The color of stool is related to the metabolism of many substances in human body, including bilirubin, hemoglobin, diet and other factors. Bilirubin is produced by liver metabolism and often forms bile with cholesterol. It is decomposed by intestinal flora to form brown bile pigment, and the presence of hemoglobin will make the stool appear dark red or black. Dietary factors will also affect the color of stool, such as eating beetroot, blueberry, citrus, etc., which will also make stool appear different colors.
2. Healthy stool color
Generally speaking, the stool color of healthy people should be brown or dark brown. This color represents normal visceral function in the body, and there are no problems such as inflammation and infection in the intestine. In addition, healthy people's stools should not be too hard or too soft, and the hardness should be moderate.
3. Abnormal stool color and its significance
In some cases, the stool will show abnormal color, which may be the manifestation of some pathological conditions. For example:
(1) melena: It may be caused by upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and it is most likely a symptom of digestive tract tumors, gastrointestinal bleeding and other diseases.
(2) Dark red stool: It may be caused by lower gastrointestinal bleeding, or it may be a manifestation of diseases such as rectal cancer and polyps. Please see a doctor in time.
(3) The stool is gray or white: it may be the manifestation of biliary obstruction or insufficient bile secretion, or it may be the manifestation of diseases such as gallstones and cholangitis.
(4) Yellow stool: It may be the result of excessive bile secretion, often accompanied by diseases such as biliary tract diseases and acute pancreatitis.
4. How to maintain a healthy stool color
To maintain a healthy stool color, you need to pay attention to the following points:
(1) Pay attention to your diet, eat more fruits and vegetables, and avoid eating too much greasy and heavy-tasting food, especially a lot of spicy and irritating food.
(2) Maintain good living habits, work and rest regularly, and exercise more to prevent intestinal problems.
(3) Seek medical attention in time. If there are symptoms of abnormal stool color or other intestinal problems, you must see a doctor in time to rule out the possibility of disease and treat according to the doctor's advice.