See a doctor if changes to poop persist for 2 or more weeks. an overactive thyroid ( hyperthyroidism).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.įor example, people with lactose intolerance often experience diarrhea if they have dairy, while those with celiac disease will have an adverse reaction to gluten.Ĭertain conditions can cause constipation, diarrhea, or other poop abnormalities.
A diet that is low in fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses, can lead to bowel problems. It also helps poop to move smoothly through the digestive tract. Too much caffeine and alcohol can contribute to dehydration.įiber acts as a binding substance to give stool its form. Not drinking enough water and other fluids can lead to constipation, as stool requires moisture to be able to move through the digestive tract. In some people, it can manifest as diarrhea and in others as constipation. Causes can include:ĭigestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can be triggered or exacerbated by stress. Staying hydrated can prevent constipation.Ībnormal poop can have many causes, ranging from minor to severe. Share on Pinterest Excessive caffeine consumption may cause abnormal poop. People that take longer than this may have constipation, hemorrhoids, or another condition. How long should a poop take?Īt most, it should take no more than 10 to 15 minutes to pass stool. 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. Usually, this is down to diet or some other minor cause. Most people will experience variations in stool color at some stage. This may be the result of absorption issues, or difficulty producing enzymes or bile. If stool appears yellow or is greasy-looking, it suggests the poop contains too much fat. However, blocked bile ducts or certain medications including some antacids and the antibiotic rifampin can cause orange poop. Once these foods have passed through the digestive tract, poop should become brown again.Ĭonsuming many orange-colored foods, which are rich in a pigment called beta-carotene, causes orange stool.Ĭarrots, sweet potatoes, and winter squash are among the many foods that contain this pigment. Small amounts of blood in the stool can indicate hemorrhoids.Įating beets or red berries, or drinking beet or tomato juice, also turns poop red. Poop that is red-colored may be the result of gastrointestinal bleeding. Share on Pinterest While normal poop is usually brown, other colors are possible, including black or white. However, a person should monitor any changes in the smell, firmness, frequency, or color of poop as it can indicate there is a problem. Consistent in its characteristics: A healthy poop varies from person to person.At a minimum, a person should pass stool three times a week. 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.The long, sausage-like shape of poop is due to the shape of the intestines. 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.Pain-free to pass: A healthy bowel movement should be painless and require minimal strain.Strong-smelling: Bacteria in excrement emit gases that contain the unpleasant odor associated with poop.Medium to dark brown: This is because it contains a pigment called bilirubin, which forms when red blood cells break down.Share on Pinterest Normal poop is brown and has a soft to firm consistency.
0 kommentar(er)
