after meals
• constipation
• frequent diarrhea

If you frequently have floating poop in addition to these other symptoms, talk with your doctor.

Healthy stool is brown. This is because bile from your digestive organs tints the color of your poop.

Your poop can vary in color according to what you’ve eaten recently. If your poop looks super dark or even black, it’s probably because you’ve been eating a lot of blueberries or a food that uses dark food dyes, like black licorice.

Unhealthy shades

If your poop isn’t on the range of colors between yellow and dark brown, it can indicate an underlying health concern.

Light color

Poop that’s a lighter shade of brown or gray, or clay-colored, can indicate that your bile ducts aren’t functioning at their full capacity. This can be a sign of:

• hepatitis
• bile duct blockage
• gallstones
• swelling in the liver or pancreas

If your poop becomes lighter in color than usual and doesn’t return to its dark brown color, pay attention to other symptoms you be having. Contact your doctor if you aren’t feeling well.

Red

Poop that’s red, or stools that come out bloody, can be a sign that you have a blockage at your rectum. It can also indicate hemorrhoids or gastrointestinal bleeding.

In some cases, red poop can be a warning sign of colorectal polyps or intestinal cancer.

If you’re seeing blood in your stool or frequently have red poop, contact your doctor and let them know, regardless of other symptoms. They’ll be able to tell if you need to have your stool tested to determine what’s causing your red poop.

Poop can take many shapes and still be healthy.

Your feces will typically appear in formed logs with a clay-like consistency. Narrow, snake-shaped poop is also considered normal. Your poop can be large, small, short, or long: All these shapes fall on the spectrum of normal.

Unhealthy shapes

There are some things about your poop’s consistency and shape that can point to an underlying health condition. Most things about your poop’s shape and size are related to your diet.

Poop that looks lumpy or comes out in small softball- or caterpillar-like shapes can mean that you’re constipated. Increase your water intake if you notice your poop coming out pebbly or dry, even if you’re not straining when you go.

Poop that looks jagged or fuzzy might mean it’s time to load up your plate with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

A low amount of fiber in your diet can result in poop that’s extremely soft. If your poop lacks (for lack of a better word) definition, change up the amount of fiber you’re getting at each meal.

Even healthy poop doesn’t smell the best. There’s a reason, after all, why the word “excrement” is synonymous with “gross.”

Unpleasant-smelling poop is the result of bacteria and food decay. Poop has a very distinct smell that you’re probably familiar with, and everyone’s poop smells unique to them. Poop that smells earthy or musty is typical and normal.

Unhealthy smells

Poop that smells greasy, foul, or especially putrid can be a sign from your body that there’s something else going on.

Taking antibiotics changes the microbiota in your gut. This can result in foul-smelling stool. It’s often temporary and will resolve on its own, but a course of probiotic supplements can’t hurt to help things along.

If you menstruate, your poop may have a distinct and powerful odor during your period (which is totally normal).

You may also experience foul-smelling stool in addition to diarrhea if you take more than the recommended dose of a multivitamin or supplement. This, too, will resolve on its own in a day or two.

Seeing a doctor

If your poop is especially smelly and accompanied by other symptoms, you may need to contact your doctor.

Bacterial infections like E. coli, food and dairy allergies, and gastrointestinal parasites can cause your stool to smell abnormally offensive. Malabsorption can also cause a strong stench.

If your poop smells worse than usual, pay attention to other symptoms that you may be having. See your doctor if you have especially smelly stools and:

• frequent cramping
• constipation
• diarrhea
• weight loss
• bloody stool

Some people poop a couple times a day. Others only poop every other day. Regularity is important, but there’s a wide range of what’s “normal” when it comes to poop frequency.

You may poop more often or less frequently depending on how much fiber is in your diet, how much meat you eat, how much physical activity you tend to get, and other factors.

Fixing constipation

If you feel constipated, first try to increase your water intake. Being dehydrated means that you might not have enough water traveling through your intestine to form solid, healthy poop.

If that doesn’t work, increase your fiber intake. Keep in mind that eating a lot of fiber can actually slow your digestion, at least at first.

Constipation home remedies are another option if you’re not pooping regularly. Consider taking a magnesium supplement or a natural laxative to get things moving. Getting some exercise, like going for a run or practicing yoga, can also help.

If you experience constipation on a regular basis, or if your stools are hard and dry, let your doctor know.

Healthy poop will typically sink to the bottom of the toilet, look dark brown, and smell a bit musty but not especially foul.

Poop gives you important clues into what’s going on inside your body. Any stool that’s not within the realm of what’s normal for you is a reason to pay close attention.

Stool that floats, is a different color than usual, and smells especially foul could indicate that you need to have a conversation with your doctor.

Should your feces float? What does it say if he doesn’t sink? · Medicine in Moscow · Catalog of Russian organizations

Intestinal health is reflected in the characteristics of the stool. Stool can also reflect the health of other body organs such as the stomach, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. Stool characteristics that are used to determine the health of the intestines and other organs include stool consistency, frequency of bowel movements, and stool color and odor. In addition to these characteristics, feces can also be examined in a clinical laboratory to reveal more detailed information about the body’s health.

