The color, texture, volume, and odor of poop can all vary. These variations may be concerning, but these changes are generally minor and will disappear within a day or two. Changes in poop, on the other hand, could indicate a more severe condition. Continue reading to learn more about the various forms of poop, as well as what is and is not normal, and when to call our GP service in Marbella for poop abnormality.
What is normal poop like?
Generally, normal stool is:
- Painless to pass: A healthy bowel movement should not be painful and it should require minimal strain.
- Strong-smelling: Bacteria in excrement produce gases that have the unpleasant odor of poop.
- Taken once or twice daily: Most people poop once a day, even though others might poop 3 times daily or every other day. At a minimum, people should poop three times a week.
- Texture soft to firm: Stools that come out in only one piece or few smaller ones are normally considered a sign of a healthy bowel. The poop that is long, like a sausage in shape, happens because of the shape of the intestines.
- Medium to dark brown: This colour occurs because of a pigment known as bilirubin. This is developing when red blood cells are breaking down.
- Consistent in its own characteristics: A stool that is healthy can vary from person to person. However, a person should watch out for any changes in the firmness, smell, colour or frequency of the poop as it can indicate if there is an issue.
How long should a poop take?
Taking a poop would normally take between 10 to 15 minutes, at most.
People that take longer than this to pass a stool could be constipated, have hemorrhoids, or other conditions. Call our GP service in Marbella for poop abnormality if you think you have problems passing a stool.
Types of abnormal poop
The cases from below may indicate a digestive issue:
- not taking a poop often enough (less than 3 times weekly)
- fatty, greasy stools
- diarrhea (watery poop)
- poop that is colored green, red, yellow, black or white
- taking a poop too often (more than 3 times daily)
- painful pooping
- blood in the stool
- very hard, dry poop that is hard to pass
- excessive straining when pooping.
- bleeding while taking a poop
People experiencing any of these types of poop should call our GP service in Marbella for poop abnormality
When to call our GP service in Marbella for poop abnormality
Call our GP service in Marbella for poop abnormality if poop changes persist for two or more weeks.
If your stool is black, bright red, or looks like coffee beans, see a doctor right away. This indicates blood loss, which, if left unchecked, could turn into a medical emergency.
How to ensure healthy bowels
Consider the following suggestions to have a healthy bowel function and healthy stools:
- Drink lots of water: A good amount is about 8 glasses (64 ounces) daily. It is extra important to stay hydrated when you consume more fiber.
- Exercise: Being physically active could help to have a normal bowel function and could alleviate constipation. It relieves stress as well, which is a common cause of abnormal stools.
- Eat enough fiber: Try to get the minimum daily amount of fiber, which is 38 grams for men and 25 grams for women, under the age of 50; men over the age of 50 should consume 30 g fiber per day, and women that are over 50 years old should aim for 21 grams of fiber.
- Try taking magnesium: Magnesium hydroxide is used many times to treat constipation. It is safe to consume for most people, even though it is not recommended for people that have a renal insufficiency.
- Take probiotics: These bacteria that are beneficial could be found in capsule form, although some drinks and yogurts could provide probiotics as well. Probiotics have been found to help with constipation and infectious diarrhea relief.