Are Your Feces Healthy?
The condition of healthy feces and the condition of unhealthy feces and related diseases.
During defecation, feces or stool and Stercus, a residual product from the large intestine is removed from the body through the Cloaca (anus). This bodily waste consists of about 75% water, and 25% of solid matter, and this percentage may vary according to individual and the residence time of the feces in the intestine. It may also include dead bacteria (help us to digest food), fiber (undigested food debris), protein, cellular linings, salts, fats, substances released from the liver and intestines (such as mucus).
Common type of bacteria found in human feces
Human adult has approximately 100 to 250 gram (or 3 to 8 ounces) of feces expelled from the digestive system daily and the normal bowel habit is one to two times a day. Age, diet, medication, defecation habit, the number of daily defecation may reflect the nature of the feces that is closely related to our health.
Basically, the feces are very much related to diet. When we eat more vegetables, the feces can have partially green palm tree color, while eating more meat can give brown black to the color of the feces. In addition to that, eating more meat may cause strong unbearable smell of the feces, discomfort to defecate and in severe cases may cause constipation and accelerate the aging of our gastrointestinal tract. If you consume foods or liquids rich in artificial flavors or chemical, the feces may also smell worse. In fact, certain drugs and medication may also cause the change of the feces’ shape, texture and color.
Are these feces healthy?
The Conditions of Healthy Feces
A renowned Japanese expert, specializing in human feces, said that we can diagnose our health condition by inspecting our own defecation color, smell and shape.
The healthy feces are usually 3 centimeter in diameter, golden yellow or brown in color, soft but not too soft like a mud. They have no strong smell or taste, with 2 to 3 pieces of feces for each bowel action. The absence of pressure is less or loose during defecation. You poop easily and comfortably without pressing or pushing too hard on the feces.
The feces should contain 70 to 80% of water content, and they should be floating on top of the water in your toilet ball. In term of hardness, the normal healthy feces should be soft and in a complete form. Normal stool should be cylindrical, modest in size and a feel of shiny texture. If the stool stays too long in our large intestine, it may appear in a granular form or too coarse.
The Conditions of Unhealthy Feces and Related Diseases
Unhealthy feces may have more than 90% of moisture content and this condition is probably caused by bacteria infection. If the feces sink, it should be alerted of the probability of getting constipation or hemorrhoids.
Long-term suffering from constipation may cause the feces becomes extremely hard. If your feces are in aqueous form, you may suffer from gastrointestinal disease. The fluid type feces may also be found in acute Enteritis (inflammation of the small intestine) and food poisoning.
Under the examination of a microscope, unhealthy feces may have parasitic infection such as roundworm, pinworm, hookworm, whip eggs, as well as parasites such as Entamoeba and Trichomonas.
Food debris, starch granules, muscle fiber, fat droplets in these feces indicates digestive dysfunction. Charcot in the feces is found more prevalent in the allergic dysentery, intestinal parasitic diseases, gastrointestinal ulcers or other allergic diseases.
Feces with Bubbles
A large amount of bubbles are observed in your feces. They may come out together with some dark brown water. This may be due to an excessive intake of sugar, diary or starch enriched foodstuff, such as rice cereal, or nursing infant cake. As for children, these feces are caused by improper carbohydrate digestion may lead to an intestinal infection.
Soup-like Feces
Too much water come out with few solid feces and this may increase the frequency of bowel habit in a day. It indicates poor defecation and it is particularly prevalent in Enteritis, diarrhea and disease autumn (feces mixed with a small amount of mucus). These soup-like feces are more commonly found in Hemorrhagic Necrotizing Enterocolitis (a condition primarily seen in premature infants, where portions of the bowel undergo necrosis or tissue death), too. Lots of water are lost and may cause dehydration in the human body if our body is not replenished with the appropriate amount of water immediately.
Mucus-like Feces
These feces are mixed with mucus and they seem like a bit sticky. They are caused by the inflammation of gastrointestinal due to the presence of protozoa such as Salmonella or Amebic colitis.
Thin and Jelly-like Feces
These feces usually come out with yellow-green mucus, and they are really looked like a jerry. This symptom is more commonly happened among the babies. As the feces are infected by fungal Enteritis, the child may also suffer from thrush which requires immediate treatment.
Rotten-egg Smell Feces
These feces stench like rotten eggs taste. This situation is due to an excessive consumption of protein or sometimes milk concentration is too high. If it happens to the baby, the milk should be diluted first before feeding the baby. Also, the volume of milk should keep as low as possible.
Rotten-egg smell feces may also cause by Dyspepsia disease. It is a condition in which there are abdominal symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, bloating (a feeling of abdominal fullness without objective abdominal distention), early satiety (a feeling of unusual fullness with very little intake of food), nausea or belching.
Bloody Feces
These feces contain blood which may be caused by the internal bleeding in the intestinal tract, distal ileum, colon, rectum, anus or Hematochezia (generally fall into the blood, asphalt and occult blood sample). If the feces have the characteristics of soup-nature, dark red color and with the stench rotten-egg smell, it indicates the prevalence of Hemorrhagic Necrotizing Enterocolitis. Dysentery Hematochezia is a condition which bloody feces came out with the left lower part of abdominal pain. If they are bright red blood, then they may be blood from the rectum or anus. These conditions need an immediate treatment from the doctor.
Basically, the lower the bleeding part, the greater the amount of bleeding in the digestive tract the shorter the residence time and hence the color is more likely to be bright red color. Therefore, careful observation of Hematochezia (feces mixed with visible blood) colors and characteristics, may be helpful for the analysis of bleeding part, the type and the nature of the diseases.
If after the bowel action, a small amount of blood is released but patient does not experience diarrhea, weight loss, it may due to the cause of hemorrhoids. If feces mixed with blood and mucus, in addition to the patient’s medical history, symptoms, it may be considered as cancer, Polyps (abnormal growth of tissue (tumor) projecting from a mucous membrane) and chronic bacterial infection or Armey Pakistan dysentery, ulcerative Colitis (a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the lining of the rectum and colon) and other non-specific diseases which require an immediate treatment of doctor, too.
Polyp
Asphalt-like Black Feces
If the feces are asphalt-like black stool, it is probably due to the bleeding of the upper part of gastrointestinal. The hemoglobin in the blood and the Sulfide in the intestines combined with Ferrous Sulfide to produce the black, shiny feces that look like asphalt. When this happens, it indicates that the bleeding had reached 60 millimeter. Thus, attention should be paid to certain foods, drugs and probably the fecal occult blood test can be done for the health diagnosis.
Occult blood Feces
They have the positive fecal occult blood test, known as occult blood in the laboratory experimentation. These feces are caused by a small amount of gastrointestinal bleeding. All diseases caused gastrointestinal bleeding may induce the occurrences of gastric ulcer and gastric cancer.
White Clay Feces
These feces suggest the infection due to Congenital Biliary Atresia ( a rare condition in newborn infants in which the common bile duct between the liver and the small intestine is blocked or absent), and they are more obvious among the children.
These white feces can even happen to patients who drink a substance known as Barium Sulfate before getting the digestive tract’s X-ray scan. This Barium Sulfate is given to the patients as way to assist doctor in visualizing the X-ray picture better.
Red Color Feces
If your feces turn red but do not show any red blood cells, it may due to your diet contain artificial red food coloring or you may have eaten lots of tomatoes or watermelons.
These red feces may also caused by the bleeding in the lower part of the gastrointestinal. Commonly cases are mostly bloodshot from the Anal Fissure (an unnatural crack or tear in the anus skin), or hemorrhoids caused by rectal Polyps. The red color here should not be ignored as it may deteriorate the condition of intestinal bleeding, such as Anal Fissure or intestinal Polyps.
Green Watery Feces
The sample of these green feces contains much water. They are particularly prevalent in the Staphylococcus Aureus Enteritis which is caused by the intestinal inflammation. They are more prevalent among the children. In some cases, they may be accompanied by fever and vomiting.
Staphylococcus Aureus
If bile salts (substance that make up bile, which is a fluid produced by the liver that help digest fat) pass through the intestine remain unchanged, it may also add green color to your feces. These green poops may also due to large consumption of green, leafy vegetables or artificial green food coloring. Babies may also get green feces when they are feeding food for the first time.
Deep Yellow Feces
The infection of Giardia Lamblia (tiny parasites) may cause yellow poop. Severe yellow diarrhea is normally infected by Giardia that lives in our intestine in order to obtain nourishment. It is a type of dangerous infection which can spread to others.
A condition known as Gilbert’s syndrome (a yellow discoloration of the skin, or Jaundice) and Hyperbilirubinemia (too much of substance known as Bilirubin (a red pigment secretes by the liver) is existed in the circulating blood) may also cause yellow poop.
Giardia Lamblia
Jam-like Feces
These feces are just looked like our fruit or butter jam. Attention should be paid to these feces as they may worsen the condition of our intestinal tract.
Feces with floating oil
Too much oil or fat consumption can lead to the formation of feces mixed with a little oil floating onto your toilet ball. This situation indicates that your digestive system is extremely poor. Other reason may be due to the adverse intestinal absorption pancreatic diseases caused by the poor absorption of fat.
From the description of the feces above, what is your feces condition? Are they healthy or unhealthy? By observing your feces, you can diagnose your health condition as feces are linked closely to our health condition. Finally, I advise you to see your doctor if you are concerned about the color of your feces.
Please proceed to the second part of this article: Are Your Feces Healthy? Two. The second part of “Are your feces healthy?” will give you a thorough insight on how to deal with feces, microorganisms that dwell in your feces, remedy to deal with extremely hard feces and DIY to check on the age of your colon. Your child’s feces: healthy or unhealthy? This is the third part of my feces article which explains about the condition and health of feces and related diseases among babies and children.
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Now, you can gain more health knowledge by visiting my health blog entitled HealthAssist. More upcoming updates and latest health information are right on the way! Make sure that you visit this blog constantly.
Take care, stay well and good luck!
Liked it
Judy Sheldon-Walker | Dec 2, 2007 | Reply
Thank you Chan, for your hard work in researching to present us with vital information for our good health.
Darlene McFarlane | Dec 2, 2007 | Reply
Thank you Chan, for this article. As Judy said, you must have worked hard researching it. It is very precise and informative and I found it extremely interesting. I have had bowel complaints all of my life and it seems to have worsened since being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. As you probably know, FM and IBS seem to go hand in hand.
Very good article.
CHAN LEE PENG | Dec 3, 2007 | Reply
Thank you, Judy and Darlene.
MIRAFLOR | Dec 31, 2007 | Reply
The information here is very much useful for me. thank you so much.. they said that having good health reflects on your bowel movement. A mentor of mine once asked ‘Are you a floater or a sinker? If your a floater(in business thingy or in health) then the better. Now I understand…. ‘and they should be floating on top of the water in your toilet ball’
mark | Jan 13, 2008 | Reply
hey!! what are the effects of poison in a mouse feces???????????
-smiley- | Feb 9, 2008 | Reply
thanks for the info..
is there any sample pictures?
ice | Mar 30, 2008 | Reply
good article, i love it!
Hannah | Apr 17, 2008 | Reply
What can I do about diarrhea with white like mucus?
carrie | Apr 18, 2008 | Reply
My daughter is 22 months. Her poop always contains gritty sand-like dark flecks and wiping her butt is like trying to wipe beach sand off a baby’s butt. Is this anything to be concerned about?
CHAN LEE PENG | Apr 18, 2008 | Reply
Hi Carrie,
In this case, you should check with a doctor to find out the problem.
Best regards,
Chan
margaretlynn | May 24, 2008 | Reply
To Question #12
Have you discussed this foul odor with your doctor? It is definetly something to bring to his/her attention.
If you have and they’ve either stated they don’t know or for you not to worry about it, then I would suggest a second opinion.
This and other of these kinds of health questions are not something that can be diagnosed on a message board and conferring in person with a medical person, I would think, would be a persons first step.
Good luck
Concerned Pooper | May 31, 2008 | Reply
Usually my poop is a dark brownish color but lately it’s been harder and more of a yellowish color. I’ve also been finding toy cars and large animal carcasses in it. Should I be concerned?
Cestoda | May 31, 2008 | Reply
Dear Concerned Pooper,
About a month ago, I was also having trouble digesting the various things I ate. Recently, I took a little advice from a friend of mine and ate about a pound of raw pork. Since then, my feces has been free of any large or cumbersome objects, other than the strange worm-like creatures I will occasionally see.
CHAN LEE PENG | May 31, 2008 | Reply
To # 13
In this case, you should adjust your diet in terms of not too oily, too much sauce, too much seasonings, and be sure to increase more fiber-rich vegetables and fruits (preperably organic) , drink appropriate amount of water, cut on meat consumption and adjust your daily lifestyle accordingly. If after you’ve done all these things but the problem still persists, you should have a doctor check on you.
To # 14
Your method is not all suitable for everyone due to the difference in body’s condition, personal behaviours, health condition, weather, type of jobs, and etc.
Very sticky feces | Jun 14, 2008 | Reply
Chan,
Thank you for your work. I have recently begun encountering a number of various symptoms….
One of these is the onset of extremely sticky feces (they may work as glue!). This has been prevenlent for just about 48 hours now. I have never experienced anything similar in my previous 29 1/2 years. However, I must also note that my stools are generally accompanied by mucuous (but, not by this stiky stuff).
Last night, my female parts seemed to lose just about all sensitivity.
Today, I have become insanely bloated (look like I conceived quintuplets today and am nearing delivery). As of tonight, my abdomonial muscles are insanely sore (without physical exertion)….I feel as if I won a sit up contest yeterday!
I also believe I have a parially prolapsed rectum. This was noted longer ago than the items above. I have however, been procrasting getting to the doc to diagnos that.
Could all of thes symtoms result from a prolapsed rectum? Or, is sticky poop and gastrointestinal inflammtion affliated soley with a protazoan infection?
Thank you in advance,
Kim
CHAN LEE PENG | Jun 14, 2008 | Reply
Hi Kim,
As you said it might be a symptom of rectum problem but in certain cases it might not be, so I advise you to consult your doctor to further diagnose in details for the timely treatment. Try to check what’s wrong is your diet and your lifestyle.
