While much attention is given to what we eat, less focus is placed on the output of our digestive system—poop. However, understanding your stool can provide significant insights into your health, diet, and overall well-being. This guide explores the types of poop, a color chart, and tips for maintaining healthy bowel function.

Poop, or stool, is the byproduct of your digestive system. It comprises digested food, bacteria, salts, proteins, and other substances from the intestines. While it might not be a popular dinner table topic, examining your poop can be a valuable tool for monitoring your gut health.

How to Read The Bristol Stool Chart

The Bristol Stool Chart is a widely used system that categorizes stool into seven types based on texture and appearance. Here’s what each type means:

Type	Appearance	Indicates What
Marbles	Hard, separate lumps	Constipation. Poop is difficult to pass
Caterpillar	Lumpy and log-shaped	A sign of mild constipation
Hot Dog	Log-shaped with surface cracks	Ideal stool: soft and easy to pass
Snake	Smooth, snake-like	Another example of a healthy stool
Amoebas	Soft blobs with clear edges	Lack of fiber in the diet
Soft Serve	Fluffy, mushy, with ragged edges	Mild diarrhea; could signal dehydration or poor digestion
Jackson Pollock	Watery, no solid pieces	Severe diarrhea; stool moves too quickly through the digestive tract

Poop Colors and What They Mean

Poop color can vary based on diet, medications, or underlying health conditions. Here's a breakdown:

Color	Possible Causes
Brown	Normal; a result of bile and bilirubin
Green	Eating green vegetables, food coloring, or rapid digestion
Black	Internal bleeding, iron supplements, or black licorice
Red	Blood in stool, beets, or red food coloring
Pale/Clay	Bile duct issues or certain medications
Yellow	Excess fat in stool, often linked to malabsorption

If your stool has unusual colors like black, red, or pale gray for more than a day or two, consult a healthcare provider.

Signs of Unhealthy Poop

Unhealthy stool can manifest as constipation, diarrhea, or persistent changes in color or texture.

Constipation

- Signs: Hard, lumpy stools (Types 1 and 2).

- Causes: Low fiber or water intake, medications, or infrequent bowel movements.

- Solutions: Increase fiber, hydrate, and exercise regularly.

Diarrhea

- Signs: Watery or mushy stools (Types 6 and 7).

- Causes: Infections, medications, or food intolerances.

- Solutions: Stay hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks and avoid trigger foods.

Bowel Function in Kids

Children's bowel movements can vary, with some children going once a day and others having a bowel movement after each meal. To assess their stool health, the Pediatric Bristol Stool Form can be helpful. Type 3 stools, which are smooth and sausage-shaped, are considered ideal, while Type 4 stools, which are slightly mushy but soft, are also healthy. However, if a child experiences persistent constipation or diarrhea, it's important to consult a pediatrician to address any underlying health concerns.

How to Improve Bowel Health

To maintain or enhance bowel function:

- Include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

- Drink at least eight glasses of water daily.

- Encourage a healthy gut microbiome.

- Eating and using the restroom at regular times can help.

- Use a footstool to improve the angle during bowel movements.

When to See a Doctor

Changes in stool don’t always signal alarm, but there are red flags to watch for. Persistent diarrhea or constipation lasting more than three days, black or tarry stools, pale stools, or blood in your stool should be taken seriously. If these symptoms occur, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. Additionally, if children experience persistent constipation or diarrhea, it’s essential to consult a pediatrician for proper evaluation and care. Early attention to these signs can help address underlying health issues before they worsen.

Understanding your bowel movements is not just a quirky fascination but a critical part of health awareness. If something seems off, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. After all, listening to your body—even in the bathroom—can lead to better overall well-being.

Most of us, use the restroom is an effortless way, there is an urge to pee and so it is an easy, unconscious act. For 27-year-old Anna Gray from Bath, England, such a simple function was an impossible task—a task that defined her life for six long years! Diagnosed with Fowler's Syndrome, a rare and painful urinary disorder, Anna has spent more than a half-dozen years having to use catheters just to empty her bladder.

