Poop and Your Health: The Medical Information You Need To Know

Many people get their stool examined when they're not feeling well or are experiencing symptoms. By taking routine and closer looks at your excrement (though not too close) you can find out information that could help you to improve everyday health. 

So how is your poo is significant indicator of health? Your digestive tract is constantly extracting energy and nutrients, but it also contains an extraordinary amount of bacterial cells. If it's not expelling the proper waste, it could be indicative in your stool. The changes in shape, size, smell, and color can all reveal some information, according to DoctorOz.com.

Shape: A change in the shape or texture of your stool can indicate various concerns. Narrow and thin stools can possibly be a symptom of colon cancer and a soft stool could be a sign of chronic pancreatitis.

Size: Small stools are often associated with constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and a possible development of diverticulosis or colon cancer. High-fiber diets can help bulk up your stools and get your diet back on track to avoid such issues.

Smell: Sure, it's poop, but if its odor is overpowering there should be a cause for concern. Particularly foul excrement could indicate you haven't been going to the bathroom enough, you have an infection, or you're consuming a lot of fat in your diet. Medications can also play a role in smell, so there's not much to worry about if you're taking anything prescribed to you, but ask your doctor if you're concerned.

Color: Our usual cases of number two are brown because of the digestive tract's normal production of bile. A stool that comes out pale white, black, or yellow could be a problem. Obviously, red stool shows the presence of blood (which is a big concern), but black stool could mean there's bleeding in the stomach or small intestine; yellow stool can be the result of gallbladder dysfunction; and white stool can indicate fat malabsorption, which could lead to pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer.

To read more about your health through examining your stool, visit DoctorOz.com and take a look at this Live Science article.