Regards,
CHAN LEE PENG | Jun 14, 2008 | Reply
To all my dearest readers,
This article is a reference for your self-diagnose of your feces. If you’ve symptoms mentioned in this article, you’re advice to consult your doctor for further advice and treatment.
“Prevention is always better than cure”, right?
I’ll try to answer your question as soon as possible and hope you do refer to all my health articles at my author’s page:
http://www.healthmad.com/writers/CHAN%20LEE%20PENG.7650
For your information, what I’ve been writing at Triond are all inter-related and thus you shouldn’t draw any conclusions just only you read one individual article. You should link all the ideas I recommended here to better understand your health and grasp the core ideas on how to live healthily and happily. I’ll always be here provided you the health information and guideline.
Lastly, I wish you all good luck and good health.
Do ask the related questions and I’ll try my best to answer.
Best regards,
Chan
Tom B | Jul 4, 2008 | Reply
Carrie,
I talked with my RN wife. We always found that what goes in the front end, comes out the back. Is she in your plants, out side in the sand box, etc? That is just one answer. Eg: raisons came out as grapes. As noted above, ask a doctor.
#9 by carrie, Apr 18, 2008
My daughter is 22 months. Her poop always contains gritty sand-like dark flecks and wiping her butt is like trying to wipe beach sand off a baby’s butt. Is this anything to be concerned about?
Stacy | Jul 15, 2008 | Reply
When you lose body fat, due to exercize or diet, does that fat come out in your feces?? I am trying to figure out if I can tell by my excrement whether or not I’m losing body fat.
Cat | Aug 8, 2008 | Reply
When I have a bowel movement sometimes it’s diahrrea and it smells like gasolene fuel. What does this mean?
CHAN LEE PENG | Aug 8, 2008 | Reply
Hi Cat,
It might be an indication that you might have an infection in your gastrointestinal tract. I suggest you to consult your doctor to ask for further advice and treatment. As you know certain symptoms that you’re facing can’t just be solved on a piece of paper.
I look forward to hearing your good news!
Take care and regard,
Chan
Miguel | Aug 31, 2008 | Reply
what does it mean when your feces comes out in small little balls like pallets
Miguel | Sep 1, 2008 | Reply
for the past 2-3 weeks ive been having small ball size feces and i was wondering if its something i should concern myself with?
CHAN LEE PENG | Sep 2, 2008 | Reply
Hi Miguel,
I’m sorry for a late reply as I’m busy at work. To deal with your problem, please read my article on “Are your feces healthy? Part Two” to know more about feces at:
http://www.healthmad.com/Health/Are-Your-Feces-Healthy-2.232693
In fact, small ball pellet is not healthy and you should make some changes to your living lifestyle and eating habit. If the problem still proceed after you have changed your living lifestyle and eating habit for more than 3 months, I’d advise you to have a check with a doctor. It might be a symptom of a disease.
Lastly, I wish you all the best and hope to hear your good news in a near future.
Good luck and regards,
Chan
evil poop | Sep 10, 2008 | Reply
poo is good. it taste good and smells good 2. yay poop
k | Sep 18, 2008 | Reply
MY DOCTOR TOLD ME THAT I HAD A RARE BLOOD TYPE SINCE I AM HAVING THE SYMPTOMS OF LUPUS BUT MY BLOOD TEST RESULTS DOES NOT CONFIRM THAT I HAVE THE DISEASE. SO I WAS GIVEN 750 MG NABUMETONE TO TAKE TWICE DAILY. EVER SINCE TAKING THIS MEDICATION I ALWAYS FEEL BLOATED& CONSTIPATED. ALSO I NOTICED THAT MY POOP APPEARED AS LITTLE ROUND BALLS AND IM ASSUMING THAT IT IS HEAVY SINCE THEY SIMK TO THE BOTTOM OF THE TOILET.
CHAN LEE PENG | Sep 18, 2008 | Reply
To #26
Try to read http://www.healthmad.com/Health/Are-Your-Feces-Healthy-2.232693 and see whether your problem can be solved. Let me know then.
Take care and good luck!
Jon Smith | Sep 22, 2008 | Reply
wow im kinda gay will that effect my poop habits
Jon Smith | Sep 22, 2008 | Reply
yea im gay and i get it up the a. will that hurt when my poo comes out
Abdul | Oct 13, 2008 | Reply
No now when u poop itll just fall out cause ur butt hole is loose u gay flamming homosexual
Brenda | Oct 22, 2008 | Reply
Hi,
My son who is 3+ years old somtimes poo out pieces of hard jelly like texture among the rest of the poo. The pieces can be as large as 5mm by 5mm. Brown in colour, and can be quite many pieces, eg in a poo of about dimensions of 8cmx8cmx8cm, about half of that amount will be poo with these pieces of hard brown jellies. When he poos these, his appetite will be very bad and he will refuse to eat regularly. Please advise. I’m worried that he may have some parasitic infection.
CHAN LEE PENG | Oct 24, 2008 | Reply
To Brenda,
I’m sorry for the delay as I’ve been engaged with very busy working schedule, and thanks for your patience.
Your son condition might be an indication of the parasitic infection. However, there’re many factors that may cause the similar problem. Please check what he has been eaten or drunk recently. How long have your son had this problem? Is your son having stress or having not enough sleep? What’s his eating habit and living lifestyle? These are all the things that you’ve to tell in order to reach for further explanation.
I just suggest you to bring him to see a doctor to do a thorough health diagnosis. In this way, you’ll know what’s the health condition he’s having.
Take care and regards,
Chan
NOTE: To all readers, I’ll try my best to solve or answer your questions. Take care and good luck!
bear | Oct 28, 2008 | Reply
I usually find myself constipated and most of the time my bowel movements are round balls. What can this mean. I also took an oral fleet and now my bowel movements are pure liquid. Is that normal.
Dimery | Nov 12, 2008 | Reply
If your poop is like this from the article
“Mucus-like Feces
These feces are mixed with mucus and they seem like a bit sticky. They are caused by the inflammation of gastrointestinal due to the presence of protozoa such as Salmonella or Amebic colitis.” but also sinks to the bottom like really bad diarriha. should you see a doctor? i go poop like way more then often
i hate POOP | Nov 18, 2008 | Reply
My poop is squashy help mee !!!!!
Smashy | Nov 30, 2008 | Reply
“The healthy feces are usually 3 centimeter in diameter, golden yellow or brown in color, soft but not too soft like a mud. They have no strong smell or taste…” Um…who determined they have no TASTE?
CHAN LEE PENG | Nov 30, 2008 | Reply
To Smasty,
Please be clarified that I didn’t say the feces got no taste. I just said the healthy feces shouldn’t have a STRONG taste.
Concerned | Dec 14, 2008 | Reply
Normal bowel movements with yellowish-brown feces that sink to the bottom of the toilet bowl. When the toilet is flushed, the feces turn into what looks like a yellowish dust–filling the bowl so as not to be able to see the feces while it goes down the toilet. Never noticed a smell. Had recent (5 months ago) episode of C-diff. Recent Lab work shows no infection. Stomack swollen. Doctor puzzled.
annabelle | Dec 15, 2008 | Reply
hi,
my daughter often hospitalized due to amoeba. and everytime shes hopitalized she got high fever. i am so worried since she also febral combulsion. what should i do to prevent such thing
CHAN LEE PENG | Dec 16, 2008 | Reply
To annbelle,
To solve the problem, you should adjust her diet. They should be more vegie than meats. Her morning diet should include 6 portions of vegie, 2 portions of fruits and 2 portions of multi-grains. Make sure that she takes 8 – 10 glasses of alkaline water daily. She should have an adequate amount of sleep. And any abnormal changes should prompt you to bring her to a doctor. Feel free to ask, I’ll try my best to answer.
To concerned,
Try to shift to a healthy life. I may ask you whether you:
smoke
drink alcoholic drinks
biting snacks
no exercise
have a bad quality sleep
bad mood/emotions
Be in polluted living environments
In medications
These are some of the factors that may affect your colon’s and feces health. So make sure you observe them and if you find any abnormal situations, please see a doctor.
Take care and good luck,
Chan
Joe | Jan 10, 2009 | Reply
If my feces are 3feet in length should I be worried?
Karin | Jan 10, 2009 | Reply
Yeah I’m 15 and I have 3 kids. Bilson’s feces are a shiny almost gold shade. Should I take him to the Doctor?
Unknown | Jan 10, 2009 | Reply
I tasted my feces meaning I ate some. Now my stomach feels like It’s Going to explode and so does my rectum. I’m Very, Very Scared.
poo eateer | Jan 10, 2009 | Reply
i get sum perpul frekuls in mie poo
CHAN LEE PENG | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
To Joe,
3 ft is too long and it’s not the standard size for the feces. However, if your feces is the type of healthy one as described in this article, then you shouldn’t worry much.
To Karin,
The best way is to check with a doctor as I’m not there to check on what the problem is. I’ll cover on feces for kids in the future. Make sure you come back to check my latest health article.
To unknown,
Wow, you tasted on your feces! I can’t imagine that.
To poo eateer,
What do you mean? I can’t catch you. Could you elaborate your situation?
Thanks and best regards,
Chan
Confused | Jan 13, 2009 | Reply
First, let me say, very informative article.
I found this as a means of trying to find articles for “self diagnosis”, and if necessary, seek professional help.
I must go back to what an earlier poster stated, and ask about the odd phrase, “Should have no strong smell OR taste”. I suspect this is a languistic issue more than anything. However, it is humorous to read we should be able to diagnos our feces by tasting it.
Ok, on to more serious issues.
Is this considered normal or something to be concerned about? I had a hard bowel movement the other day, and the anus area had “ballooned”.
I understand pushing and straining is not good; but, this is not a typical incident; although it does happen occasionally.
I was looking for a more “clay” type texture; but, not white.
Thank you. And, I mean no disrespect from my early comment.
CHAN LEE PENG | Jan 13, 2009 | Reply
To confused and dear valued readers,
Since the feces are the final digestion outcome excreted from our excretory organ, basically, the healthy feces will have a slight odor or smell. They shouldn’t have a strong smell or taste as described in this article. The word “Strong” here emphasises that”the healthy feces” shouldn’t have an unbearable or strong smell or taste that you could have felt with your nose while breathing, or you may have felt discomfort or you may have felt vomiting breathing in the smell of the feces. The smell of the feces here may also include any conditions that made you feel irritated and annoyed.
The strong taste in the feces is always mixed with in a gaseous form, so you can actually smell it but you don’t have to taste on it with your tongue. Well, some people really taste on their feces, but I don’t encourage here. As you may read in my article “Are your feces healthy? 2″ , I’ve explained that our feces do contain certain amount of microorganisms and other foreign substances. The quantity of microorganisms that exist in your feces are directly associated with your diet. Generally, the heavy meat-eater will have more microorganisms found in their feces as compared to those who are plant eaters.
“Clay” type is categorised as unhealthy. So, you should check your diet, eating habit, living environment to know whether you consider them as healthy or not, and other factors like stress, pressure, brain disturbance, emotional fluctuation and etc. should also take into considerations as they may also cause your feces to be categorised as unhealthy.
In any case, if you found any abnormal color, condition of your feces, I’ll always encourage you to check with your doctor. Well, I can’t diagnose your conditions without myself understand your health conditions and without seeing the condition of your feces myself. Sometimes, the causes of the feces might be other signs of other underlying symptoms. Therefore, I advise you all to check with your doctor for a thorough and complete diagnosis and treatment.
Regards,
Chan
Bob Garrison | Jan 27, 2009 | Reply
Dear Chan,
Every time i poop my stomach starts to swell up a bit but goes back to normal later. and some of my poo is black with neon green stripes. last week my dog ate some of my poo from my toilet then got terribly sick and died 3 hours later i am incredibly concerned for my health seeing as i have no money for a doctor i was wondering if u could help.
ps would me being homosexual have anything to do with it?
~Bob Garrison
CHAN LEE PENG | Jan 28, 2009 | Reply
To Bob Garrison,
As according to your description, your feces are unhealthy. Have you checked on what you’ve been eating/ drinking recently? And you should take any initiatives to check with your doctor for further diagnosis and treatment.
The information here is to help you to identify your feces whether they’re healthy or not. The appropriate way is to have yourself checked with the doctor. The feces might be an indication of certain underlying symptoms which prompt you for an immediate medical attention.
There’s no report so far connecting homosexual and feces. The feces are basically determined by your eating habit and pattern, pressure, intake of water, medication, emotional fluctuation, environmental factors, living lifestyle, stress, and might also be affected by the progress, stage, existing health conditions and other underlying symptoms.
I hope my explanation here helps you. Take care and good luck.
Regards,
Chan
Leah | Jan 29, 2009 | Reply
I always eat the same kinds of foods, but today I ate something different. Several hours later, I had an episode of stomach cramps. I made it to the bathroom and had several bouts of diarrhea in a row. It turned the toilet bowl water from bright blue to yellow. I was wondering if this was a case of food poisoning? Or can it occur that quickly?
Regards,
Leah
crapper50 | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
I have had liquid coming from my rectum when I go to the bathroom,and the feces has been a light tan color for the last 3 days. I have had a lot of acid in my stomach and threw up once What’s up?
CHAN LEE PENG | Feb 7, 2009 | Reply
To Leah,
As according to your info, you might have food poisoning. Yes, food poisoning can occur immediately depending on how strong your immune system is. In this case, your immune system is very poor. You’ve to adjust your diet and living surrounding to boost up your immune system against the attack of bacterial or pathogen infections. Please consult your doctor for further medical treatment.
To crapper,
In this case, your body might have too acidic. Have you checked on what you’ve been eating or drinking recently? Try reduce acidic food (such as milk, meat, sausage, fish etc. ) to more alkaline food (such as vegetables and fruits) to fix your problem. If the problem still occurs after doing this, you should have your body checked with the doctor.
Regards,
Chan
Judy Sheldon | Feb 17, 2009 | Reply
Chan this is a very well researched and informative article. Thanks so much and have a blessed day.
CHAN LEE PENG | Feb 17, 2009 | Reply
To all readers,
Judy Sheldon has a good passion on writing. Her articles on Health are neat and comprehensive, which could be a good reference for you. You can check out more of her articles at http://www.healthmad.com/writers/Judy%20Sheldon.10760.
I’ve personally read her health articles and I think they’ll worth your time to read.
