The consistency of stool reveals a lot about our health. © Sebastian Kahnert/dpa
The consistency of the stool is not always the same. Nutrition plays a big role in this. We’ll tell you what the texture of the stool says about our health and when you should see a doctor.
Fulda – Normal bowel movements vary from person to person and are also an important indicator of our well-being. According to gastroenterologist Dr. Anish Sheth, author of “The Klorakel”, between three times a week and three times a day. The consistency, color and shape also sometimes differ significantly. Healthy stool is usually light brown, soft, and easy to pass.
What the consistency of stool reveals about our health
A deviation from these norms can indicate health problems. While stool frequency can even provide insight into the development of lifespan and chronic diseases, the consistency of big business can also be an indicator of certain diseases. Especially if you suffer from persistent or repeated diarrhea or constipation.
Diarrhea – causes and symptoms: Diarrhea is characterized by frequent, liquid to watery stools. “Medically called diarrhea, we speak of diarrhea when the stool is mushy to liquid and is passed at least three times a day,” says the health insurance company technician. Causes of sudden diarrhea can be infections, food poisoning or stress. In addition, according to the health insurance company, diarrhea is one of the most common side effects of medication. “Antibiotics, antihypertensives and misused laxatives in particular can cause this unpleasant effect.”
Persistent diarrhea can be a sign of chronic illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome. That reports 24vita.de. Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or intolerances (e.g. lactose and fructose intolerance or celiac disease) can also be responsible for persistent diarrhea.
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Serious diseases such as colon cancer can also cause particularly frequent bowel movements. “Constipation and diarrhea alternate,” it says 24vita further. Greasy, shiny diarrhea, on the other hand, could be related to chronic pancreatitis.
Constipation: Causes and Symptoms: Constipation often results from a low-fiber diet, inadequate fluid intake, or stress. Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain and flatulence, and hard stools. Constipation is associated with fewer than three bowel movements per week. When going to the toilet, it usually leads to strong straining and the feeling of incomplete emptying.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause or menopause in women, as well as diseases such as diabetes can also be causes of slowed digestion. Medication and stress can also affect digestion. Chronic constipation is characterized by recurrent difficulty passing stools that lasts at least three months.
Which home remedies provide relief and when you should see a doctor
If an unusual stool consistency only occurs temporarily, simple tricks and measures can often help. However, the much-quoted pretzel sticks and caffeinated soft drinks for diarrhea are not recommended: “Stay away from cola and pretzel sticks! The high sugar content and caffeine in cola can increase diarrhea symptoms,” emphasizes technician.
If you have diarrhea, it is important to drink enough fluids and eat a light diet. If the symptoms last longer than three days and are accompanied by fever, pain and blood in the stool, contact your doctor, the health insurance experts recommend. Sudden weight loss and severe abdominal pain also require a visit to the doctor.
Since children and older people usually drink less, diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, i.e. a dangerous lack of fluids. It goes on to say that a visit to the doctor could make sense for these age groups after just 24 hours.
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For constipation, for example, drinking lukewarm water with apple cider vinegar or sauerkraut juice can provide relief. Wheat bran, psyllium husks or linseed can also be helpful. A diet rich in fiber, sufficient fluids and regular exercise are also important.
Constipation that persists for more than two weeks should be checked by a doctor. If symptoms persist or additional symptoms such as abdominal pain or blood in the stool, a doctor should be consulted. The latter can indicate a serious illness such as colon or stomach cancer.
The same applies to digestive problems: Pay attention to your body’s signals and do not hesitate to seek professional medical help if symptoms persist or are severe.
You can find further articles on the topic of health in our advice section.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.
