What Your Poop Is Trying To Tell You...

Let’s talk about poop—yes, the thing we often avoid discussing, but it actually holds a ton of information about your health. Your stool is like your body’s little messenger, telling you exactly what’s going on inside. By paying attention to the color, consistency, and frequency, you can uncover hidden clues about your diet, hydration, and overall well-being. So, let’s decode what your poop is really trying to say!

Color Is Everything: What Your Poop’s Hue Can Tell You About Your Body

• Dark Black: If your poop is dark black, it usually means you've consumed iron supplements or dark-colored foods (coffee, blueberries, black licorice). However, if you haven’t had anything dark lately, it might indicate bleeding in the upper part of your digestive system, like with colon polyps, peptic ulcers, or gastritis. If this happens, it’s best to check in with a doctor.

• Red: Red stool? You’ve probably been munching on something like beets or berries. But if red foods aren’t involved, this could signal bleeding in the lower intestines, hemorrhoids, or rectal tears. It’s your body sending a red flag, so keep an eye on it.

• Brown: A classic healthy poop color! Brown stool means everything is working as it should. Your digestive system is happy, and you’re in good shape. Keep doing what you’re doing.

• Green: Green poop often results from leafy greens or foods with green dye. But if it’s out of the ordinary, it could mean food is moving too quickly through your large intestines—perhaps due to a bacterial infection or recent antibiotic use. If you’re not feeling sick, it’s likely just a sign of a detox process.

• Yellow: Yellow stool could indicate too much gluten or excess fat in your diet. It might also point to potential liver or gallbladder issues, especially if accompanied by jaundice. If you notice these symptoms, a healthcare checkup might be necessary.

• White: White stool is a concerning sign. It could mean a lack of bile (the substance that helps digest fats), or it could be the result of anti-diarrhea medications. If this happens, it’s a good idea to see a doctor for further advice.

Types of Poop: What the Consistency Is Really Telling You

• Pellets: If your stool comes out in small, hard lumps, it’s your body saying, “I’m dehydrated!” This could be a sign that you need more water or fiber in your diet. Drinking more water and eating fiber-rich fruits and vegetables can help ease this.

• Shapeless and Liquid: Liquid stool that comes out in a stream might mean you’re dealing with diarrhea. This could be caused by stress, anxiety, or food contamination. It could also be an underlying issue like IBS. Make sure to check your stress levels and the quality of your food.

• Smooth & Pickled: A smooth, elongated poop that’s shaped like a pickle is what you want! This is the “I’m regular and hydrated” poop. It means your digestive system is working optimally. Congrats, you’re on the right track!

• Chocolatey Payday: When your poop looks like a chocolate payday candy bar, it’s typically a sign that your body is transitioning from dehydration to hydration. Your system is starting to balance out, and things are moving in the right direction.

How Often Should You Be Pooping?

There’s no magic number, but the average person poops anywhere from three times a week to three times a day. The key is to aim for at least one smooth, pickle-shaped poop every day. If you’re hitting that mark, it’s a sign that you’re well-hydrated, regular, and your digestive system is functioning well.

Your poop is like a little health report card, and by paying attention to its color and consistency, you can get a snapshot of how your body is doing. Stay hydrated, eat fiber-rich foods, and most importantly, listen to your body. It’s always trying to tell you something!

Flush those worries away,
Your 1987 Juices Fam