Regards,
Chan
SAlex | Mar 4, 2009 | Reply
My son’s diapers smell like dead or rotten fish. He has been sick with some sort of stomach virus that my other children have also had, but only his and one other sibling’s bm smells like this. I have 3 older children and have never smelled anything like this; it’s overwhelmingly horrible. Is this a sign of anything?
car in bum | Mar 4, 2009 | Reply
yeah i have like a toy car stuck in my anus… if my poop blocks up will it come out my mouth?
funny feeling | Mar 4, 2009 | Reply
yeah i shoved a non lit fire cracker in my ass… if i fart will it lite and blow my anus off
butt beer | Mar 4, 2009 | Reply
i was watching jackass and i tried the butt chug and i could not get it out… should i be scared???
girl pop | Mar 4, 2009 | Reply
yeah i was bored one night and i tried shoving a can of pop up my ass… what do i do if im bleeding and poop just falls out my bum?
born with something | Mar 4, 2009 | Reply
i have 2 anuses…. what should i do.. poop out both or one?
poop LOVER | Mar 4, 2009 | Reply
I love, i mean LOVE my poop i bathe in it. and i eat it. is this good for me?
whore for poop | Mar 4, 2009 | Reply
i have a sexual connection to feces…. after i poop i shove it into my vagina. me so horny for poop
racist one | Mar 4, 2009 | Reply
i hate asians…. i slap them with my whong
CHAN LEE PENG | Mar 5, 2009 | Reply
To SAlex,
Your son’s feces is not healthy. I’d advise you to take him to see a doctor for further treatment.
To all readers,
Please don’t abuse the comment box here by posting unrelevant post. Thanks for your co-operation.
Regards,
Chan
SAlex | Mar 9, 2009 | Reply
Thank you, Chan. I appreciate your prompt response and the work you’re doing here. I have taken my son to his pediatrician and we are having his bm tested. She suspects he is having a malabsorption problem as a result of his severe diarrhea. Does this make sense to you?
To those of you posting ridiculous comments; grow up or go somewhere else with your nonsense. Some of us need Chan’s expertise and this is no laughing matter to us.
CHAN LEE PENG | Mar 10, 2009 | Reply
To SAlex,
Thanks for your support. It’s my pleasure to share my health knowledge with you and my valued readers.
I’m glad that you’ve made a wiser choice to bring your son to the health care professional and this shows me that you’re a very caring mom/dad.
Please take proper care of your son. Remember to ask your son to replenish his body with plenty and adequate amount of water. This is because diarrhea will cause substantial amount of water loss.
Take care and regards,
Chan
x | Mar 11, 2009 | Reply
nice work
x | Mar 11, 2009 | Reply
i poop about every other day..sometimes only thrice a week
plus i get constipated
so i drink slimming tea
so now my poop becomes watery and loose
sometimes i poop up to more than three times..
is this normal for people who take slimming tea?
x | Mar 11, 2009 | Reply
more than three times A Day that is
should i continue taking slimming tea?
if not, what can i do to poop everyday n have normal poop?
thanks very much in advance
CHAN LEE PENG | Mar 12, 2009 | Reply
To x,
I might suspect the result of taking sliming tea. Have you get yourself examined by a doctor? Sometimes, it might be a complicated consequence of other disease that might have occurred.
x | Mar 13, 2009 | Reply
no, i havent been examined
but ever since i started taking tea a few years back (different brands even) it always had the same results
even my mum n sis have loose bowel movement everytime they drink tea
so it must be the tea
but is this okay? is this normal? should we continue drinking it?
thanks a lot!!!
CHAN LEE PENG | Mar 13, 2009 | Reply
To x,
As I suggested, you should have yourself examined. I’d advise you to stop drinking the tea for a while and to observe what happens then. Try stop a week or two to see whether there’s any changes. If not, you should consult a doctor.
Feel free to ask me question, I’ll try my best to respond.
Take care.
Regards,
Chan
Aching Anus | Mar 17, 2009 | Reply
Lately my poop has had such a massive girth that everytime i release myself i have terrible pain in my anus and sometimes there is blood. this concerns me alot because i am a raging homo and if this keeps going on i fear i may not be able to be satisfied by my already umm… il-equipped lover. plz help me chan!!! *kisses*
CHAN LEE PENG | Mar 18, 2009 | Reply
To Aching Anus,
Well, you should check what you’ve been eating or drinking these days. Are you in any medications? When you’ve blood in your feces for quite sometime, it’s always better to check with a doctor. There might be some underlying complicated consequences of your present health that I’m not stating here. Please don’t disregard/ ignore to seek for a medical assistance. Just remember ” PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE” . I hope this helps. Take care.
Regards,
Chan
car in bum | Mar 19, 2009 | Reply
yeah i still have the car in my ass and i still dont know how to get it out
car in bum | Mar 19, 2009 | Reply
plz help me
CHAN LEE PENG | Mar 19, 2009 | Reply
To car in bum,
I don’t catch you? Could you explain it more clearly?
Wondering | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
Is it not normal to only go poop about once every 3 monthes? I only have to poo about once every 3 monthes and my husband said thats not normal..He goes every day same time..I have always been like this. When I do go it it very difficult and large. It sometimes tears, and heals shortly after. No hemroids. I thought about telling my DR. but I am embarraced and not sure there is a problem..I am healthy, not over weight. Eat good. No stomache aches…well unless it’s about time to go. Do you think this could be normal..One of my kids are the same way.
wondering | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
Oh, I forgot. A very long time ago when I had a diffent DR I did mention this too him he said it was becuase I need to drink water. That I wasn’t getting enough…He said if I didn’t start drinking water I was going to need small intestine removed by the time I was 30. I am now 32 and that was when I was 20. Since then I do drink water, but not that often.
CHAN LEE PENG | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
To Wondering,
Three month is TOO MUCH. If you don’t poop even for a week, it can be considered as a very serious case. This is because the accumulated toxins can poison your body.
Of course drinking water is important to help get rid of waste substance from our body, but besides water, you should also take good care of your diet (particularly a dietary intake) and your personal hygience.
But in your case, I’d advice you to check with a doctor. As I said earlier, it might be a complicated consequence of your existing health problem. I hope this helps.
Regards,
Chan
Wondering | Mar 24, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for responding so fast. I think I may need to bite the bullet and tell my DR even if it is embarracing.
When I told him about my daughter having this problem..she goes about once a month. She now takes omega 3 cod liver oil, and a vitamin, vitamin d drops, and attention supplement. She also has to take some Rx..it helps soften her stool, so her stomache doesn’t hurt.
So thank you again..it’s easier to ask online when people dont know who you are…
But I will bring it up with my Dr.
Thanks again
Also Wondering | Mar 24, 2009 | Reply
Sometimes I have uncomfortable defecations which result in what looks like large flakes of skin mixed in, but it doesn’t happen very often. I also never seem to be able to get it all out – it’s like the muscles at the very end just don’t manage to expel all the waste, no matter how hard I try.
I’m more concerned with the flakes of skin question, as I have nerve damage which might explain the lack of muscle control.
Thanks.
handy | Mar 29, 2009 | Reply
When I take a shower i like to stick my finger in my butt and i like to defecate while in the shower and it feels good but i am wondering if i can get sick from doing this cause i don’t want to stop but I’m afraid of getting sick from doing it. i am being serious so please respond
CHAN LEE PENG | Mar 29, 2009 | Reply
To Also Wondering,
Did you know where the flakes of skin come from? It seems like they might be some peeling skins from the skins around the anus, bowel or to the adjacent part. These flakes of skin are not related to feces, instead, they might be symptoms of certain underlying diseases. Have you had a doctor checked on you? We can’t do much here unless you get the doctor to diagnose you.
Wishing you all the best wishes.
Regards,
Chan
To handy,
This is the first time I heard someone doing this act. You’re advised to stop doing this act as some feces might have carried along dangerous bacteria, germs, toxin and chemical substances that might have you infected. To curb this act, you should vow to yourself with strong determination so that your aim (stop doing this act) can be achieved. I wish you good luck!
Regards,
Chan
James | Apr 7, 2009 | Reply
Hey. Here’s some background information. Before I got sick with the virus, I never had any gastrointestinal problems. About a month ago I became sick with some type of stomach virus. I went to the doctor, they said it would last about a week to a week and a half. The effects lasted about a week, and during that week I suffered from some constipation, nausea, etc. During this time I found the beauty of prunes and prune juice as laxatives. I then got a hemorhhoid (I know I spelled it wrong), but used some Preparation H on it and it went away in a couple of days. Everything was OK for about two or three weeks. Normal colored stool, normal size, normal BM frequency; everything was completely normal. Yesterday I went #2 and discovered that my stool was dark brown (a lot darker than normal). It was normal size, but the color was off. It wasn’t black, just a dark brown with a small green tinge to it. I went again today and the color was the same. The size was yet again normal, just darker in color. I was wondering if this was OK, or it was something that needed to get checked out. My diet hasn’t changed drastically, nor has the amount of exercise that I get. So if you could help me that would be amazing :S
CHAN LEE PENG | Apr 8, 2009 | Reply
To James,
Your condition may be due to the result of detoxification or cleansing. The detoxification may produce various symptoms, and one of the apparent results can be seen in your feces. But one thing to be noted is that if your dark brown colored stool is not accompanied by other symptoms such as rash, skin disorder, stomachache, headache, dizziness, frequent bloating, and etc. you shouldn’t have yourself worried much. But if the conditions persist few days, say more than 4 days, I’d advise you to check with a doctor. We’re actually very much concerned on black, bloody and red-colored feces. Even so, if you’re concerned much on the color of your feces, it’d be advisable to get yourself checked with the doctor.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Chan
James | Apr 9, 2009 | Reply
Thanks Chan. I recently have been taking a Multivitamin, which contains about 50% of my daily value of iron in it. I also have probably been eating more iron recently which I failed to mention in my previous post. I think the Multivitamin + the extra eating of iron might have caused my darker feces. The dark brown feces started on Monday, and on Tuesday I went #2 again and it was dark. On Wednesday I did not go, and today (Thursday) I went and the majority of my feces was light brown (my normal fecal color). It did however have some patches of dark brown, but seeing as the majority of the color was light brown, I personally consider this to be an improvement. Thanks for your post, it made me feel better. I was going to go to the doctor after 4 days if the color didn’t change, and luckily it has
.
Sara Walker | Apr 24, 2009 | Reply
I am young, only 31 and have great habits! but I have heard that colon cancer can effect the shape of feces. So, the shape of mine comes out normal at the front end, and thing at the back end…so they look like tadpoles. Is this bad? or they come out just narrow all the way…otherwise, no wierd smells, soft, brown…but, just the shape…
thanks,
sara
CHAN LEE PENG | Apr 25, 2009 | Reply
To Sara Walker,
Yes, colon cancer can undoubtedly influent the condition of your feces. The abnormal color of your feces (green, orange, brown and etc) may due to the foods, medications, iron supplementations, food colorings and etc. that you’ve taken recently. You shouldn’t concern much about the size of your feces. As long as your feces are soft, and no offensive smell, then you shouldn’t have yourself worried. However, if you observe that your feces are hard, dry, pellet ball, red or black color, have foul or offensive smell, too watery or/ and you see blood inside the feces, please consult the doctor immediately!
I hope this helps. Take care and stay well!
Regards,
Chan
Rebecca | May 2, 2009 | Reply
Dear Chan,
Everytime I go pee, I will usually let out a fart at the end of peeing and this time I ‘pooped’ something soft like I was having diarrhea. I thought it was odd. And then I looked down in the toilet bowl and I see white-like mucus ! And later on 2 hours later, I went to pee again and I ‘pooped’ a little bit more mucus. Can you explain why this is happening? I’m so worried. Thanks!
CHAN LEE PENG | May 3, 2009 | Reply
To Rebecca,
This is a sign of diarrhea. Generally, it causes you no concern. What you’ve to concern is when you’ve very hard, dry, or black feces, and even when you found blood in feces can be an alarming sign.
Your condition can be caused by foods, medication, iron supplement, or if you’re in any detoxification program or detoxified herbs/ medication. Normally, the condition will go off by itself in a day or two. Please take note that if the condition persists for 4 or more than 4 days, please seek for an immediate medical assistance. You won’t know, the condition of feces may just reflect the underlying health problem which of course, require the medical diagnosis for further treatment.
I hope this helps. Take care.
Regards,
Chan
Rebecca Lee | May 5, 2009 | Reply
Dear Chan,
I went to the doctor ( just to be on the safe side ) and she reconfirmed what you said. Thank you so much for helping out myself & others here and best of luck to you if you are a doctor or someone pursuing medicine. You’ve helped a lot of people out there just by bringing this informative piece to us & answering as best as you can with the questions & concerns. Thanks again!
Regards,
Rebecca Lee
Aw4711 | May 11, 2009 | Reply
Reading all this got me all paranoid but my poo for the past few days just been small not the size of pellets but small and hardly anything comes out sometimes it a dark brown and feels like clay just recently my poo was slimmy with like a yellow brownish color they also sink I been watching what I been eating and drinking most of the time I drink water and lots of it I don’t really eat vegies mostly meat chicken eggs etc pls help I’m scared thinking I might have a diease and die
CHAN LEE PENG | May 11, 2009 | Reply
To Aw4711,
From your message, I know that you’re lack of fiber as most of your diet is meat instead. For your info, fibre is very important in our diet as it helps to digest foods we have eaten. Very often, when your diet is restricted to meat, your feces won’t appeal to be soft, smooth and healthy. Most heavy meat eaters have a very hard time to poo as they lack of fiber that helps to stimulate the peristalsis (movement) in the intestinal tract. It’s important for you to bear in mind that when this condition persists for certain period, you’re at higher risk of getting colon or intestinal related diseases.
My sincere advice for you is to increase more fiber in your diet instead of meat. That means you should eat more leafy vegetables, fruits and high fiber food like physilium besides drinking appropriate amount of alkaline water to help solve your problem.
I hope this helps. Take care and best wishes,
Chan
tiny anus hole | May 13, 2009 | Reply
it worked. i used my sisters dildo and my hole is now bigger……. by the way it felt so good because it was a vibrater
jake crydermane | May 14, 2009 | Reply
i like taking it up the ass
jake | May 14, 2009 | Reply
my ass is so big because i take it up the ass so much what should i do should i stop taking it up the ass
CHAN LEE PENG | May 15, 2009 | Reply
This comment section is not for JOKE and INAPPROPRIATE questions istead. Please don’t abuse the discussion here. And I’ll only respond to those appropriate questions.
