You might not realize it now, but your poop could be trying to tell you something. How often do you take a look at the content of the toilet before you flush? If the answer is "never," you might be doing your body a grave disservice. Next time you hit the loo, take a peek. What you see looking back at you could be a sign that something is wrong. Here are a few warning signs:
1. Your feces are red.
If you are passing stool that is red and you haven't recently eaten a bunch of beets, there is some cause for concern. Some things you might consume throughout the day could be the cause, but if you wipe and see red, it could be blood. You could be bleeding somewhere inside, and it is vital that you seek a doctor's assistance if you think this is the case.
2. Your poop comes out in lots of small lumps.
Ideally, your feces will be longer and formed more like a snake than a pebble. If you find that your feces are plopping down in small bursts of near pellets, it could be that you simply aren't getting enough fiber in your diet. A multivitamin or fiber supplement may be the best way to remedy this.
3. The smell is horrendous.
Sure, feces smell. It's only natural. The key is to look for a change in scent. In some cases, an extra-bad smell is related to indigestion. In other cases, it could be that the issue is lactose intolerance. If the bad smell is more noticeable than usual and you also feel that something just isn't right, make sure to see the doctor right away.
4. It is taking a long time to defecate.
Do you find it taking longer than normal to go to the bathroom? Even if you are constipated, sitting on the toilet and pushing for long periods of time is not good for you. It could even lead to hemorrhoids. You may need some more fiber in your diet, but you might also need to see a doctor to get checked out.
No matter how your body speaks to you, it is important that you listen to it. Even if you don't think that your system is abnormal, taking a peek at your poop could be the key to catching a problem early on enough that you can nip it in the bud. For more information, talk to a professional like Lincoln Surgical Group PC.
Share6 February 2017
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