Poop. Everybody does it, no one likes to talk about it. But when it comes to your health, it’s to your advantage to know all there is to know about your poop, because the frequency, size, shape, smell and color of your bowel movements contain a lot of important information. Here’s the lowdown on what to look for when you look down before you flush:
HOW OFTEN: How often you poop is different for every person. The average person poops one to three times per day, or once every three days. If you are not having a bowel movement at least once every three days, you are constipated, and this can be physically and mentally uncomfortable, as well as an indicator of a greater health problem.
COLOR: Feces are made up of water, dead and living bacteria. Your stool should be medium to light brown in color. Black, tarry stools or bright red stools can indicate bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, or a reaction to medication or even black licorice. If your stool is this color, be sure to see a doctor. A yellow stool can indicate a gallbladder problem. White, pale or gray stools can indicate a lack of bile and should also warrant a visit to your physician to test for things like hepatitis, cirrhosis, pancreatic disorders and more.
SIZE SHAPE & SMELL: Your stool should be one to two inches in diameter, up to 18-inches in length, and S-shaped, which is the shape of your colon. Don’t focus too much on the shape; the point is that it should pass easily and effortlessly from your body. Ideally, your stool should be smooth and in one long shape, and not a bunch of pieces. Narrow, pencil-like or ribbon-like stools on a frequent basis should be cause for alarm; they can indicate a bowel obstruction or tumor. Your stool should sink slowly, and have a natural, but not repulsive smell.
Poop, there it is.
DASHA® is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit dashawellness.com.
