5 things you need to know about your poop

Constipation occurs when bowel movements are infrequent, or when stools become hard and difficult to pass. If you notice that your poop is hard and shaped like tiny rocks or pebbles, it may be a sign of constipation.

The large intestine, also called the large bowel, is where food waste is concentrated into poop by absorbing water. When muscle contractions in your large intestine are not working properly, the waste left in your colon may become more concentrated, resulting in harder stools that are difficult to pass.

If you are constipated, drink plenty of fluids and increase fiber in your diet to help alleviate symptoms.

Poop can come in a range of colours, with shades of brown and even green being considered ‘normal’ and healthy for an individual.

Changes in the colour of your poop are usually not a cause for concern. The colour of your poop is generally influenced by the content of your diet, as well as the amount of bile in your stool. Food colouring or colour additives in your food are also frequent culprits of colour changes in your poop.

Only rarely do changes in the colour of your poop indicate a potentially serious intestinal condition. If you notice that your stool is bloody or black in colour, seek prompt medical attention, as it may indicate that there is bleeding in your digestive tract.

There are no set guidelines on how frequently you need to poop. In fact, it is perfectly normal to have bowel movements anywhere between three times a week to three times a day.

You are more likely to have bowel movements in the morning, as your body works overnight to process food. However, having bowel movements at other times of the day does not signal that anything is wrong.

Generally, your bowels are likely to be healthy if your stools are soft, well-formed, and not difficult to push out. If you notice any pain, or if you strain to pass motion, it may be a sign of constipation.

Healthy poop should sink and not float.

Floating stool may be a result of a diet that is high in insoluble fiber, resulting in excess gas in the stool. Such cases are not a cause for concern, as it is not usually a sign of potentially serious conditions. The stool will typically return to ‘normal’ once you reduce fiber in your diet.

Floating stool may also result from a condition called malabsorption. Malabsorption occurs when the body is unable to process nutrients properly, or when you have an infection, food intolerance, digestive disorder or certain medical conditions. Depending on the cause of malabsorption, your doctor may recommend appropriate treatment to help alleviate symptoms.

Poop that appears oily, has a greasy consistency, and/or is difficult to flush may signal that your body is unable to properly digest fat (i.e. fat malabsorption). These changes in the consistency of your poop may be caused by an infection, celiac disease, or problems with the pancreas, such as pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis.

Fat malabsorption may lead to other health problems, as essential fatty acids are crucial to healthy body function. If oily or greasy stools persist, seek medical attention.