Regards,
Chan
Leigh | May 15, 2009 | Reply
Hi Chan,
Quick question. About 2.5 weeks ago I started a new diet. More fruits, veggies, 1 Liter of h20 per day, along with a OneADay women’s multivitamin and 2000mg of omega 3 fish oil per day.
About 2 days ago I noticed black “pepper” like flakes on the TP when I wiped.
Stool isn’t a weird color, nothing hurts, everythings moving fine, could this be from a “body detox” and getting rid of garbage that was stuck to the colon walls?
Emma | May 15, 2009 | Reply
Hi,
I sometimes have trouble pooing, and so.. I need to with a tissue put pressure so it can come out. Twice so far I found like…an orange ball.. Out of interest I opened it up and its white and powdery inside…. wat can it be??? My poo is also very all over the place. Sometimes I wake up in the morning and I have diarrhea and it all just comes down in one go .. other times I have to push very hard or else nothing comes out.
Thanks
CHAN LEE PENG | May 16, 2009 | Reply
To Leigh,
This condition is due to the diet and multivitamin. It might be a process of “flushing” out toxic from your body or a result of the iron intake. It usually doesn’t cause any concern, but if the condition persists for more than 3 days, please seek an immediate medical assistance. In a case that you’ve a tarry black feces with blood found inside, please consult your doctor right away!
To Emma,
Have you checked on what you’ve eaten or drunk lately? The feces is generally influenced by the diet we took. Check also if you’ve taken enough fluids. It may also due to a sudden change of bowel movements that become watery and frequent.
Diarrhea can be due to many reasons: food poisoning (for example, when you eat too much mushrooms), intestinal problem, kidney problem and etc. I’d suggest you to stop taking diary products temporary until the condition improves, reprenishing your body with appropriate amount of alkaline water to prevent dehydation, and by adding more vegie than meats in your diet.
Diarrhea isn’t something severe to cause great alarm unless it’s followed by other symptoms such as lethargic, fever, bloody feces (some infectious diarrhea such as Salmonella and C. Difficile may cause bloody feces), vomiting, nausea, weight loss, sick and discomfort feeling. In this case, please get an immediate medical assistance!!!
I hope this helps. Take care.
Regards,
Chan
Lee | May 20, 2009 | Reply
Lately sometime when I poop it seems to be flatttened in shape and not round. Sort of oval. This does not happen all the time but more frequently here lately. Is this a cause for concern? No constipation, no pain or discomfort.
CHAN LEE PENG | May 20, 2009 | Reply
To Lee,
No, you don’t have to concern. This condition is normaly caused by your daily diet, vitamin supplementation, detoxed products or medication you might have taken recently. If you feel no pain, no constipation or no discomfort feeling, no blood found in your feces, you shouldn’t worry much, but just adjust your diet.
Have a good sleep, feel no worry and take care.
Regards,
Chan
cant shit | May 25, 2009 | Reply
i need help i can not poop…. i go for weeks without pooping what should i do i try everthing.. i eat lots of fibre and i work out ones in a wihile i dont no what to do, and i do not want to go to the doctor.. please help.
cant shit | May 25, 2009 | Reply
also when i do go it is juist running like water.. and i am in pain when i do go.. like cramps… please help.
need help | May 27, 2009 | Reply
Dear Dr,
I live in the USA I have no insurance and have noticed such a change in my bowel movements, I go as soon as I eat, sometimes the stool is mixed, some will be normal then the rest like a jam. I am stressed due the economy, home in foreclosure and car slated for repossession. I am a realtor so I have had no income for almost a year. My sister died from colon cancer at age 47 I am 51 female. The Dr did say that my sister’s cancer was not heredity, she did a gastric bypass and I am convinced that’s was the cause of her colon cancer.
George K. | Jun 10, 2009 | Reply
For the last 3 days my stools have been a dark brown with very little smell if any, should I be concernedv about dark brown stools??
CHAN LEE PENG | Jun 11, 2009 | Reply
To George K.
You shouldn’t worry much on your feces color as sometimes the color is influenced by the diet, iron supplementation and etc. They rarely cause any health concern and will go away soon.
As long as the abnormal color of the feces that you observed is not hard, dry or runny, no blood is observed, and they aren’t constipated then they should be fine and need no medical attention.
Nevertheless, if you see green, orange, or yellow colored feces or any abnormal/ sudden change in your bowel movement that is accompanied by vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, significant bleeding in the feces or extremely dark colored dry feces, persistence diarrhea, and/or what seems to be pain (particularly an ache in a tummy), you should by any attempts have them checked with your doctor immediately.
I hope this helps. Take care
Regards,
Chan
in pain | Jun 27, 2009 | Reply
Dear Chan, I’m 16 years old and have been having digestive issues for over 6 months. They started when I consistently ate fast food as a meal every day for at least a month. That lead to what I thought to be normal diarrhea. However, the condition worsened over the months. My poop hasn’t been solid in almost six months. It usually has a ruddy, thick mud consistency or sometimes a soup-like one. I show virtually all symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Immediately after I eat something, whether a piece of fruit, meat, anything, I get terrible panging stomach cramps right in the center of my abdomen. These last anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour. I consider myself a healthy teenager, I don’t eat fried foods or anything very high in fat. I try to get each of the food groups in in proper ratios most days. However, I have a history of anorexia and still current issues with binge eating. If im at home, I eat constantly throughout the day. My home life is currently very stressful. Does this affect my stomach condition, maybe? Can you help me?
in pain | Jun 27, 2009 | Reply
Dear Chan, I’m 16 years old and have been having digestive issues for over 6 months. They started when I consistently ate fast food as a meal every day for at least a month. That lead to what I thought to be normal diarrhea. However, the condition worsened over the months. My poop hasn’t been solid in almost six months. It usually has a ruddy, thick mud consistency or sometimes a soup-like one. I show virtually all symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Immediately after I eat something, whether a piece of fruit, meat, anything, I get terrible panging stomach cramps right in the center of my abdomen. These last anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour. I consider myself a healthy teenager, I don’t eat fried foods or anything very high in fat. I try to get each of the food groups in in proper ratios most days. However, I have a history of anorexia and still current issues with binge eating. If im at home, I eat constantly throughout the day. My home life is currently very stressful. Does this affect my stomach condition, maybe? Can you help me?
CHAN LEE PENG | Jun 27, 2009 | Reply
To in pain,
Since you’ve a digestive problem, you should regularly get your health condition checked by a doctor. As for your info, fast food can harm your health because it contains very hight proprortion of trans-fat, cholesteroal and other chemical substances. So, you should by any attempts avoid consuming it, but take plenty of vegie and fruits to increase the fiber. Eating disoder as like anorexia and binge eating can also influence your feces. As I mentioned, diet can influence your feces. What you put in your mouth will finally become end product as feces. You’re advisable to have less stressful life, drink appropriate amount of water, take adequate amount of fiber in your daily diet, sleep well, watch your weight, and get yourself checked as the condition you’re facing might reflect certain complications (such as inflammation, swelling, the presence of stone and etc.)
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Chan
sara | Jul 3, 2009 | Reply
am sufferin from bloating ,burpin and sometimes stomach acidity for more than a year..i went to the doctor did a blow test for h.pylori and it was -ve.i gained 4 kiloes my symptoms are not related to food.am 22 and am really worried..i remember eating a burger before thoes symptoms have appeared..please i need an explanation..thanx
CHAN LEE PENG | Jul 3, 2009 | Reply
To Sara,
That may be symptoms of stomach cancer. I urge you to check with a doctor immediately.
Regards,
Chan
Martha | Jul 13, 2009 | Reply
I Have dark brown feces. It comes out easy , but I feel a little diarrhea coming on.
CHAN LEE PENG | Jul 13, 2009 | Reply
To Martha,
Just observe your condition for few days. If it doesn’t go away more than three days, please check with a doctor.
BTW, try adjust what you eat and drink, and make sure that you replenish your body with adequate amount of water to avoid dehydration.
I hope this helps. Take care.
Regards,
Chan
Dave | Jul 15, 2009 | Reply
healthy feces should float on top of the water in the toilet?
Mine usually drop to the bottom (they’re not hard pellets either, I know I’m not constipated). the only times they float is if I get diarrhea, or if my stool is a little loose from diarrhea.
CHAN LEE PENG | Jul 17, 2009 | Reply
To Dave,
I’m sorry for the late reply and thanks for your patience. Yes, healthy feces should float instead of sink as stated in this article.
The reason why unhealthy feces sink are that they carry along other substances (digestible or/ and improperly digested and may contain other chemical compounds).
What I mean float here is your feces (in a good shape) float on top of the water. This should be treated differently when you’ve constipation. Most of the time, since there’s little came out during constipation and thus it’s floating on the water in terms of the weight. In this case, the floating feces shouldn’t be considered as healthy. And you should get yourself checked if the condition proceeds three or more than three days.
I hope this helps. Take care and regards,
Chan
Stephen Hearn | Jul 20, 2009 | Reply
Hello , can you please help me ?,
My Feces is comeing out like greeney golden yellow brown in color its like Clay .
It has been like this for the pass 5 to 7 weeks i Have all ways been filling sick as well as pains in Stomack on my right hand side and my doctor has givein me Omeprazole Capsules so can you please let me know what you think?
thank you
benihime | Jul 23, 2009 | Reply
dear chan…
my feces hs more water in it,. it is small granul, and I usually do it at least once a day. evrytime , it is hard to contain it. it feels like it is going to blow. I don’t have this kind of problem when I was a teenager. so, is it normal, or should I go and see the physician??
benihime | Jul 23, 2009 | Reply
dear chan..
my feces hs more water in it,. it is small granul, and I usually do it at least once a day. evrytime , it is hard to contain it. it feels like it is going to blow. I don\\\’t have this kind of problem when I was a teenager. so, is it normal, or should I go and see the physician??
CHAN LEE PENG | Jul 24, 2009 | Reply
Hi benihime,
If your feces contain more water, or watery feces, the condition explains the possibility of diarrhea. Generally, it causes you no concern. What you’ve to concern is when you’ve very hard, dry, or black feces, and even when you found blood in feces can be an alarming sign.
Your condition can be caused by foods, medication, iron supplement, or if you’re in any detoxification program or detoxified herbs/ medication. Normally, the condition will go off by itself in a day or two. Please take note that if the condition persists for 4 or more than 4 days, please seek for an immediate medical assistance. You won’t know, the condition of feces may just reflect the underlying health problem which of course, require the medical diagnosis for further treatment.
Just bear in mind that if your diet has lack of fiber or vegie or fruit, you should add in (instead of meat) to improve the condition.
I hope this helps. Take care.
Regards,
Chan
Dj | Jul 24, 2009 | Reply
I have several quetions and concerns. First I take morphine daily
for chronic pain. This has caused constipation, weight gain and severe dry mouth. The dry mouth I solve by fluids near me always. No sugar. I eat fruits apples oranges bannanas often.
I also eat whole grain cereals.
Problems I’ve had are very scarry to me. First my BM is shaped like large to small balls which I pass one by one. If I go once or twice daily. If due to loss of feeling in my lower body due to accidents I may forget to go have BM. if I wait 1-2 day my BM becomes compacted into a large clump of the small to large size balls. And the smell has become souch worse and there is no water moisture at all.
Next once while sick I failed to have a BM for 5 days and I could not pass my feces at all. I had tried oil enemas as well as water and that is when the pain of my anus became so bad it almost threw up. My kidneys and heart began to pound and I was terrified I would not be able to pass this BM and would have to go to the ER. The thought of going to the ER with this problem was too much. So I fashioned steel wire into a small hook placed bar soap all over the tool and pushed it inside me to help pry loose or break apart my stool. With the help of the enema oil and from me using my finger to break up some of the formation I used the tool along with me pushing as much as I could half standing up bent over a sink due to the nausea managed to push and pull a highly compacted fece the lenght and width of a can of Hi C punch. It must have weighed over 4lbs and it’s smell was again so bad.
Since this has happened there has been only a few times that it has repeated. However the feces is still ball shaped bad smelling and slow to pass at all.
I am concerned about the shape the dark dark brown color and consistency like clay even dry clay. I’m conerned that by passing that CAN size BM I may have caused a problem now only to repeat again and again. Also concerned about the force it takes to pass a BM each day.
Is there a home test to be taken to check for blood. I have never seen any before. The feces is not black or shinny but dark Brown and dull. However the smell of a late BM has to worst smell I can remember and I have smelled dead bodies and decaying dead animals. This is worse.
When I have high pressured BMs they are always followed by what seems to be urine that is a full bladdder like passing but which I had not known I had to go again until it happened.
Lastly when there is pressure of a full entestine and I can feel I need to defecate that feeling takes place in the morning and it’s always preceded by what seems to be pre siminal fluid which also if I don’t shower it begins to stink badly until night when I can shower off as usual.
Can you provide some of your experience for me and what you would estimate and or guess what my problem(s) are?
I choose my wording carefully when I asked for an estimate or guess. I can really use the help
sincerely,
chronic pain patient.
Dj | Jul 24, 2009 | Reply
The above is mine I could not finish entering I’d and email before the site sent my request.
CHAN LEE PENG | Jul 28, 2009 | Reply
To Dj,
First of all, please pardon me for a late reply.
Since I don’t have your health history, it’s not appropriate to diagnose your condition. In this case, the appropriate person you should go to is a doctor who’s treating you or a doctor who stays nearby you. Therefore, I just can provide you a generalized info here.
You mentioned that you use a steel wire or finger to take out your feces, which I don’t encourage you to do so. The reason is that you might hurt the surrounding cells, and it might have also caused internal bleeding or/ and swelling.
Normally, the color is not a concern since the feces are sometimes affected by your daily diet (what you’ve eaten or drunk recently), medication, iron supplementation, multivitamin, detoxified herbs or any other chemical supplementations. What we concern is if the color of feces is red (for fear of bloody feces), dark black, hard or dry feces. Another alarming sign is that while pooping, you feel pain in the back, or abdominal pain, which of course, require for immediate medical attention as it might be an underlying health problem.