Anna's health emergency started in November 2018 when she was hospitalized with a severe kidney infection—brought on by not being able to urinate for several days. Physicians initially thought it was an isolated incident. But when her bladder had to be drained of almost two liters of urine and the issue continued, it was evident this was no typical infection.

Just weeks after that, another hospitalization uncovered something disturbing: Anna's bladder was not functioning at all. After invasive procedures, the reason still eluded her. Specialists eventually diagnosed her with Fowler's Syndrome—a condition so uncommon, even seasoned urologists had encountered only a handful of cases.

"I was informed there was nothing further that could be done," Anna remembered in an interview. "I couldn't comprehend how it could occur to me."

By 2020, after years of repeated infections and hospital stays, Anna was fitted with a suprapubic catheter—a tube inserted through her belly directly into her bladder. The catheter empties urine into a collection bag, which she has to empty several times a day.

"Coming to terms with this being my life now was really hard," she said. "There were mental health issues. I was in the hospital last year for depression."

In January 2024, Anna developed sepsis around her catheter site—a life-threatening complication that led to three weeks in intensive care. Yet despite the setbacks, she refuses to hide her condition.

“I wear shorts, tops—you can see the bag. It doesn’t bother me. People ask questions, and I’m fine with that.”

Because of the paucity of her condition, Anna first felt extremely isolated. "I felt like I was the only person in the world experiencing this," she said. But that ended when she learned about online support groups for Fowler's Syndrome patients.

"Meeting others who understood was life-altering. I finally didn't feel alone," said Anna.

Community support has become a lifeline for so many with chronic illnesses, especially those such as Anna whose conditions are under-recognized or misunderstood by the public and even the medical community.

Anna summed up, "I'm learning to live with it. I want people to know they're not alone. Even with a condition like this, life can still be full."

What is Fowler's Syndrome?

Initially identified in 1985, Fowler's Syndrome is an uncommon etiology of urinary retention in females, generally aged between 20 and 30 years. Fowler's Syndrome affects the urethral sphincter—the muscle that controls the release of urine—making the muscle remain constricted, even when the bladder is full. This leads to a lack of ability to urinate spontaneously.

In contrast to most other causes of urinary retention, Fowler's Syndrome is not associated with neurological disease. It may come on suddenly in some cases with no apparent cause. In others, it may follow surgery or delivery.

Symptoms of Fowler's Syndrome

Symptoms differ from patient to patient. Some may be able to urinate but not completely empty the bladder, while others—such as Anna—are completely retained. With the filling of the bladder, severe pain and frequent infection ensue. Many women experience recurring cystitis, kidney infections, and constant pain.

What Causes Fowler's Syndrome?

To this point, the true cause of Fowler's Syndrome has not been discovered. Scientists are still trying to determine why the urethral sphincter does not relax. Some speculations include hormonal connections, particularly because approximately 50% of patients also suffer from polycystic ovaries, yet no cause has been determined.

The syndrome could develop spontaneously or after surgery—most often gynecological or urological—or after delivery. Without an established cure, symptom management becomes the main priority.

Treatment for Fowler's Syndrome

Treatment of Fowler's Syndrome depends on severity.

Mild Cases: Patients with the ability to urinate partially might only require monitoring to assess residual bladder volume.

Moderate Cases: Those with high residual volumes might need intermittent self-catheterization several times a day to avoid infection and bladder damage.

Severe Cases: In complete retention cases, patients can be considered for sacral nerve stimulation—a treatment involving the use of electrical pulses to stimulate nerves and return bladder function. This is still the only treatment with hope of restoring natural urination in some patients.

Have you or someone you know recently made the switch to e-cigarettes believing they're a better alternative to smoking? With slim packaging, sweet flavors, and less toxins than regular cigarettes, vapes appear to be the smarter choice but new studies are ringing the alarm- e-cigarettes could be causing more damage to your lungs than you think. From free radical damage to heightened risk for COPD, the "safe" image of vaping is rapidly disintegrating.

Over the last decade, vaping has become the new smoking alternative. A large new study conducted by scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine has implicated sole use of e-cigarettes with permanent damage to the lungs, including development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Free radicals and toxic chemicals inhaled when vaping that attack lung tissue.

