Normal stool color and shape

Normal stool color is usually tan or brown, banana-shaped.

The color of stool is mainly affected by diet and physical condition. Yellow or brown is the color of bile mixed with intestinal contents under normal circumstances. When eating more green vegetables, it may make stool color green; eating more iron-rich foods, such as animal liver, may cause stool color black. If stool color is abnormal, such as white, red, etc., it may indicate health problems. For example, white stools may be associated with biliary obstruction, while red stools may be caused by hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or intestinal bleeding.

The shape of stools can also reflect the health of the intestine. Banana shape is an ideal shape, indicating that the bowel function is normal, and the stool can be well shaped and discharged smoothly. If the stool is hard and granular, it may indicate constipation, which may be caused by insufficient water intake, too little dietary fiber intake, lack of exercise or slow intestinal motility. Long-term constipation may cause anal fissure, hemorrhoids and other problems, and may also increase the risk of intestinal diseases. If the stool is too thin, not formed, or even watery, it may be diarrhea, which may be related to intestinal infection, food allergy, intestinal dysfunction, etc. Frequent diarrhea may lead to dehydration, electrolyte disorders, etc.

If you find obvious abnormalities in stool color or shape, and the duration is longer or accompanied by other discomfort symptoms, such as abdominal pain, abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, etc., you should seek medical attention in time for relevant examinations and diagnosis, so that appropriate treatment measures can be taken to ensure good health.