Another thing that you’ve to notice is the smell. When your feces smell like dead bodies and/ or dead animals, these are unhealthy and prompt you for further medical attention. In your case, I’d suggest you to check with a doctor.
I just would like to suggest you to increase plenty of vegetables and fruits in your daily diet instead of meat or meat based food, exercise regularly, replenish your body with adequate amount of water, swift to healthy lifestyle and healthy eating habit to improve your condition. And I’d strongly urge you to reduce or quit the intake of morphine because it harms your health. Don’t spoil your health! Please know that the loss of health is the loss of everything in this world.
I hope this helps. Thanks and take care.
Regards,
Chan
Pioter | Jul 29, 2009 | Reply
Hello,
I have been using the bathroom about three to four times a day and when i defecate water and sand like feces comes out. I haven’t had long solid feces come out. Small parsley looking pieces float to the top. Sometimes it comes out in small pieces and floats to the top. I’m also over weight if that matters.
Pioter | Jul 29, 2009 | Reply
Hello,
I have been using the bathroom about three to four times a day and when i defecate water and sand like feces comes out. I haven’t had long solid feces come out in a long time. Small parsley (brown in color) looking things float to the top after i defecate. Sometimes it comes out in small pieces and floats to the top. I’m also over weight if that matters. Occasionally when i\\\’m defecating it feels like a lot comes out but once i check its mostly water and the sand looking feces. It happens more when i have hot sauce with my meal.
CHAN LEE PENG | Aug 1, 2009 | Reply
To Pioter,
Thanks for your patience.
If you’re experiencing to poop less feces than water content (or watery feces), it’s most probably an indication of diarhea.
According to your description, you said that your feces are never in long solid form but sandy feces instead. This condition is sometimes very much influenced by your daily diet. Very often, if you’ve taken less fiber (from fruits and vegetables), you might have experienced this complication, or you may have eaten too much fungi-group food (such as mushroom at a time), or you may have taken too much proportion of some particular foods ( in excess to its appropriate amount) that may have shown you this sign.
As I mentioned in the text and comment section, as long as you don’t see blood in feces, dry and extremely hard feces, or you don’t feel pain in the abdominal part or back pain while pooping, it should do you fine. However, if you’re still feeling uncomfortable and doubt on your present situation, then you may consult your doctor for further advice on your lifestyle and eating habit to improve your bowel movement.
I hope this helps. Take care and regards,
Chan
Tristan | Aug 18, 2009 | Reply
Hey Chan,
I defecate maybe once a week, if not longer and when i do i tend to have blood, i don’t know if its from a ripping cut or because of actual blood. what should i do?
CHAN LEE PENG | Aug 19, 2009 | Reply
To Tristan,
I’m sorry for a late reply. Thanks for your patience.
It’s unhealthy to defecate once a week. For a healthy person, they must defecate at least once a day, three times a day is considered normal condition for a healthier person. If you’ve seen some blood-like substances in your feces, it might show you an indication of internal bleeding either in your gastrointestinal tract or the surrounding cells near the anus, or it might be due to a developed of stone in intestinal tract/ bladder or might be a sign of other underlying health conditions. I hereby urge you to seek for a medical assistance immediately to diagnose problem being faced by you.
I hope this helps, and again I urge you not to disregard your bowel condition.
Take care and regards,
Chan
Santiago | Sep 5, 2009 | Reply
Hi Chan, I just read your article and it was very interesting for myself but I didn’t find an answer to what I was personally looking for. My father is diabetic and he doesn’t take care of himself (eats junk food, fast food, sugar, soda, energy drinks etc.) regardless of his situation. In the past year or so we have noticed that his feces gives out a smell of dead animal. We could be across the room and the smell fills the air with a nasty smell that is intolerable. What could be causing this? He doesn’t want to go to the doctor but I want to get an idea of the possible things that could be causing this so I can tell him and try to convince him to see a doctor or do something about his health.
CHAN LEE PENG | Sep 6, 2009 | Reply
To Santiago,
This is very bad for your diabetic dad to be in unhealthy foods, as this will aggravate his existing health problem. Further, you described that he had a dead animal smell like feces, which of course mark the unhealthy of his. Since he has a diabetic, sugary rich foods he takes might not be completely digested as a normal healthy person, and this might be one of the reasons that causes bad smell of his feces. Other reasons might be due to the remaining of feces that stay too long in his gastrointestinal tract, rotten foods that may have remained in his colon that is not completely defecated when he poops, cancer/ulcers/swelling in certain parts of his organs (particularly that is related to digestive system), stone development and other underlying health problems. I therefore urge you to bring him to check with a doctor for further diagnosis. Never disregard this sign. Early treatment can always enable better cure for the develop of certain health issues.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Chan
Santiago | Sep 6, 2009 | Reply
Thanks. It help a lot. I\’ll try to get him to a doctor asap!
G | Oct 2, 2009 | Reply
Hi Chan,
I have had a diet change that is for the better that includes more fruit, vegetables and less meat.. not to mention less overall calories and for the most part gluten and dairy free foods. I had a condition over the summer that went away but since I started this diet on Monday I had a few days where everything was normal but now I am noticing some red flake like things that feel almost like plastic floating in the water / in the stool the last 2 days. Could this be from the diet change or is it an issue that I have to go back to the doctor for (previously had Giardia from swimming in a lake in TN).
CHAN LEE PENG | Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
To G
I’m sorry for a late reply. It’s good to know that you’d changed your diet from less meat to more vegetables and fruits. When you change your diet, basically the texture, softness and color of your feces should show you obvious changes or if not, a slightly change in your bowel movement. If you observe some red flake in your feces, I’d suggest you to get a doctor to have a check. Sometimes, the condition may not be resulted from your feces, but may be a direct result from certain underlying health consequences you’re facing now. By doing a further treatmeant and diagnosis, the doctor will tell you what went wrong in your body.
I hope this helps, take care, and am looking forward to listening good news from you.
Regards,
Chan
Pebble Poop | Oct 19, 2009 | Reply
I always have A LOT of gas, belching and flatulence. Also, my poop is very hard and does not come out easily. When it does, it is small pebbles ranging in size. Months ago, I was diagnosed with gastritis after feeling a fullness in my chest after eating. I was prescribed pepcid to take twice a day and the pain and fullness is not as prominent now. Please help me understand what’s wrong with my digestive system.
CHAN LEE PENG | Oct 21, 2009 | Reply
To Pebble Poop,
As I mentioned in my article, the condition of your feces (in terms of texture, shape, color, and etc.) is directly linked to your daily diet. The feces may also cause by medication, living lifestyle, habits, existing health condition and etc. Have you checked if either of the condition I stated here is IMBALANCE or UNHEALTHY?
I can’t help you to understand your digestive system here, as it’s an inner organ which I can’t see what’s wrong here,and the appropriate way is to get diagnosis from the qualified doctor. Hence, I can’t really tell you what’s wrong there, since many underlying problems may also cause abnormal condition to the feces, as like the develop of stones in the gastrointestinal tract, swelling or inflammation in the part related to digestive system, and other conditions not mentioned here. I’d advise you to have a check with your doctor.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Chan
sssssssteph | Oct 29, 2009 | Reply
my poop has been coming out BLACK with carmel color streaks, whats wrong with that?
CHAN LEE PENG | Nov 22, 2009 | Reply
Hi sssssteph,
I’d advise you to check with the doctor. It’s hard to diagnose certain underlying conditions without carrying out medical diagnosis.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Chan
Mr Casey | Nov 22, 2009 | Reply
Hello Chan,
I\’m impressed with how long you\’ve actively been helping and giving advice on this website. I have a few questions regarding my feces.
Recently I\’ve found bright red blood in my stool or sometimes surrounding it. Its happened about twice in the last month lasting for around 1-2 days. Both times it happened i also experienced sore joints all over my body like i was coming down with a virus and short fevers lasting 1-2 hours, and then the next day i feel fine. Stool color is yellow / light brown and doesn\’t float. In fact i don\’t really remember my stool ever floating unless its slightly diarrhea.
i was wondering if bad sleep patterns, or poor sleep could cause this , or gluten sensitivity?
CHAN LEE PENG | Nov 25, 2009 | Reply
To Mr Casey,
First of all, thank you for your kind words. It’s my pleasure to share my knowledge with others here.
As stated in my article, you’ve to pay attention especially when you observed bright red blood in your feces. They might be due to your diet (when you eat root bit and etc.) and may also indicate internal bleeding in your intestinal tract. It’s always better to seek for medical diagnosis to confirm whether blood existed in your feces or not. If you said that you experienced sore joints and fevers, they were of course, not healthy conditions, and sometimes they may not be due to your feces, but may indicate symptoms of underlying medical condition. Therefore, I’d suggest you to check with a doctor.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Chan
Lyne | Nov 27, 2009 | Reply
Hello Chan
Thank you for your article, it is very informative. I do see a gastro as I was diagnosed with IBD about 8 yrs ago and he wants me to have a virtual colonoscopy. I am still waiting for them to call me back for the appointment since August. I was always more on the diarrhea side but slowly for about the last year it has become more constipation. I also noticed about 1 1/2 yr ago that there was a flat side. I did mention this to my gastro and that is why I have to go for the test. But I noticed this morning that it is much smaller in diameter that it was 2 yrs ago when I first noticed the flat side. I never had a problem going at least once a day, but for the last 4 months, it’s about every 2 or 3 days. I also have been losing weight, roughly 60lbs in the last 5 months. The test will take about a year to have when they call me, but I just want to know if I should ask a doctor to rush it.
Thank you
Lyne
P.S To those of you that are making wisecracks, get a life. What you are doing is disrespectful to Chan & others who are seeking information.
CHAN LEE PENG | Nov 28, 2009 | Reply
Hi Lyne,
As according to you, you were experiencing constipation within the corresponding period. I’d suggest you to adjust your daily dietary pattern and living lifestyle. In this matter, you can add more fiber-rich foods such as cereals or grains for your breakfast, and as for your lunch and dinner, you may add more leafy vegetables and fruits such as kiwi, banana and etc. (preferably organically grown one) into your daily diet. Your daily veggie component should be 3:1 in ratio to any meat-based intake. If you were stressing, then try to get yourself sufficient rest and learn ways to release your stress (for example, you can exercise regularly but not over-exercise, listen to a natural-theme based music, do deep breathing exercise, think positively, pray to God, and get sufficient and enough sleep/rest). Besides this, you should drink plenty and appropriate amount of alkaline water. By doing this, you’ll see your health condition improves greatly and of course, your constipation will go away soon.
Just want to let you know that feces, of course can reveal your present situation, but, apart from feces, many underlying factors may also influence your existing health condition.
You don’t have to rush them, but you’ve to follow-up with them. You could talk to them how concern you’re thinking of your present condition and say you really hope that they could speed up a procedure to get you have a diagnosis as soon as possible. Try to talk softly and politely with them, and I’m sure they’ll consider your request.
If you’ve any question, please feel free to drop it in this comment section. I’ll try my best to answer your question and provide you the best ever free consultation online.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Chan
Mr. Pleasant Poopies | Nov 30, 2009 | Reply
nice article. keep up the good work
Crystal | Dec 3, 2009 | Reply
Hi there…….
Last nite my husbnd went to the toilet and when he was finished and tried to flush it wouldnt go down and it blocked the bowl.
I went to flush after him and noticed that his stool was extremely BIG…..
I have no reason to think he is gay but being a human being….the first thing that came to mind was that his anus would have to be very wide to have this come out..
Why would his stool be so large???
CHAN LEE PENG | Dec 3, 2009 | Reply
To Crystal,
I cannot imagine how BIG did you mention here? Got the measurement?
The size of the feces do not usually show any alarming sign. It might be due to that he might have eaten too much, and those undigested one came out as feces. Or, he might be in detoxification program, that helped flushing out his present feces plus the previously feces that had not been cleared off completely from his intestinal tract.
helppp | Dec 4, 2009 | Reply
Hi umm I was sick a couple weeks back now and when i was i had a hard time with bowel movements i would have them but only in like small ball form.I havent been sick since maybe a little after the start of November and am having bowel movements fine, except that the color is brown which is normal for me but also has caramel colored streaks that seem mucusy like what is this im really scared and need to know.
CHAN LEE PENG | Dec 5, 2009 | Reply
To helppp
If you’re always experiencing bowel movement problem, then you should check your daily diet. I’d encourage you to add more fiber-rich grains, green leafy vegetables and fruits to increase your fiber intake in order to promote smooth pooping. The next thing you’ve to take note is to drink sufficient amount of water (preferably alkaline water) to help aid in bowel movement. Please check my article link http://www.healthmad.com/Health/Are-Your-Feces-Healthy-2.232693
to see whether it helps you solve your problem.
The color you mentioned here was normal. It’s normal to see feces coated with some mucus; however, if you see mucus in feces persist for up to three days or more, then there might be a concern of the inflammation of gastrointestinal due to the presence of protozoa such as Salmonella or Amebic colitis stated herein. If you’re still concerned with your bowel movement, I’d advise you to check with a registered doctor.
I hope this helps. Take care and stay well!
Regards,
Chan
helppp | Dec 6, 2009 | Reply
thanks so much you donot understand how much better that makes me feel I was also just wondering irritable bowel seems to run in my family and my family keeps saying that that could gbe the reason of my strange bowel movements. could this be a possibility? and what if it is salmonella poison because I have had this color for quite some time could this be dangerous or can it go away by itself?
CHAN LEE PENG | Dec 7, 2009 | Reply
To helppp,
You should have a doctor checked on you. I can’t draw you any conclusion here without a diagnosis carried on. They might be a possibility, so please get a medical assistance.
I hope this helps. Take care.
Regards,
Chan
George Clifford | Dec 8, 2009 | Reply
today while i was camping and hiking a saw a tiny little yellow worm in my poo, still moving. im gonnna see a doctor but just curious as to what it could be….
bit nervous actually thanks
CHAN LEE PENG | Dec 11, 2009 | Reply
To George Clifford,
You saw a tiny little yellow worm in your poop, didn’t you? There are many reasons. You might be a heavy meat eater, or you might be infected with parastites by eating raw foods, or when you’re in detoxified program/diet that may have expelled the worm dwelling in your intestinal tract, and so forth. No matter what the reasons are, it’s better for you to get a medical diagnosis.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Chan
Ashley | Dec 12, 2009 | Reply
I have been having a white jelly-like substance on my feces the last couple of times I’ve gone to the bathroom (it pretty much looks like vasaline). It coats the feces and it also floats on it’s own. I have intestinal problems and I was wondering if this was a huge cause for concern? Should I be seeing a doctor ASAP?