A feature of stool that can help distinguish health from illness is whether the stool floats or sinks. Under healthy conditions, stool sinks. Floating stools may indicate an underlying medical condition. However, this is not always the case. Not all cases of floating stool indicate an underlying medical condition. Other associated signs and symptoms must be taken into account before suggesting that disease may be present. If floating stools are not accompanied by any other symptoms, then there is usually no cause for immediate concern.

Why does the stool float?

Floating or sinking stool is determined by the density of the substance relative to the density of water. Stool floats when it is less dense than water. This is mainly due to the presence of gas or fat in the stool.

Feces are made up of various components. About 60-75% of stool composition is in the form of water. The remaining components of feces include undigested fiber (about 7. 5%), intestinal bacteria (about 7.5%), inorganic components (up to 5%), fat (up to 5%), and a tiny fraction of protein (<1%). As can be seen from the composition, gases do not form any significant proportion of feces. Therefore, even a small increase in the proportion of gas in the stool is enough to reduce the density of the stool and cause it to float.

Floating stools may be caused by an underlying disorder when accompanied by other signs and symptoms. These associated signs and symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, changes in appetite, changes in stool texture, color, and odor.

Causes of floating stools

Gas in the intestines mainly comes from the action of bacteria in the colon. These colon bacteria produce gas as a by-product of their action on the food present in the intestine. Usually the population of these intestinal bacteria is controlled. However, under certain conditions, an increase in their number may occur. Alternatively, some conditions can cause incomplete digestion and absorption of food in the intestines. Both lead to excessive outgassing.

Gas in the stool also comes from the air that is swallowed while breathing, eating and drinking. Carbonated drinks are a source of gas in the intestines. The gas is also able to diffuse through the intestinal walls. It is released during the chemical breakdown process.

Diseases that cause floating feces are most often associated with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Some of the common conditions that can lead to floating stools are:

Bowel infections

Intestinal infections, whether caused by external pathogenic bacteria or internal indigenous bacteria in the intestine, are the main source of gas in the intestine. As a rule, the growth of the local bacterial flora of the intestine is controlled. This is mainly achieved through the action of the intestinal immune system and competition with other microbial flora. Under abnormal conditions, an overgrowth of bacteria occurs. This results in increased gas production and floating stools.

Food intolerance

Food intolerance is caused by a lack of appropriate enzymes that metabolize certain food components. A common example is lactose intolerance, which is the result of a lack of the lactase enzyme. When a lactose intolerant person consumes milk and other dairy products, the lactose sugar in these products is not digested. Bacteria in the gut feed on undigested lactose sugar. This causes excessive gas production and floating stools.

Malabsorption syndromes

Malabsorption refers to conditions in which nutrients from digested food are not absorbed in the intestines. Intestinal gas production increases as colon bacteria attack food components remaining in the colon. Malabsorption can be caused by a variety of conditions such as intestinal inflammation, intestinal infections, sensitivities to certain foods, and alcoholism.

Diseases of the pancreas

The pancreas is an important player in the digestive process. Pancreatic enzymes enter the small intestine (duodenum) where they help in the digestion of various food components. Diseases that affect the pancreas can disrupt the synthesis and secretion of pancreatic enzymes. Without pancreatic enzymes, food in the intestines is not digested properly. Colon bacteria feed on undigested food and cause increased gas production. This excessive gas production contributes to the formation of floating stools.

Diseases of the gallbladder

The gallbladder secretes a fluid called bile into the intestines. Bile contains fatty emulsifiers that allow digestive enzymes to break down the fats present in food. When bile production or secretion is impaired (due to diseases such as gallbladder disease or surgical removal), fat is not digested properly. Colon bacteria feed on fat and increase in number. As a result, excessive gas production causes floating stools.

Short intestine

The entire length of the human intestine is involved in the digestion and absorption of various food components. When the length of the intestine shortens, it negatively affects digestion and absorption of food. As a result, more food is available for intestinal bacteria. Increased bacterial action leads to excessive gas production and floating stools. A short bowel may result from surgical removal of a portion of the bowel or from a congenital disease.

Other causes

In addition to the above causes, excessive gas production and floating stools can also be caused by diseases such as celiac disease and cystic fibrosis. Normal conditions, such as pregnancy and dietary changes (such as fasting and eating new foods), also often trigger floating stools.

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Source: https://www.me-d.ru

Why do poop sink (and why do they float) – Drink-Drink

When was the last time you looked at what you left in the toilet?

While there are certainly more attractive (and better smelling) things, checking out what comes out on the other end can actually tell you a lot about your diet, activity level and overall health.

It is especially important to know if your stool is sinking or floating. But since you probably (hopefully?) don’t look at other people’s poop regularly, it can be difficult to know if yours is “normal”.

Let’s go over the basics of what normal, healthy poop looks like, what to do if it doesn’t look normal, and when to see a doctor.

Floating and sinking poop

Feed typically consists of:

• indigestible fat
• food debris
• bacteria
• high percentage of water

9 0002 Hearing a loud “pop!” when you sit on the toilet, it is actually a sign that your poop is dense and therefore healthy.

