ลักษณะของอุจจาระและการขับถ่าย บอกได้ถึงภาวะสุขภาพ

When we eat, the stomach functions to digest food and deliver nutrients to the body. The remaining undigested and unabsorbed parts become feces and are excreted as stool. The characteristics of stool and bowel movements vary depending on the food consumed and the individual&#8217;s health. Therefore, stool can indicate a person&#8217;s health condition. Regularly observing the shape, characteristics, and color of stool is a simple way to self-check for health problems initially.
<h2>What should good bowel movements look like? 
</h2>
Good bowel movements mean the body can excrete stool daily, averaging once a day and no more than three times. Bowel movements should be easy and convenient, with stool that is soft but not watery or loose. In contrast, those with ‘constipation’ may have fewer bowel movements than usual or less than three times per week, along with abnormalities during defecation, such as taking a long time, needing water irrigation or finger assistance, feeling incomplete evacuation, passing small amounts, hard stool that is pellet-like, rough or cracked surface, and abdominal discomfort or bloating. However, having more than three bowel movements per day may also indicate an abnormal condition.
<h2>What are the characteristics of stool in constipation, diarrhea, or normal conditions? 
</h2>
Stool characteristics can indicate health problems as follows:
<ol>
<li>Small, hard lumps resembling pellets or rabbit droppings indicate constipation due to dry stool that moves slowly through the intestines. Stool may remain in the intestines for a long time, caused by insufficient dietary fiber intake and low water consumption. If untreated, this can lead to chronic constipation and may develop into colon cancer.</li>
<li>Small lumps clustered together are another form of constipation. This can be improved by eating high-fiber foods, drinking plenty of water, exercising, and reducing stress.</li>
<li>Long, sausage-shaped stool with a rough surface and relatively hard texture indicates no defecation problems but may suggest insufficient water intake.</li>
<li>Well-formed stool with a smooth surface resembling a banana, neither hard nor too soft, indicates good health.</li>
<li>Stool broken into short pieces that are easy to pass is a good stool type, but the body may be lacking certain nutrients or types of fiber.</li>
<li>Semi-liquid, semi-solid stool may be an early sign of diarrhea or an imbalance of intestinal bacteria. This can be corrected by eating a balanced diet with all five food groups or consuming yogurt to restore bacterial balance in the digestive system.</li>
<li>Watery stool is a symptom of diarrhea or intestinal infection. Electrolytes should be consumed, and fluids sipped frequently. If it does not improve within one day, medical attention should be sought immediately.</li>
</ol>
<h2>How does constipation affect health? 
</h2>
Constipation is a common problem, especially in those with an unbalanced diet and water intake, which can affect health as follows:
<ol>
<li>Causes stress, loss of appetite, and lack of energy.</li>
<li>Leads to hemorrhoids or anal fissures because hard, dry stool can scrape and tear blood vessels during defecation.</li>
<li>Increases pressure in various organs such as the chest, eyes, and abdomen due to straining during bowel movements.</li>
<li>Weakens pelvic muscles, causing urinary incontinence.</li>
<li>Chronic constipation can cause intestinal obstruction.</li>
</ol>
Therefore, when experiencing ‘constipation problems’, it is important to seek solutions promptly or consult a doctor if concerned, because frequent or prolonged constipation can lead to serious health problems.
&nbsp;
Dr. Udomrat Kowitwiphat 
Internal Medicine Specialist 
Gastroenterology and Liver Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital

Characteristics, color, size, shape, and amount of stool, including spending a long time during bowel movements, difficulty in defecation, or frequently feeling bloated and uncomfortable in the abdomen. These factors can be analyzed to determine whether you are experiencing chronic constipation.

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Characteristics of stool and bowel movements indicate health conditions

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