CHAN LEE PENG | Dec 13, 2009 | Reply
To Ashley,
Ya, this may be a health concern. It’s better for you to check with a doctor for a further diagnosis. I’d be happy if you could share the diagnostic result and your experience here with other dearest readers. Thanks!
Have a great day!
Regards,
Chan
Mike | Dec 14, 2009 | Reply
Chan,
Thank you so much for sharing you knowledge. I’m a 42-year old male and have been active in sports and fitness most of my adult life. I’m not or ever was overweight and never have smoked. I’d like to think I’m healthy. Even though I’ve been active in fitness, I really have not followed a healthy diet. I do eat fruits and vegatables but probably not as much as I should. Just recently within the past 5-years I have been eating more fast food as I have been busy with my kids. Within in the last year, I have noticed bloating after eating, strong oder (methane smell) when having a BM and an oily substance in the toilet bowl (not much but something). I guess this could be several things but thought I would adjust my diet first before I see a doctor. What do you think?
Party Pooper | Dec 15, 2009 | Reply
Hi
I am a early 20’s female with a fairly active lifestyle and a very healthy diet. I cannot/do not eat gluten, soy, or peanuts (discovered through personal investigation and seem to only be sensitivities, not allergies or anything), so basically nothing processed. Typically my staple menu is spinach salad, canned salmon with light mayo, brown rice, black beans, tons of green apples, skim milk, whey isolate smoothies made with green tea and frozen berries, bananas, almonds, and yogurt. So the issue…my poo changes all the time and for years I have had issues with it sticking to the bowl. Like bad. To the point I put down tp to minimize contact. It is awful at friends houses ’cause I crap out the bowl (no pun intended). *Gross* My mother said it is too much fat in the diet, but aside from almonds, cheese, and salmon, I don’t eat extraordinary amounts of fat. Is there something fishy going on? Or am I just doomed to be the worst guest ever…
Found this online:
“If the stools are black, tarry and sticky (called melena), this can mean that there is bleeding from the small intestine.”
They’re not necessarily black…
I’ve had 11 people ask me if I’m pregnant because of my belly. The only other insight I can give is that I regularly have foul flatulence that seems to have weight to it….yeah that is weird sounding I know…
Thanks for your help. Sorry to be so candid.
CHAN LEE PENG | Dec 15, 2009 | Reply
Hi Mike,
Your diet is not healthy. You should adjust your daily diet. In this case, your vegetable and fruit intake should be 3 ratio to 1 ratio of meat, in addition to other high-fiber rich foods (such as grains, oat, and etc.). Also, you should try to avoid taking fast foods because it contains high amount of sodium and fat which may harm your health. The methane smell is due to your large consumption on meat-based foods. You can read more in details from my article http://www.healthmad.com/Health/Are-Your-Feces-Healthy-2.232693. Only when you adjust your eating habit, you’ll see an improvement in your bowel movement. This is the important thing you should do by now. If after switching to a healthy eating habit and lifestyle, you still experience the similar health condition, please consult a doctor for a further medical assistance.
Regards,
Chan
CHAN LEE PENG | Dec 15, 2009 | Reply
To Hi,
Your diet seems ok, but you lack of enzyme, beans, tofu, seaweeds to name a few of them. The other thing you’ve to take note is that your diet must be in appropriate and moderate amount but not overconsumption in certain foods that may harm your health as well. Milk and milk products are not good for your health. Why I say so? You can find more reasons from my article http://healthmad.com/health/milk-is-an-unhealthy-drink-shockingly-untold-truths/. Cheese is another bad food since it’s a concentrated product of milk. Instead, you should replace dairy products with soy milk, almond milk or rice milk. When you adjust your diet accordingly, you’ll see a better improvement in your bowel movement. If you’re still concerned with your feces, you can always seek for a medical assistance.
“If the stools are black, tarry and sticky (called melena), this can mean that there is bleeding from the small intestine.” This condition may be due to the bleeding from the small intestine, but in certain cases, it may be due to other underlying factor which always prompts you to seek for a medical advice.
Regards,
Chan
Mike | Dec 15, 2009 | Reply
Thank you Chan, I appreciate your advice. Can the lack of fruits, vegetables and grains/oats as well as the large consumption of meat contribute to the minor oily substance I’ve been seeing? Thanks again!!!!!
CHAN LEE PENG | Dec 16, 2009 | Reply
Hi Mike,
The answer is YES. This is because what you eat will be directly reflected in your feces. Try adjusting your daily diet with my suggestions and let me know what’s your improvement in bowel movement then.
You take care and merry christmas!
Regards,
Chan
TEXAS GAL | Dec 22, 2009 | Reply
HELLO, I AM CURIOUS…I HAVE HAD ALMOST CLAY COLORED OR LIGHT BROWN POOP FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS. THE POOP ALMOST LOOKS HAIRY AND IT DOES NOT FLOAT LONG AND WHEN IT DOES SINK TO THE BOTTOM OF THE BOWL IN THEN FALLS APART LIKE DUST ALMOST? I BECAME SICK ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO AND BEFORE THIS I ALWAYS HAD THE SAME POOP, NEVER DIFFERENT. I HAD A TEST DONE AND IT DID SAY THAT I HAVE A INGESTED PROTOZOA BUT COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE TYPE? I AM BEING TREATED WITH FLAGYL RIGHT NOW AND I AM GOING ABOUT 3 TIMES A DAY AND IT STILL HAS THIS SAME WEIRD LOOK? ANY INSIGHT WOULD HELP
CHAN LEE PENG | Dec 23, 2009 | Reply
To Texas Gal,
In your occasion, you’re feeling sick, in addition to your unhealthy feces, indicating that you’re facing a medical condition. Since you’d been dignosed to have infected with protozoa, you should be very careful in terms of your daily diet. If you’re a heavy meat-eater, then you should consider cut off the meat intake while increasing fiber-rich foods such as grains, fruits and leafy vegetables. I’d advise you to stop dairy products temporary, exercise regularly, maintain your spiritial health, replenish your body with sufficient amount of water (preferably alkaline water) and lastly, you should adopt a healthy lifestyle to improve your existing condition.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Chan
Texas gal | Dec 23, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for the reply…one last question that I did not mention is that my stool also has very small squiggly lines throughout it as well. Could these be worms? They do not move and they are completly thoughout the stool and very distinct in shape? Last, what kind of Dr. do you see about something like this? Would I go to a gastro or a infection specialist to diagnose and treat my symptoms?
CHAN LEE PENG | Dec 23, 2009 | Reply
To Texas gal,
It’s hard to tell whether it’s a worm or not without a medical diagnosis. It’s better to go for a diagnosis before any conclusion can be made. I’d suggest you to check with a gastro specialist.
I hope this helps. Merry christmas!
Regards,
Chan
seeker | Dec 24, 2009 | Reply
It is a very good article but did not find what I was looking for.
Anyway, I have been passing motion at least once every morning and recently twice which I think is good. However, my stool diameter has become rather small, like 10 – 15mm rather than 30mm as mentioned bu you. Is this a problem with my colon? I have checked with my doctor but he said it was alright so long as my toilet routine is consistent.
Is it advisable for a colon cleansing?
susie | Dec 25, 2009 | Reply
I have just stumbled on to this site and am in hopes that you can help me. I have recently went to my generl Dr with symptoms of what looked like a jelly like blood clot in my feces, oil in feces, passing large red brownish object which when i first passed, it was small and looked like rolled up tomato skins.i have passed that i am aware of about four times within the last eight months, the last being about three in. by three in. in size. My other symptoms have been extreme periphal swelling and extreme swelling of my belly looking as if i was about six months or more pregnant. Inormally have a flat belly. I have a great amount of food that does not digest. I am usually very pale now. My feces is sometimes a normal color but the next time may be vey black and sticky. I have had an ultrasound showing nothing. Last week I went to a gastro which was extremly rude dismissing all of my symtoms to my taking the medication methadone. I am on methadone maintance for opiate addiction and this Dr treated me very badly and dismissed all on the methadone. I left there knowing it was going to be up to me to diagnose myself and get help. I have diagnosed myself as having giant intestinal flukes which i got from consuming watercress almost 8 months ago. I have what i call episodes that i become extremly ill. I called the gastro back and told them what i know i have and i have just today dropped of the last of three stool specimans dr ordered. I will know Monday. Can you give me your opinion and please tell me if I am right what course of treatment i can be looking for. I really feel like i need to be in the hospital. please advise, i really need some encouragment here because i am very very afraid and have been for so long.
susie | Dec 25, 2009 | Reply
This is still from Susie, I have some other symtoms I would like you to know about. Very very often i hear loud gurgling sounds from my stomach. At times i can press on the lower left abdomen and can actually push the fluid around making squishing sounds. During what i call episodes, i have extreme nausea, dull abdomen pain, sometimes vomiting. I have always had chronic constipation and of course methadone should add to this. I however noticed no diffirence. It has always been extreme. I have to take Phillips of Mag every two days to provoke and bowel movement. This of course means I very rarely have any actual stools in my movement.It is always diaherra type fluid, sometimes a mixture. Therefore its really easy to see things that shoud not be in feces in it. Last symtom I can think of right now is i have fever with my episodes at times. Also, im very afraid of the treatment I will receive from this Dr because of his rudeness and dismissal of me becuase of his views of patients on methadone. Like I said, this is so scary to me. What i think or know i have is Fasicola gigantica or fiscioliasis buski. This has taken me months and months to self diagnose. Am I going to be ok after treatment.
susie | Dec 25, 2009 | Reply
still from susie,
sorry for having such a long post but i want you to have as much info as i can think of that may effect what your opinion is. The last think I wanted to add is that although i am on methadone maintance i have always been very active, or exercised. I have always been a healthy weight with very low body fat. All of my adult life i have ate healthy, little to no meat, many fruits and vegetables/ My addiction came as a result of an accident some which required eight months of hydrocodene prescribed after which I was addicted and supplied myself for over five years until i went to this program. I have been in this program for one year and have began a six month detox schedule. I just wanted you to know i guess i paranoid becuase western doctors can really mistreat patients on this program. Its sad but true, some good im sure but i have yet to see one. They all have an attitude and my last expierence was pretty much, your an addict, what diffience does it make what is wrong with you. Now, im finished. Again, thank you so very much for your patience in reading all of this.
CHAN LEE PENG | Dec 26, 2009 | Reply
Hi seeker,
The size of your feces doesn’t usually matter much and they’ll always be changed proportionally to the amount of meals you take each day. When you eat tapioca or bananas in large quantity, then you may have bulk of feces coming out. Another reason is that your intestinal tract may become narrower due to the deposit of fats/lipids, waste materials (including those feces that didn’t cleanse completely from your previous bowel movements), medication, presence of stones (that block feces from being eliminated), growth or tumor, or other underlying medical condition. You can try doing colon cleansing to see whether it help improve your bowel movement. I’d suggest you to see a doctor to check on your intestinal tract for a further medical diagnosis.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Chan
CHAN LEE PENG | Dec 26, 2009 | Reply
Hi Susie,
I appreciate your detailed explanation here. I see that your feces are unhealthy as well as the symptoms you’re experiencing which may indicate some unexplainable/underlying medical condition. If you think the doctor had treated you badly, why not you look for another doctor (preferably gastro specialist) who has a strong background of treating intestinal/colon/gastro-related problem?
Your problems really require for a prompt medical attention since you said that you’ve an occasional abdominal pain and swelling. These are of course alarmings of your health condition.
In your case, I’d suggest you to increase the intake of vegetable and fruits but less meat-based foods, replenish plenty amount of water (preferably alkaline water), avoid oily/grilled/fried/processed/dairy foods, exercise regularly, be in spiritually healthy (by praying, carolling, singing, and etc.), don’t stay overnight and rest/sleep adequately to help improve your present situation. Also, try suggestions in my article http://www.healthmad.com/Health/Are-Your-Feces-Healthy-2.232693. You may also try colon cleansing program. Besides checking with a gastro specialist, I’d also recommend you to check with a registered and qualified Chinese physician (if you could find one) to prescribe you herbs to improve your condition. Your condition needs both treatments from a western specialist and a Chinese physician. While seeking a medical assistance from a Chinese physician, please let them know in details which type of treatment or medication you are receiving from a western doctor, so as to help avoid any medication interaction which might have worsen your condition or reduced the efficiency of treatment. This article is for your reference, and you can’t just do your own self-diagnose. You still need someone experienced in a medical field to check on you. The reason is that the signs might alarm you for certain underlying medical condition which requires a further medical diagnosis.
Please don’t feel too concern or worried about your situation, but help calm yourself down. You need to be relaxed. Don’t stress yourself because it won’t help you much. Just stay in happy, and think positively. Remember, medical treatment is a must for you and at the same time, you should pray in the name of God whole-heartedly because miracle will one day reaches you!
Take care and I’m looking forward to hearing good news from you.
Regards,
Chan
susie | Dec 27, 2009 | Reply
Thank you so much for your reply. I will be happy to let you know what my cultures show in a few days. I have indeed became very worried and a bit depressed with the Drs attitude however I have let go of that and hope for the best. If no improvement, indeed I will move on. God has been the center of my life for two years now and prayer has saved me. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and to all the help you give others.
God Bless
melonie | Jan 4, 2010 | Reply
Hello,
I have noticed over a period of the last six months I have passed what appeared to be rolled up tomato skins. The ones I first notices were about a half inch in length and width. When unrolled it was of pretty tough matter as did not tear easily. It had dots all over one side that looked like the dots on strawberries. Months later I passed one that was about one and half in. in lenght and width., Months later one passed that was now about 3 in. by 2 inches. I was horrified. Note that I felt very ill when passing these. I could have passed many more without realizing it. These are just the ones that I found after statring to check my feces. I have had a parasite check by stools 3 diffirent times and all were clear. I did have this done thru lab at hospital. Its crazy but all of the sudden I feel so much better. Im not tired all the time, my color is good and i have no more lower ab pain. Can you please give me your advise as to what this may be that I was passing.
