This may not be the email you read while you are sipping coffee in the morning so heads up. Today I am going to discuss bowel movements. Oh joy, I know everyone’s favorite topic but this is so very important. So many times, people come in because they think their hormones are off only to realize their gut is to blame. They have been putting up with stool issues for decades as “their normal”. The gut is integrally tied to every system in our body so if the gut is off the hormone system doesn’t work optimally, the brain system doesn’t work optimally and on and on. First, we need to define what a normal stool should look like then dive into the different patterns that should alert you something else going on.
READ ON to learn what the most important system in our body, your gut, is telling you with your stools….
There is a well-known chart that gives a visual of what your stool should look like called the Bristol stool chart. Just the shape of your stool can tip you off to things happening in your body. Let’s get graphic (sorry in advance but it is the only way to discuss this)…
- Separate hard lumps: This is a sign of slow transit thru the colon leading to constipation. Adding more fiber and/or fluids to your diet may help. Also, pay attention to your medications as these can contribute as well as certain medical conditions like hypothyroidism.
- Lumpy or sausage shaped with lumps: mild constipation.
- Sausage shaped with cracks on the surface: considered more normal but still could use more fiber and/or fluids.
- Smooth, soft and snake like. Often described as a rope of peanut butter. This is ideal!
- Soft blobs with easy to pass clear cut edges. Has a bit faster transit and is borderline normal. Can also indicate lack of fiber.
- Mushy stool or fluffy with ragged edges. Indicates passing through the intestines too quickly. May happen with food intolerances, infection and stress.
- Watery with no solid pieces. This is considered diarrhea.
There are other important indicators your stool can tell you though.
- Pencil shaped stool: May indicate a narrowing in the colon. Inflammation, a mass creating a narrowing or obstruction are all potential causes and is a serious concern that must be evaluated.
- Black, tarry stools: Indicate the presence of blood in the stool often higher up in the colon, small intestine or even the stomach. Also, should be taken seriously. Special note – if you are taking iron supplementation your stools will be black.
- Bright red blood: usually from hemorrhoids but can also be from issues going in the lower part of the colon like inflammatory bowel disease or cancer. This must be evaluated especially if persistent. Temporary bright red stools may be due to foods like beets, cranberries and red dye in foods.
- Floating stool: Can indicate fat malabsorption, high fat content of diet, high fiber intake. May also be associated with increased gas.
- Greasy or stick stool: may indicate pancreatic or gallbladder issues causing fat malabsorption.
- Pale, white or clay colored stools: may indicate lack of bile due to liver or gallbladder issues. Some medications like antacids, bismuth (pepto-bismol) and contrast used in radiology evaluations may contribute.
- Green stool: usually indicates rapid transit of stool and the bile doesn’t have a chance to break down. Foods like green leafy veggies, green food coloring and sometimes iron supplements can all cause this, too.
- Yellow, greasy and foul smelling: may indicate excess fat due to a malabsorption issue. Undiagnosed celiac disease is one culprit but can also be found in people who eat excess fatty and deep fried foods.
- Change in color of stool: foods like beets, leafy greens and licorice may cause temporary changes in stool color.
Obviously, stool changes can come and go depending on your diet, exercise, medications and stress. If you are experiencing any change in bowel movements that last more than 2 weeks and are concerning, please talk to your physician.
To your health,
Laura
