3 Ways to Understand Abnormal Bowel Movements

1. Normal Stool Colors Vary

Bile, mucous and the colors of the foods you eat can all determine the color of your stool. Brown is considered normal, but if you eat a a diet high in leafy green vegetables or foods with green food coloring, your bowel movements may assume a green shade. If you notice that your stool is bright red or a tarry black, you could be passing blood and should see your doctor immediately for testing. Bright red stools usually means blood is coming from your large intestine or rectum and black means the bleeding stems from your stomach, such as when you have a bleeding ulcer. It is possible that your red or black bowel movements are caused by your diet; colorful foods like beets, tomato soup and red gelatin desserts can color your stools red, and iron supplements can make your stool black. White-colored stools are abnormal and should be checked out immediately. A light-colored stool may indicate a bile ducts blockage, gallstones or metabolic disorders.

2. Constant Diarrhea or Constipation is Abnormal

Occasional diarrhea or constipation can happen to anyone. However, if your bowel movements are always loose and watery, you may have an underlying condition, such as Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome, that requires diagnosis and treatment. People who suffer from frequent diarrhea run the risk of dehydration and malnutrition because they can't absorb adequate nutrients. If your bowel movements are always difficult to pass and hard like small pebbles, drink more water and eat more fiber. Exercise can also normalize your system. If these lifestyle changes fail, ask your doctor for an extensive evaluation.

3. Narrow Bowel Movements May Indicate Problems

Stool shapes vary, but they should conform to a general log shape most of the time. Regular, narrow bowel movements with the diameter of chopstick or a pencil may indicate problems with your colon. A slender stool often means the colon is obstructed or that you have a narrowing within. Ask your doctor to evaluate you for possible polyps or cancerous growths in your colon.