Vaping or Smoking: Is It Really the Lesser of Two Evils?

E-cigarettes or vapes have quickly grown to become the second-most prevalent use of tobacco in America. Middle and high school students alone account for more than a million regular e-cigarette users, based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) figures. For adults, user rates increased from 4.5% in 2019 to 6.5% in 2023 — an alarming upward trend.

Unlike cigarettes — which have been thoroughly researched for decades — the long-term effect of vaping is not well understood, especially among older adults. That is, until now.

How E-Cigarettes Harm Your Lungs?

A recent study, released in Nicotine & Tobacco Research and conducted by Dr. Michael Blaha, a professor of cardiology and epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, has completed an important piece of the puzzle. Based on a solid sample of nearly a quarter-million participants between the ages of 30 and 70, the study followed participants over four years to identify the health consequences of different tobacco-use behaviors — including vaping exclusively.

Here's what they discovered: out of 3,164 elite e-cigarette users, there was a statistically significant rise in new cases of COPD and, although to a lesser degree, hypertension. Although these rates were lower than among conventional cigarette smokers, they were greater than among non-smokers — confirming that e-cigarettes are not as harmless as previously believed.

"These findings are an important stepping stone for future studies on the health impact of e-cigarettes," Dr. Blaha said in a news release. "We now have a clear link between e-cigarette use and new-onset COPD that will need to be carefully monitored."

Dangerous Link Between E-Cigarettes and COPD

COPD, a chronic lung disease that limits airflow and gets progressively worse, has traditionally been linked to smoking. Indeed, 8 of every 10 deaths due to COPD in the U.S. are caused by traditional cigarettes. But the new information contradicts the conventional wisdom that e-cigarettes are the safer choice.

Scientists determined that even singleton e-cigarette users experienced an increase in risk for developing COPD — a conclusion which is in line with previous, smaller studies that attributed vaping to asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

Alarming as it is, the harm associated with vaping could be due to exposure to oxidative stress and free radicals — unstable molecules that harm cells and tissues. Free radicals are produced when e-liquids are heated and can cause inflammation and permanent structural damage to the lungs.

Chemicals Behind the Lung Damage

In opposition to common assumption, e-cigarette vapor is not harmless at all. Vape juice regularly includes a combination of nicotine, THC, flavorings, and oily solvents — including agents that can ruin lung tissue:

Vitamin E acetate: Safe as a skin product or food supplement but hazardous when breathed in. It has been found in the lungs of people suffering from severe vaping-related illnesses.

Diacetyl: Added to flavor, this chemical causes "popcorn lung" (bronchiolitis obliterans), a condition that destroys the small airways of the lungs.

Formaldehyde: A poisonous compound that raises the risk of lung disease and heart ailments.

Acrolein: A recognized irritant and herbicide capable of causing acute and chronic lung damage.

The act of vaporizing these compounds in an aerosol ensures that consumers are not only inhaling flavored vapor, but they are subjecting their lungs to a mix of chemicals whose known toxic effects.

A second population identified in the research — those who both use e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes — were determined to be at highest risk for respiratory disease, including COPD. These dual users account for a large segment of current tobacco-users and are subject to compounded health risks.

"Vaping isn't the way out that people believe," cautions Dr. Daniel Ouellette, Henry Ford Health Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. "We're just beginning to learn how vaping damages lungs across decades, but what we do know already rings alarm bells."

Why are Young Adults Still Drawn to the Vape?

Even with a recent dip in youth vaping and an FDA prohibition on some flavored e-cigarettes, vaping is extremely popular among young adults. In 2023, 15.5% of U.S. adults between the ages of 21–24 vaped frequently, while only 3.3% of adults between the ages of 50–64 did.

This is especially concerning with the growing evidence that early and extended exposure to vaping increases the risk of chronic lung disease later in life.

While vaping was once positioned as a safer bridge away from smoking, the science tells a more sobering story. Free radicals and toxic chemicals present in e-cigarette vapor are not just irritants — they are agents of irreversible lung damage. And with COPD diagnoses rising even among exclusive vapers, it is clear that the risk is real and growing.