If you’re on a high-fiber diet and your digestive system is working at full capacity, your stool should be heavy enough to sink to the bottom of the toilet.

What to do if your poop floats

Even though healthy stools sink, sometimes your stools float up like a lifeline.

If you leave random floats behind, this is probably nothing to worry about. Eating new foods or foods that cause more gas can make your stool less dense, resulting in floating stools. It usually goes away on its own after about a day.

Floating stools can sometimes be a symptom of a gastrointestinal or gastrointestinal infection. They also tend to be temporary and will disappear on their own.

But if your stool floats a lot and seems greasy, it could mean you have malabsorption.

Another symptom of malabsorption is weight loss. See your doctor if this is a regular symptom for you, especially if it is accompanied by floating poop.

Floating food Can also be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS has other symptoms as well, such as:

• cramps
• bloating after eating
• constipation
• frequent diarrhea

If, in addition to these other symptoms, you often have floating poop, talk to your doctor.

Healthy poop color

Healthy brown stool. This is because bile from your digestive organs colors your stool.

Your poop may vary in color depending on what you have eaten recently. If your stool looks very dark or even black, it’s probably because you’ve been eating a lot of blueberries or foods that use dark food colorings like black licorice.

Unhealthy shades

If the color of your stool is not in the range between yellow and dark brown, this may indicate a serious health problem.

Light color

Light brown, gray, or clay-colored feces may indicate that your bile ducts are not working at full capacity. This may be a sign of:

• hepatitis
• blockage of the bile ducts
• gallstones
• tumor in the liver or pancreas

If your stool becomes lighter than usual and does not return to its dark brown color, look for other symptoms you may have. Contact your doctor if you are not feeling well.

Red

Red stools or bloody stools may be a sign that you have a rectal blockage. It can also indicate hemorrhoids or gastrointestinal bleeding.

In some cases, red stools can be a warning sign of colorectal polyps or bowel cancer.

If you see blood in your stools or frequently have red stools, call your doctor and let him know, regardless of other symptoms. They will be able to tell you if you need to have your stool checked to determine what is causing your red stools.

Healthy shape and texture of poop

Poop can take many forms and stay healthy.

Your faeces usually come out in shaped logs of clay consistency. Narrow, snake-shaped stool is also considered normal. Your poop can be big, small, short, or long: all of these shapes are on the spectrum of normal values.

Unhealthy forms

There are some features in the consistency and shape of your stool that may indicate an underlying medical condition. Most things about the shape and size of your stool have to do with your diet.

Stool that looks lumpy or is shaped like a small softball or caterpillar may mean that you are constipated. Increase your water intake if you notice that your stools are pebbly or dry, even if you don’t strain to walk.

A stool that looks bumpy or fuzzy may mean it’s time to fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Low fiber in your diet can cause poop to become very soft. If your feces lack (for lack of a better word) definition, increase the amount of fiber you get at every meal.

Healthy smell of poop

Even healthy poop doesn’t smell the best. After all, there is a reason why the word “excrement” is synonymous with the word “rude.”

Bad-smelling poop is the result of the decomposition of bacteria and food. Poop has a very distinct smell that you are probably familiar with, and each feces smells differently. Feces with an earthy or musty odor are typical and normal.

Unhealthy odors

Stool that smells like fat, unpleasant, or especially putrid may be a sign in your body that something else is going on.

Taking antibiotics alters the microbiota in the gut. This can lead to foul-smelling stools. Often this is temporary and goes away on its own, but a course of probiotic supplements can’t hurt to help.

If you are menstruating, your stool may have a distinct and strong odor during your period (which is completely normal).

You may also develop bad-smelling stools in addition to diarrhea if you take more than the recommended dose of a multivitamin or supplement. This too will go away on its own in a day or two.

Seeing a doctor

If your poop is especially smelly and accompanied by other symptoms, you may need to see a doctor.

Bacterial infections, such as food and dairy allergies, and gastrointestinal parasites, can cause abnormally foul-smelling stools. Malabsorption can also cause a strong odor.

If your poop smells worse than usual, look for other symptoms you may have. Call your doctor if you have particularly smelly stools and:

• frequent cramps
• constipation
• diarrhea
• weight loss
• bloody stools

Healthy poop frequency

Someone poops a couple of times a day. Others only poop every other day. Regularity is important, but there is a wide range of what is “normal” when it comes to poop frequency.

You may poop more or less depending on how much fiber you have in your diet, how much meat you eat, what kind of physical activity you tend to do, and other factors.

Constipation

If you feel constipated, try increasing your water intake first. Dehydration means you may not have enough water passing through your intestines to form hard, healthy stools.

If that doesn’t work, increase your fiber intake. Keep in mind that eating a lot of fiber can actually slow down digestion, at least initially.

Home remedies for constipation are another option if you don’t poop regularly. Consider taking a magnesium supplement or a natural laxative to get things moving. Certain exercises, such as jogging or yoga, can also help.

If you are regularly constipated or if your stools are hard and dry, tell your doctor.

Conclusion

Healthy poop tends to settle to the bottom of the toilet bowl, look dark brown and smell a bit musty, but not particularly unpleasant.