CHAN LEE PENG | Jan 6, 2010 | Reply
To melonie,
I’d advise you to check with a gastro specialist and let me know your diagnosis then.
Apart from that, you should switch to a healthy diet, exercise regularly, take adequate amount of water and rest, be active and spiritually healthy.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Chan
ryan | Jan 8, 2010 | Reply
sometimes when i fart, no one can bare the smell… what does that mean? what can i do to fix this?
JT | Jan 9, 2010 | Reply
Hi,
I’ve been having problems over the last several months, though these problems are never really consistent day to day. For the past 4-5 days, my stool has been dark brown and “soft” or “loose.” – There is also undigested food present – the sort that I should have no problem digesting. I also get diarrhea when I drink alcohol (it doesn’t even have to be any more than a glass of wine). I am currently on antidepressants, and was previously on clindamycin and augmentin for several months for an infection (that was finished for about five months now). Is it possible that these things have permanently screwed up my system? I have no other problems otherwise. Can you please give me any tips or advice besides seeing a physician?
Thanks! Your site is really awesome.
CHAN LEE PENG | Jan 10, 2010 | Reply
To ryan,
Please read my article http://healthmad.com/conditions-and-diseases/are-your-feces-healthy/ and see whether it helps you.
Regards,
Chan
CHAN LEE PENG | Jan 10, 2010 | Reply
Hi JT,
Thanks for your kind words. You should stop drinking alcoholic drinks until your condition improved since you’re facing the existing medical condition. I’d say that antidepressants, clindamycin and augmentin you took might be screwed up your immune system, and thereby causing unpleasant feeling. In addition to that, diet, sleep, water intake, emotional disturbance and other underlying health conditions might also contribute to unhealthy feces. I’d suggest you to get a scan on your colon and intestinal tract.
Regards,
Chan
Old Olly | Jan 14, 2010 | Reply
Age 60
On blood thinners,clots in lungs.
APPX 6 months started passing lots of gas.
Stolls always changing,lumpy,nice and smooth,drop off to a point,some thick and hard,some smooth and less then inch in diameter.
Try to eat health foods.
No weight loss.
Can’t remember if I ever in my life had floaters.
Thanks for fantastic info
lillyrose | Jan 14, 2010 | Reply
Hi Chan, what a brilliant well presented article. I really enjoyed reading it and was amazed at the difference in poop! I do know that the toilet bowl is the best place to look to see if you are healthy or not and you described the many conditions perfectly.
Just one thing, how does the Japanese expert know what the poop he was researching tastes like? I hope it was taste by smell.
nina | Jan 15, 2010 | Reply
hi.. hope you can help me..
I have a problem with my poop. i’ve been experiencing bowel problems recently like 2 weeks.. my poop’s like really loose and soft but not oily or wet.. and i notice bubbles in the water.. sometimes yellow, sometimes brown.. small and tiny strip poops, like that in a blender, and it smells really really bad..
last week, i got sick/fever for taking immodium coz i thought it can help me stop the diarrhea.. but i’m ok now, i took biogesic for my fever.. i dont feel pain in my stomach except last week.. i felt just a few pins and needles somewhere in the left part of my belly, not always.. but now im fine.. what is the problem? is this dangerous?? is it terrible condition? i took flagyl but its not working.. i still have diarrhea, and always have the “got to go” feeling. i go like many times a day, more than 4x. but i drink water always.
btw, in the first week, i had a feeling where i like to throw up becoz of what i ate, but not always.
i am currently taking topical meds for my acne/pimples, is it because of the meds, that i experience this problem or, i have something in my stomach? or what? does gatorade and banana help?
hope you help me..
thanks in advance.
CHAN LEE PENG | Jan 16, 2010 | Reply
Hi Age 60,
Since you’re in blood thinners and etc., you might expect to have experienced some unusual medical conditions. Yes, eating healthy food is good for you, but make sure that you really know what food is classified under healthy foods. Next, I’d advise you to consult your doctor or a registered dietician to discuss on your daily diet pattern lifestyle and bowel movement. If possibly, get a gastro specialist to check on your colon.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Chan
CHAN LEE PENG | Jan 16, 2010 | Reply
Hi Lilyrose,
Thanks for your kind words. Yes, you’re right! Feces, generally, reflect our health. They did several experimentations in a laboratory. The feces could also be recognized by smell. Please read more details from my article http://www.healthmad.com/Health/Are-Your-Feces-Healthy-2.232693.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Chan
CHAN LEE PENG | Jan 16, 2010 | Reply
Hi nina,
I’d suggest you to have a check on your colon by a registered and experienced gastro specialist. Please consult a doctor to discuss on medical conditions you’re facing and ask their advice for the dietary pattern that suits you best. Beware that certain medications and foods may cause stomach upset, colon swelling, and other unexplainable conditions. You should always consult your doctor prior to making any changes pertaining to your dietary and medicidation intake to avoid any unexpected medical consequence.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Chan
steena | Jan 18, 2010 | Reply
Hi,
I have a question. Ive been notin\cing for the past ferw months tht my stool seems to be grainy. Actually i dont know if im describing it rite, but it looks like usual but has whitish little pieces apparent on it. I dont know if its normal or not and even if this wud suit the description of grainy.
L.A. | Jan 19, 2010 | Reply
I just have a question about a weird discovery when going to the bathroom. I have googled and found no answers. For a long while (a year or so) Every time I went to the bathroom I would poop and in my poop would be these little orange colored egg shaped things. Finally getting worried I put on a pair of gloves and pinched the ball/egg open and inside it was like the consistency of the inside of the baked potato. Do you have any idea what this could be?
lisa | Jan 19, 2010 | Reply
i have a pain in my lower abdomen and my stools are generally black and small what does this mean? have had a hysterectomy
CHAN LEE PENG | Jan 19, 2010 | Reply
Hi lisa,
Abdominal pain may be a sign of intestinal blockages, stomach ulcers, pancreas and gallbladder problems, or possible causes of abdominal pain which require immediate medical attention. It might also indicate the presence of intestinal or urinary stones. You can read further details from my article http://healthmad.com/conditions-and-diseases/somewhat-unusual-weirdest-stone-formation-in-human-body/ Black feces can be seen as a sign of bleeding from the stomach or small intestine, in which they’d usually cause the feces to have foul smelling. You should cut back the iron supplementation so that this problem can be alleviated, but before doing this, please seek advice from your doctor. In short, I’d suggest you to have a check with a gastro specialist.
Regards,
Chan
CHAN LEE PENG | Jan 19, 2010 | Reply
Hi L.A.
The color of your feces can be varied from day-to-day basis, ranging from yellow to green, which is regarded as normal. That means your bowel movements depending very much on what you’ve been eaten and drunk. What you saw in your feces is due to the undigested parts (particularly fiber) continue moving down your intestines at a leisurely pace. To improve your bowel movements, kindly read my article http://www.healthmad.com/Health/Are-Your-Feces-Healthy-2.232693 If you’re still not sure what to do, have yourself checked with a qualified doctor.
As for your info, when you see any abnormal/ sudden change in your bowel movement that is accompanied by vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, significant bleeding in the feces or extremely dark colored dry feces, persistence diarrhea, and/or what seems to be pain (particularly an ache in a tummy), you should by any attempts checked with your doctor immediately.
Regards,
Chan
CHAN LEE PENG | Jan 20, 2010 | Reply
Hi steena,
Of course, this is unhealthy. When you see pale chalky white feces or whitish substances appearing in your feces, its occurrence might be indicate a liver problem. That means you might have not enough bile in your liver to have the food digested thoroughly. Certainly, you should get an immediate medical attention for a further diagnosis.
If your feces appear grainy or seedy, try to add a blue-colored potato in your daily diet. You can read more details from my article http://healthmad.com/health/are-your-feces-healthy-2/ to see whether it helps improve your bowel movements.
Regards,
Chan
OldOlly | Jan 20, 2010 | Reply
Hi and Thanks Dr.Chan,
Well my Bowels always changing from normal to YUK looking.
Today my doctor says eat bland foods because I have an infection and it just needs to run it’s course.
I think also I hav eon/off low grade fevers.
Stomach alwys churning away under left rib cage.
Not working and can’t afford test so soon I will be buried with poop
Old Olly
Bob | Jan 22, 2010 | Reply
When I went to basic training in the Army 40 years ago none of us took a movement for the first week. I think it was some sort of adjustment emotional reaction effecting us all. Stress angziety or some sort of fear being in a new environment with differnt foods who knows why this is?
scared | Jan 23, 2010 | Reply
about 5 days ago i was sick and i threw up for the 2nd time in 2 years and i knew something was wrong and i had diarrhea with it and i still do 5 days later and when i go its just like a blow out it is like a light brown golden or a really light green color and it smells just like infection if you know what that is or what it sounds like please tell me Dr,
CHAN LEE PENG | Jan 24, 2010 | Reply
Hi OldOlly,
You should change your eating habit. I’d advise you to increase more fiber intake in your daily diet. Besides that, I’ll also advise you to check with a doctor.
Regards,
Chan
CHAN LEE PENG | Jan 24, 2010 | Reply
Hi Bob,
Of course, emotional fluctuation does affect our health. When one is in a bad mood, their immune system will simultaneously be reduced. Accordingly, the weakened immune system will disrupt the digestion process, which will ultimately influence one’s bowel movement. Therefore, you should manage your emotional fluctuation by praying, singing, resting, exercising and etc. Bear in mind that food and drinks that you have been eaten or drunk may influence the condition of your feces too.
Regards,
Chan
CHAN LEE PENG | Jan 24, 2010 | Reply
Hi scared,
Your condition may be caused by foods, medication, iron supplement, or if you’re in any detoxification program or detoxified herbs/ medication. Normally, the condition of watery feces (or diarrhea) will go off by itself in a day or two. Please take note that if the condition persists for 4 or more than 4 days, please seek for an immediate medical assistance. Take note that if your diet has lack of fiber or veggie or fruit, you should add in (instead of meat) to improve your bowel movement. Also, try suggestions in my article http://www.healthmad.com/Health/Are-Your-Feces-Healthy-2.232693.
Regards,
Chan
mary perry | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
i have a pooh on a regular bassis and its almoast a yellow/orange colour it leaves my anal hole feeling quite saw after i have a pooh but wen i look at it it makes me cream
??do i have a pooh facination??
help me please i dont want to go to the doctor im tooo imbarrased..i feel like im, up shit creek!!
Janelle | Jan 26, 2010 | Reply
Hi Chan,
I’m concerned about my 19 month old’s poop. First of all, he seems to have a history of some painful gastrointestinal problems (just what I’ve observed by his behavior). Anyway, recently, he had a super dark black soft poop followed by a very dark green soft poop and then a lighter green harder poop. What does that all mean you think? And then for my second question, I would like to know, should a healthy toddler poop sink or float or does it matter? I put his poop in the toilet, and I noticed that it float and wouldn’t flush even after about 5 flushes. What do you suppose this means? I’m worried that he may have something going on internally that I know nothing about just by looking at him. His pediatrician seems to think his poops sound “normal.” Any feedback or advice you could share with me on this subject would be much appreciated. I’m getting quite concerned and am wondering if I should be taking him to see some kind of specialist or not. Best regards….and looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Old Olly | Jan 26, 2010 | Reply
Hi Dr. Chan,
I had 3 movements that seemed ok but turned very soft near end.
4 Hours later I ammost went into shok when I looked the poop was 100% black.
Next day I took OTC for stomach then now just eating non fat yougrt and low fat pudding and 100% wheat bread for morning and night.
2 day later everything comes out almost white I guess from eating all white yogurt but while sitting in bottom of toilet about 2 hours later water is brown and seems to sink to bottom.
Is this brown I see blood?
I need testing for sure but no money here.
Thank you and Bless you for all your time to all for no fee.
Old Olly
Old Olly | Jan 26, 2010 | Reply
Hi Dr. Chan,
Yes I was on blood thinners close to 2 years and then went off from bowel problem/bleeding/
Also take Water pill when needed and low pressor.
At times I go 3 days with no low grade fever and they last 3-4 hours and then gone.
Now made another poop and it close to white but so far no brown water is forming.
No insurance so cannot afford test needed.
Thank you for all your time helping me and others.
Old Olly
CHAN LEE PENG | Jan 26, 2010 | Reply
Hi mary perry,
Pardon me, I didn’t catch you. Could you please describe your condition more in details?
Regards,
Chan
CHAN LEE PENG | Jan 26, 2010 | Reply
Hi Janelle,
Kindly visit my article entitled http://www.healthmad.com/Children/Your-Childs-Feces-Healthy-or-Unhealthy.662805/1 Please let me know if you can’t find your answer in this article.
Regards,
Chan
CHAN LEE PENG | Jan 26, 2010 | Reply
Hi Old Olly,
3 bowel movements in a day are normal. The healthy feces should be as soft as a banana. Sometimes, the softness is caused by the food and drinks you’ve taken recently. What did you mean by BLACK here? Black feces are generally caused by the intake of iron supplementation. They can also be caused by intestinal bleeding, and this condition is often accompanied by constipation. Just cut back the iron supplementation, milk-based products until your bowel movement improved. Normally, the condition goes off one to two days. If the problem persists for three or more days, you should check with a gastro specialist.
Black feces can also be seen as a sign of bleeding from the stomach or small intestine, in which they’d usually cause the feces to be tarry and foul smelling (or melena). If the feces are tarry black or dark brownish-black, there may be blood in the digestive tract that has turned dark black while travelling down the intestines. If you’re experiencing this medical condition, make sure that you consult your doctor immediately
Certain medications may also influence your bowel movement. If you’re experiencing a chronic bowel habit, you should by any attempt seek for a medical advice.
Regards,
Chan
CHAN LEE PENG | Jan 26, 2010 | Reply
Hi Olly,
Pardon me for replying you late. Kindly check the answer I left you for your question in my article http://healthmad.com/mental-health/the-craziest-and-most-horrific-things-your-brain-can-do/
Thanks and take care.
Regards,
Chan
HarrissB | Jan 26, 2010 | Reply
I am a 18 year old female with Turners syndrome. I’ve had rectal bleeding in the past. It was generally just small amounts of blood on toilet paper unfortunately I did not make the doctor aware of this until recently. I went to the Doctor a couple of months ago and was diagnosed with hemorrhoids. However, I am concerned as my feces occasionally has dark spots in it. What does “Black poop” look like? I am unable to find any photos to give me an indication. My stools were definitely not tar like or abnormally smell however. If there was internal bleeding would this be evident with a rectal exam?
