Ever wonder what happens to the food we eat, like smoothies and noodles? Well, it eventually turns into poop – the stuff our body wants to get rid of. This poop gets its smell from the bacteria living inside us, and its color can reveal if our tummy is feeling good or not. That's why we're suggesting that this time around, everyone takes a moment to check out their poop and find out what it might be saying about their health.
Delving into the Excretory System
The excretory system, responsible for waste elimination, extends beyond just urine and feces. Sweating and the release of carbon dioxide also contribute. In this piece, our focus narrows to the excretory system's intricacies.
Post digestion and nutrient absorption, food residues collect in the rectum for eventual expulsion through the anus. Monitoring this excretory behavior and stool appearance can unveil digestive health. Normal functioning includes three to no more than three bowel movements weekly. Familiar bowel irregularities encompass constipation and diarrhea.
Deciphering Stool Characteristics
Reliable studies show that the way your poop looks can point to possible health problems. Usually, it comes in colors like yellow, brown, or dark. But if it looks different, that might mean something's not quite right.
o Solid pellets resembling rabbit droppings and exhibiting roughness or fissures denote constipation due to insufficient fluid intake and low fiber consumption.
o Sausage-like, smooth, and neither too firm nor soft stools are indicators of good health. Roughness might arise from dehydration.
o Crumbled nugget-like stools are generally healthy but point toward a lack of fiber in the diet.
o Liquified stools signify diarrhea, possibly stemming from dietary intake or latent diseases.
o Loose, lumpy stools, an early sign of diarrhea, might result from consuming unhygienic food.
o Blood-streaked stools may arise from lower intestinal bleeding or issues like hemorrhoids and colorectal ailments.
o Sticky, tar-like stool possibly indicates duodenal bleeding or changes in intestinal blood, referred to as melena.
o Black stool might result from upper intestinal bleeding, ulcers, supplements, or certain medications.
o Bulky, pale stools could indicate liver or gallbladder problems.
o Green stool, in the absence of other symptoms, may relate to diet, but persistent green stool might signify Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome.
o Excessively oily and odorous yellow stool could denote poor fat absorption.
Understanding Healthy Elimination
Good excretion means that the body can excrete waste every day – on average 1 time per day and should not exceed 3 times. Excretion should be effortless, with stool consistency neither overly liquid nor hard. Stool appearance can shift based on diet composition.
What does bloody stool mean?
Blood in stool warrants attention, taking in factors such as frequency and volume. Occasional drops might arise from anal vein abrasions due to straining or firm stools. However, consistent blood presence, especially without stool, indicates internal issues. Possible causes include:
· Hemorrhoids, often linked to constipation or diarrhea.
· Disorders of the large intestine characterized by increased small blood vessel count.
· Colon polyps, potentially leading to colon cancer.
· Ulcerative colitis, marked by diarrhea, fever, and blood or mucus in stool.
· Colon cancer, presenting with constipation, diarrhea, and bloody stool.
Facing Colon Cancer
Ranked third in Thailand's cancer prevalence, colon cancer's early indicators comprise abnormal elimination patterns, abdominal discomfort, and unintended weight loss. It tends to affect those over 50, possibly influenced by dietary choices, environment, and body weight. Vigilance matters, as timely detection increases survival odds.
Nurturing Intestinal Health
· Opt for a balanced diet rich in fiber from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, lowering colorectal cancer risk.
· Reduce consumption of potentially carcinogenic foods, like red and processed meats.
· Maintain a healthy weight, avoiding obesity.
· Refrain from smoking to limit cancer risk.
· Minimize alcohol intake, as it can trigger cancer cell formation.
· Undergo regular colon cancer screenings.
Going to the bathroom is a part of our daily routine that many don't really think about. But we hope that after reading this article, people will take more notice of their stools. What's even better is if they start making healthier habits. If you're a Krungthai-AXA life insurance customer interested in staying healthy, you can find more health articles at: https://www.krungthai-axa.co.th/th/health-advisories .
References:
· RAMA Channel
· Phyathai Hospital
· Bumrungrad Hospital
· Siriraj Hospital
· Royal College of Surgeons of Thailand
