Abnormal Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Q: Abnormal Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions

Hello： The components of feces are related to the food consumed. <br>Feces may contain undigested food or fibers such as fruit seeds, sesame, chia seeds, and other foods. <br>A stool examination can be conducted. <br>Wishing you peace and health! Sincerely, Dr. <br>Lin Ming-Hui,

Bowel irregularities

Hello Doctor, I used to have normal brown, well-formed stools, but for the past few months, my bowel movements have often been loose, and sometimes I experience diarrhea.
A few weeks ago, I noticed that my stools were golden yellow, resembling the color of pumpkin, and they were easy to pass.
Sometimes they were unformed, while other times they were formed but soft and sticky, appearing as loose lumps.
Each stool was also light brown with black specks.
I don't recall eating foods like dragon fruit.
In the past few days, I started taking probiotics, and my stools seem less loose; I can pass three or four well-formed stools at a time, which are moist and soft, but they still have a light brown color with black specks.
There are also black specks on the toilet paper after wiping.
This condition has persisted until today...
I would like to know what might be causing this and how to address it.
Thank you.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/03

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: The components of feces are related to the food consumed.
Feces may contain undigested food or fibers such as fruit seeds, sesame, chia seeds, and other foods.
A stool examination can be conducted.
Wishing you peace and health! Sincerely, Dr.
Lin Ming-Hui, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2021/09/03

More Info

Abnormal bowel movements can be concerning, especially when there are noticeable changes in the consistency, color, and frequency of your stools. Based on your description, it seems that you have been experiencing a range of symptoms, including loose stools, diarrhea, and changes in color, particularly a yellowish hue with black spots. These changes can be attributed to several factors, including dietary habits, stress, and potential underlying gastrointestinal issues.

Possible Causes
1. Dietary Factors: The foods you consume can significantly impact your bowel movements. A diet high in processed foods, sugars, or certain artificial sweeteners can lead to loose stools. Additionally, if you have recently increased your intake of probiotics or fermented foods, this could also alter your stool consistency as your gut flora adjusts.

2. Infections: Gastrointestinal infections, whether viral or bacterial, can lead to diarrhea and changes in stool appearance. If you have experienced any recent illnesses, such as a cold or flu, it could be related.

3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Given your history of stress and anxiety, IBS could be a potential diagnosis. IBS is characterized by a combination of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation). Stress can exacerbate these symptoms, leading to more frequent episodes of diarrhea.

4. Malabsorption Issues: The presence of black spots in your stool could indicate undigested food particles or even the presence of blood, which can be concerning. Malabsorption syndromes, such as celiac disease or lactose intolerance, can lead to changes in stool consistency and color.

5. Medication Side Effects: If you are taking any medications or supplements, they could also affect your bowel movements. For example, iron supplements can cause dark stools, while antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria, leading to diarrhea.

Recommended Actions
1. Dietary Adjustments: Keep a food diary to track what you eat and how it correlates with your bowel movements. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods, excessive sugars, and high-fat meals that can irritate your digestive system.

2. Hydration: Ensure you are drinking enough water throughout the day, as dehydration can worsen diarrhea and lead to further complications.

3. Probiotics: Since you mentioned taking probiotics, continue to monitor their effects. Probiotics can help restore gut flora, but it may take time to see significant changes.

4. Stress Management: Given the potential link between stress and your symptoms, consider incorporating stress-reducing activities into your routine, such as yoga, meditation, or regular exercise.

5. Medical Consultation: Since your symptoms have persisted and changed in nature, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend tests such as stool analysis, blood tests, or imaging studies to rule out any serious conditions.

6. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep an eye on any additional symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, or blood in your stool. If you notice these, seek medical attention promptly.

Conclusion
In summary, while occasional changes in bowel movements can be normal, persistent or concerning symptoms warrant further investigation. By making dietary adjustments, managing stress, and consulting with a healthcare provider, you can better understand the underlying causes of your symptoms and work towards effective solutions. Remember, your health is paramount, and seeking professional advice is always a wise choice when faced with unusual symptoms.

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