Subtle Signs You’re Damaging Your Lungs

Even apart from the massive coughing fit or readily visible signs, your lungs might be strained by vaping already. Study summarized in the *Journal of Clinical Investigation* reports that e-cigarettes release free radicals—molecules too reactive that harm lung tissue on the cellular level. This type of harm often will not necessarily reveal immediate signs but may subtly work its way towards causing long-term inflammation. With time, you may experience shortness of breath on light exertion, tightness in the chest, or mild wheezing—dismissed until the issue gets serious. Such symptoms, while subtle, are early indicators of possible irreversible lung alterations.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Lungs?

Stopping vaping may seem challenging, particularly if it was your initial departure from conventional cigarettes but going on can raise your risk of getting COPD or chronic lung inflammation. Taking charge begins with knowing what triggers you—stress, boredom, or habit—and substituting them with better ones.

Nicotine replacement therapies (such as patches or lozenges), behavioral counseling, or computer-based cessation programs can help overcome cravings. First and foremost, see a health care provider to evaluate your lungs and receive individualized advice. The sooner you act, the more likely you are to reduce damage.

“Indians take Dolo 650 like it’s Cadbury Gems.”

That’s how a US-based gastroenterologist recently described India’s peculiar obsession with a single medicine called Dolo 650. Dolo became a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic and became the default medicine to fever, pain, or just general discomfort.

But here's the thing, Dolo is just paracetamol. And while it may be one of the most widely used over-the-counter drugs in the world, excessive and irresponsible use can cause serious harm.

What is Dolo 650?

Dolo 650 is a brand of paracetamol commonly used (and also prescribed) to treat fever and mild to moderate pain. It is manufactured by Micro Labs, a Bengaluru-based pharmaceutical company. While Dolo became synonymous with paracetamol in India—especially post-COVID—there are several other brands offering the same formulation. The drug is available in various forms: tablets, syrups, capsules, and even powder.

Why this dependence on Dolo?

There’s a strong belief among many Indians that "fever won’t go down unless I take Dolo." This perception grew during the pandemic when people hoarded the medicine and even now, Dolo continues to be the first line of defense for common ailments. But this blind faith comes with risks.

Overuse of Dolo (Paracetamol) and Its Dangers

Dr. Achintya Sharma, Max Hospital, warns against treating Dolo like a magic pill. “Dolo is just paracetamol. It’s a widely used, go-to drug, even during pregnancy. But overuse is a problem—it can affect the liver and kidneys. It should be used with caution.” He explains that taking Dolo too frequently, especially without medical consultation can lead to liver failure (especially if daily intake exceeds 4 grams), kidney issues, gastrointestinal side effects, like ulcers or GI bleeding (though rare). Paracetamol, similar to aspirin, can impact the digestive tract with prolonged or high-dose usage.

Who Should Be Extra Careful?

According to Dr. Sharma, certain groups should be extra cautious. Like children under 12 (especially with tablet form), people with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions, those with bleeding disorders or GI issues. In such cases, paracetamol should only be used after appropriate medical evaluation.

It's not just Dolo, it's a pattern. Dr. Suchismitha Rajamanya, Lead Consultant & HOD – Internal Medicine at Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, highlights a broader concern. “Dolo has become synonymous with paracetamol. But it’s just one brand. Misuse and over-the-counter abuse of medications, even antibiotics like azithromycin are widespread.”

She adds that patients often self-medicate without understanding the root cause of their symptoms. “You can’t just pop a pill for every headache or fever. It may mask symptoms, but not treat the underlying issue.”

What About Alternatives?

Some people switch to Combiflam, a mix of paracetamol and ibuprofen, but that brings its own risks—more GI side effects, ulcers, and kidney concerns if taken over the long term. The main message is that no medicine is completely risk-free. Even commonly available drugs must be used judiciously and under proper guidance. The next time you feel under the weather, pause before popping a pill. Consult a doctor, understand what your body is telling you, and use medicines responsibly. Do not treat medicine like candy!