What your stool says about your health GP shares clues hiding in the toilet bowl
Speaking about our toilet habits is normally a topic of conversation Brits shy away from. But while often overlooked, understanding your bowel movements and what is happening in the toilet bowl can be beneficial to your health.
Our stools can reveal a lot about diet, gut, fluid intake, and even stress levels. From green to grey to worrying red, what you see before you flush could be trying to tell you something.
Whether it's diet, stress, gut bugs or something more serious like bowel cancer, changes in colour, texture or frequency are often the first warning signs.
And while there is no perfect bowel movement, there are some things to look out for. For example, it's normal to pass a stool every day up to every three days, however, it should be soft and easy to pass.
You also shouldn't need to strain or be experiencing any pain.
Dr Bhavini Shah, GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor is lifting the lid on what your poo says about your health.
What does the colour of my stool mean?
Brown
A brown stool indicates that a bowel movement is normal and healthy and should not be cause for concern as long as no other symptoms are present.
Green
A green stool might be caused by digesting leafy green vegetables, eating or drinking products that contain green food dye, or taking antibiotics. However, green faeces can indicate illnesses such as gastroenteritis.
Yellow
Yellow stools can indicate an infection within the bowel. Issues with the pancreas may also lead to a yellow stool. This can be due to the reduction in either the production or secretion of pancreatic enzymes into the digestive system.
Grey/Pale
Stools that are pale, clay, or putty-coloured may be due to problems in the biliary system. The biliary system is the drainage system of the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas.
A grey stool can result from medications that provide relief from diarrhoea or indicate liver or pancreas issues due to blocked ducts - it can also be caused by cancer or non- canerous (benign) tumours of the liver, biliary system, or pancreas.
Red
It is very important to get a red stool checked, as it can also be a sign of rectal bleeding, which can also indicate bowel cancer. Other bowel cancer symptoms can include feeling very tired all of the time, but unsure why and losing weight without meaning to. Any blood in the stool should always be checked.
Black
Black stool can occur if certain medications are taken. However, it can also indicate a health issue, such as bleeding in the stomach or haemorrhoids.
If you notice any changes to the colour of your stools and are concerned, you should always seek advice from a medical expert.
What is the shape and texture of my stool telling me?
"A healthy bowel movement should resemble a sausage-like shape, which is either smooth in texture or has cracks on the surface," said Dr Bhavini Shah.
According to the NHS website constipation is present if a patient is experiencing:
Poo that is unusually large or small, and is dry, hard or lumpy
Straining or in pain when having a poo
Feeling like you haven't fully emptied your bowels
If you suffer from constipation, you should gradually increase the fibre in your diet to include at least 30g daily. Fibre can be found in foods such as porridge oats, whole wheat pasta, beans, lentils, wheat bran, and linseed.
Eating more fibre not only reduces the risk of bowel cancer but also decreases the risk of other illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke.
The NHS also recommends eating a healthy, balanced diet (including fruits that contain sorbitol, such as apples, apricots, grapes (and raisins), raspberries, and strawberries), drinking plenty of water, and avoiding alcohol.
A watery stool with no solid pieces suggests diarrhoea. Whilst most of the time, this can clear up by itself on its own, it's important to observe each bowel movement. A watery stool can indicate health issues such as a virus, bacteria (which can be caused by contaminated food), or a parasite, which can be spread in contaminated water.
Hydration is key when experiencing diarrhoea, so a person must make sure they are replacing fluids, sugar, salts and minerals that they are losing in each bowel movement.
However, if you are concerned or experiencing regular constipation or watery stool, you should speak to your GP.
When should I see a GP?
You should always see a GP if you notice blood in your stool, experience sudden weight loss or unusual tiredness, or develop abnormal stomach cramps.
Essentially, if you notice any change in bowel habits, stool or colour, it's probably nothing to worry about, but getting any discomfort checked is very important.
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