My stools are also occasionally thin, but I wouldn’t say they are pencil like.
Today and yesterday I noticed that some of my stools were floating. It should be noted that I had an episode of diarrhea on Saturday morning which seemed to clear up before my next bowl movement, though I can’t be sure. I have had floating stools in the past on occasion also.
I have been wondering if I have Celiac disease. Apparently Turners patients have increased risk for it.
It should also be noted that I have recently increased the fiber in my diet, after my previously mentioned visit to the doctor.
Any help you could give would be appreciated. I’m at my wits end.
Thanks,
Harriss
HarrissB | Jan 26, 2010 | Reply
Oh. I should add that I hear abdominal noises coming from my stomach fairly frequently, and have on occasion been able to hear a swishing sound of liquid in my stomach. Though I thought nothing of this at the time…
HarrissB | Jan 26, 2010 | Reply
Also, what is a normal amount of stools per trip to the bathroom? I generally have between one and five.
HarrissB | Jan 26, 2010 | Reply
And I have on two occasions that I can remember been constipated and used my finger to extract fecease. After reading your comment regarding this matter I am concerned about this also.
in pain | Jan 26, 2010 | Reply
Hello Chan, I hope I am not having you repeat any of your answers that you might have given but I couldn’t read all of the comments. I am 18 years old and I went to Mexico a week ago. While there I did not have any problems with the food and I had bowel movements like I usually do in the United States. Unfortunately when I came back I felt as though I was in a constant state of constipation. When I would go to the bathroom, my stool would not come out and I would feel a burning sensation in my anus. It is also very hard for me to sit down now since my anus still hurts. I went to the bathroom again and I was able to poop but I had to help force it out with toilet paper. My poop was a weird consistency: kind of hard and soft at the same time, also I saw a little blood at first but then it didn’t happen later on.
After that I have not felt as constipated but my anus still hurts. I really hope that you can help me because I have been trying to find out information everywhere and I hope I do not have hemorrhoids.
Thank you for taking your time out to read my comment.
CHAN LEE PENG | Jan 28, 2010 | Reply
Hi in pain,
To be clear with you, I do not usually leave the same comment unless the readers asked me the similar questions or those conditions require the similar answer. Since you were back from the trip from Mexico, some environmental factors might affect your bowel movements.
Also, when you were in a trip, your bowel habits were not routine as usual. If your anus feels hurt or irritating, then you should get a gastro specialist to check on you. There might be a possibility of growth, warts, bleeding or any underlying medical condition that will require a medical attention. If you said you saw blood in your feces, it might be due to the foods and drink you have taken recently. If you still see blood in your feces for three days or more, you should check with a doctor. In regards to the situation you are facing, I’ll advise you to take plenty of fibre-rich foods (such as potatoes, bananas, kiwis and etc.) and make sure that you take plenty of water.
Regards,
Chan
CHAN LEE PENG | Jan 28, 2010 | Reply
Hi Harriss B,
Since you had been diagnosed for rectal bleeding and haemorrhoids, you should be very careful in your eating habit. In your case, you should increase fibre-rich foods to help smooth your feces. Besides that, make sure that you are hydrated, meaning that you should take plenty and adequate amount of water all the time. Remember that when you cannot force your feces out (too hard to be forced out), this action may hurt your anus and may cause bleeding again. If you’ve internal bleeding, of course, you have to see a doctor.
Black feces can be like tar, charcoal or the color of black hair, or gray, or any brownish-black color, depending on the individual’s health condition. Diarrhea can be alleviated by temporally cut off the dairy products, and try to eat two potatoes (not the fried one, but the steamed one) in a day to smooth your bowel activity. Bananas are also good foods to add into your daily diet, about two, and make sure you do not eat bananas when your stomach is empty.
Three bowel movements a day is normal, more than that is not normal. You shouldn’t use your finger to extract your feces out. They are contaminated with microorganisms, waste material and may be certain toxins. This shows that you do not care about your personal hygiene.
If you’re still concerned with your bowel movements, why not just get a doctor to check on you?
Regards,
Chan
Jenny Heart | Jan 28, 2010 | Reply
You’re such a talented writer. You indeed help us understand as many health issues as possible. Have those inappropriate comments deleted. Keep more informative articles coming. Excellent caring advice from our triond doctors assistant. That’s a compliment.
HarrissB | Jan 28, 2010 | Reply
Chan, thanks for your response. However, I’m not sure if you are clear on my question regarding number of stools per bowl movement. My question is this: If you have say 2 stools per trip to the bathroom, is this indicative of a major health problem, or perhaps a diet issue? Sorry if you already understand the question.
HarrissB | Jan 28, 2010 | Reply
Also, bleeding hemorrhoids are considered internal bleeding? (Silly question, I know). I’ve had bleeding since the trip to the Dr. when I was diagnosed. This bleeding appeared to be caused by wiping too hard. Well, I’m calling to Dr. today anyway. Though I’m worried there might be issues since I didn’t mention this sooner.
HarrissB | Jan 28, 2010 | Reply
Also, I have at one point had symptoms similar to In Pain’s. I.E pain in the rectum after constipation. This was quite awhile ago. Do you think I should see a Gastro specialist immediately or talk to my general physician first?
Maria | Feb 2, 2010 | Reply
HOLA CHAN
Mi pregunta es si la caca blanda puede subir su olor hasta el estomago y dejarse oler?o son parasitos intestinales, que tambien producen mal aliento, o por ello nos rascamos la nariz, sin que haya mal olor, aunque no haya mal olor, pero cuando hablamos los demas se rascan la nariz, como si tuvieramos arasitos?Esto es posible?
CHAN LEE PENG | Feb 3, 2010 | Reply
Hi Maria,
Todavía no estoy de expertos en español, español de base está bien, así que permítame explicarle en Inglés.
Whether your feces smell badly or not, they depend very much on what you have been eaten or drunk lately. Heavy meat eaters tend to have a very strong smell as compared to vegetarian. The more meat based foods you take, the stronger smell your feces will be. Regarding to your question, if your soften feces didn’t contain much toxicological substance (normally nitrogen compound), it leaves very little smell in your intestinal tract.
Of course, intestinal parasites may be one of the factors that contribute to bad breath, but it may also be caused by other underlying conditions (e.g. swelling, internal wound, internal bleeding in the intestinal tract or any part that near to your bowel, anal and its surrounding area). Bad breath is not only caused by your feces, it can be caused by many factors too. Since I’m here answering for problems related to feces, I won’t touch further in answers that don’t relate to feces.
Regards,
Chan
CHAN LEE PENG | Feb 3, 2010 | Reply
To HarrissB,
Please be understood that your problem can’t be solved without doing a medical diagnosis. Hemorrhoids are not considered as an internal bleeding instead, it’s a medical condition when swelling or inflammation of vein is observed in the anus and rectum.
Internal haemorrhoids, however, may cause internal bleeding when they’re swelling, and this situation is particularly obvious when harden feces passed through the swelling haemorrhoids causing internal bleeding due to a harsh rubbing between the feces and the surface of the swelling haemorrhoids. Harmorrhoids are always associated with constipation at bowel movements.
When you’re experiencing painful feeling in your rectum, then I’d suggest you to check with a qualified and experienced gastro specialist. Please take my advice to check with your doctor regularly for the unhealthy conditions you’re facing now, and get their appropriate advice regarding your existing situation. Certain medical conditions just can’t be simply solved on the paper; you still need to get a doctor to diagnose you.
Regards,
Chan
Old Olly | Feb 5, 2010 | Reply
Hi Dr. Chan,
My Dr. said go on a soft diet,pudding,bananas,yogurt plus I ate 100% whole wheat bread,oatmeal and other breakfast foods rich in fiber.
I went 1 night 3 times.
They were soft,seemed to light in color and at 11 PM I had to go again.
I looked and it was about 8 inches long,normal diameter but black,total black as if painted black.
That was the only time.
After that a few days later bowels were very light,soft and shredded so now i’m taking a OTC capsule that has 1.5 Billion of so called healthy bacteria.
Due to no insurance I have no choice but to try my own colons cleanse and will let you know in about a week
GOD BLESS
Old Olly
CHAN LEE PENG | Feb 5, 2010 | Reply
Hi Old Olly,
Your Dr.’s suggestion is brilliant. Bananas, kiwis, whole wheat bread, oatmeal and other high rich foods are good to improve your bowel movements. You may also try suggestions in my article http://healthmad.com/health/are-your-feces-healthy-2/. Since you have black feces, I’d suggest you to temporary cut off dairy products, including yogurt, cheese and etc. Besides that, make sure that you’re adopting a healthy living style.
I’d like to hear good news from you. Keep me updated with your situation then. God bless you too.
Regards,
Chan
CHAN LEE PENG | Feb 5, 2010 | Reply
Hi Old Olly,
I left you answers to your questions in http://healthmad.com/mental-health/the-craziest-and-most-horrific-things-your-brain-can-do/ check it out.
Don’t worry too much. Always look at the positive side, you’ll feel better.
Regards,
Chan
Cindy R Mason | Feb 7, 2010 | Reply
Hi Dr. Chan
Cauld you tell me of medical conditions that might cause my feces to change from almost always looking like a pile of hard dark brown stones in the bottom of the toilet water to all brown floating on top of water? Thank you for all of your great information on your site.
CRM
ouchie | Feb 7, 2010 | Reply
Hi. I had an endoscopy & colonoscopy exactly 12 months ago due to some rectal bleeding and stomach pain I was experiencing shortly after having stopped tamoxiphen, to which I attributed the above symptoms. I had gastritis and had a little hemorhoid. According to the second Proctologist that I visited in October, the hemorhoid was not present but the reason I was bleeding more and more was that I had 2 untreated bleeding fissures that would never really go away. I tell you all this as a background story in case you need some history on me. The reason I write is to inquire about the fecal examination as a result of my making sure I am eating right so that I do not bleed. I have noticed for some months now (since last year) that I have black spots when cleaning after a bowel movement that when rubbed slighly with the paper, they are like charcoal. Just yesterday and today, they were bigger than just spots. Today it was like the size of tiny lentil. I have not been successful in researching this and I have not rushed to any doctor because I work with doctors and am so disappointed in them and the constant search for a qualified one, not to mention I cannot pin point which specialty applies to this issue I am experiencing. Once in a while I will see a spot of mucus attached to the outside of the feces and almost always upon wiping, I find black dots of charcoal-like material. What could that be and if I do have to worry about it, what is the specialty to refer to in medicine? Thank you for your help.
CHAN LEE PENG | Feb 8, 2010 | Reply
Hi Cindy R Mason,
Kindly refer to my article http://healthmad.com/health/are-your-feces-healthy-2/ under subsection “How to Deal with Extremely Hard Feces”. You’ll get more details in this article.
CHAN LEE PENG | Feb 8, 2010 | Reply
Hi ouchie,
From your history record, I see that you had experienced rectal bleeding and abdominal pain, gastritis and hemorhoid. And you had also taken tamoxiphen (If I’m not mistaken, did you mean tamoxifen? See note below) for some time, to which I believe all these consequences may interfere with the activity of your digestion.
Note: Tamoxifen is always used to treat breast cancer in both males and females. This drug has known to interrupt a female hormone (or estrogen), and were documented to cause side effects of nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, skin rash, fatigue, vaginal discharge, headache, blood clot, cataract, uterine cancer, stroke, to be named a few examples here.
Whether Tamoxifen causes rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, gastritis or hemorhoid, there is still no experimentation linked to this condition so far. I may say that tamoxifen may have indulged your existing hemorhoid causing external bleeding instead of rectal bleeding. If you say, rectal bleeding, it’s usually caused by rectal fissures due to a tear in the lining of the rectum caused by the passage of hard feces, hemorrhoids (either external or internal hemorrhoids), tumors and other underlying medical conditions.
Your charcoal look-like or black dots you saw attaching to your feces are most likely to be caused by your rectal bleeding problem. When there is rectal bleeding and certainly you will experience abdominal pain, constipation, change of your bowel movement, shortness of breath, and other irritated feelings.
I therefore would suggest you to have abdominal examination, anal and digital rectal examination, blood test, anoscopy and do colonoscopy one more time to get a thorough diagnostic result. (And you may like to attach your report here for further explanations).
Besides the examinations I suggested here, I also would like you to drink 8-10 glasses of water (preferably alkaline water) each day, shower daily with warm water while cleansing the skin in and around the anus gently, increase high-fiber intake (whole wheat bread, green leafy veggie, cereals high in fiber, prunes are also good to be added in your daily diet), and try to avoid sitting/squatting too long in the toilet. Remember to apply ice packs to the affected area of hemorrhoids to help relieve pain.
ouchie | Feb 8, 2010 | Reply
Sorry for not clarifying. I only took Tamoxifen for 4-6 weeks and discontinued it in January 2009. in February 2009, the colonoscopy/endoscopy did not show much other than gastritis and mild hemorrhoid (which apparently went away). I realized it was making me really ill. I do not have any hemorrhoids and my fissure is healed where it hardly bleeds anymore.
I have included in my diet much more fiber and water and I do not eat any red meat or chicken as most people do. Maybe once or twice a month in family gatherings. I consider to have a pretty decent diet without processed foods and packaged food.
I am puzzled by the black dots. It makes not sense to me and I cannot find anywhere what it could mean. I was told by a physician that if anything serious were to develop in my intestinal or stomach area since my endoscopy/colonoscopy, it would be highly unusual.
So I am left with that question about the black charcoal-like dots (like poppy seed size). Should I consult any particula Specialist? GI doctors don’t have so many answers, I have noted.
Thank you for your time.
Judy Sheldon | Feb 8, 2010 | Reply
Chan, I started reading your many comments on this brilliantly written health article and ended up timing up and had to sign in all over again. lol
Nicole | Feb 9, 2010 | Reply
Hi, I’m a 23-yr-old girl from M’sia and I just found out that I have solids as black as charcoal stick on the normal feces. There are a few pieces of them as big as 5mm in diameter. It freaks me out and this is the first time I saw it. Do u have any idea what they are?