Your stool is one of the simplest and most overlooked ways to track your health. According to Piedmont Healthcare, the color, shape, and consistency of your stool can reveal crucial information about your digestive system and overall wellness. Knowing what’s normal and what’s not can help you identify potential health issues early.
Stool Color and What It Means
- Brown: The gold standard of healthy stool, thanks to bile, which aids digestion.
- Black or Red: Could indicate bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Black stool is often associated with bleeding higher up in the digestive system, while red stool may signal bleeding closer to the rectum.
- Pale or Clay-Colored: May suggest issues with bile flow, potentially due to liver or gallbladder problems.
- Yellow or Greasy: Can indicate your body isn’t properly digesting or absorbing fat, possibly due to a condition like celiac disease or pancreatic issues.
Shape and Consistency
A healthy stool is typically smooth, log-shaped, and easy to pass. Hard, pellet-like stool often points to constipation, which could stem from dehydration or low fiber intake. Loose, watery stool might indicate diarrhea, often caused by infections, food intolerances, or digestive disorders.
When to Be Concerned
Piedmont Healthcare says your stool shows persistent changes—such as unusual color, chronic diarrhea, or consistent constipation—it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Symptoms like blood in the stool, severe abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss warrant immediate medical attention.
The Faex Health Advantage
Monitoring your stool may sound unpleasant, but it’s one of the easiest ways to keep tabs on your health. That’s where Faex Health comes in. With a quick photo, Faex Health analyzes your stool’s shape, color, and consistency to provide personalized insights about your gut health. It can detect potential warning signs early, empowering you to take control of your digestive health with confidence.
Your stool is trying to tell you something. Faex Health makes it easy to listen. Stay proactive, stay healthy—one snapshot at a time.
