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Water safety -

Sudden diarrhea, especially when accompanied by bloating, nausea, and cramps, might indicate a Giardia infection. You can ingest these microscopic parasites from untreated water.

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Straining -

If you do have to strain a lot when you go to the toilet, this is usually a sign of constipation.

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Straining -

Beware that straining too hard can cut off the supply of oxygen to your brain, and you can even pass out!

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Regular -

If, however, you comfortably go to the toilet once a day, you're absolutely fine!

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Corn kernels -

If you've ever wondered why these appear in your poop, it's because of cellulose. Cellulose is not digested by our bodies and is therefore expelled in poo.

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Wiping -

Wiping just a couple of times usually means your stools are at the right consistency.

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Wiping -

And it also means that the sphincter is closing properly, as it should. So, wiping once or twice usually means it's all good.

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Snake-like stools -

It's important to look at your stools, so that you can have an idea of shape, size, and consistency. If it's similar to a snake, then you're okay (though, not an anaconda...).

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Sausage-like stools -

Another good reference to spot a healthy stool is a sausage with cracks.

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Pebble-like stools -

If, on the other hand, you look down the toilet and see what looks like brown pebbles, then that's a sign of constipation. In the absence of any other conditions causing the constipation, bump your water and fiber intake, and you should go back to normal.

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Pencil-like stools -

Thin stools can also be a sign of constipation. Worst case scenario is it's also a sign of colon cancer. If in doubt, get checked out.

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Yellow -

Okay, just so we're clear, poop should be brown. It can be different shades of brown, but brown nonetheless. Yellow stools can be a sign of an infection, a gallbladder issue, or even a liver disorder such as Gilbert's syndrome.

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White -

White stool might be a sign of a liver problem. This can happens when bile from the liver can't reach the GI tract.

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Green -

And if you get explosive seaweed-green diarrhea, get checked for a C. diff infection. It's a treatable bacterial infection, but it's definitely no fun.

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Black -

Black is equally not a good sign. It may indicate a problem in the upper digestive tract, or even a bleeding ulcer.

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Black -

But it's not all doom and gloom. It turns out things such as the antacid Pepto-Bismol can make your stools black.

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Blue and purple -

And while we're talking about poop hues, let's not forget that blue or purple stools can be caused by a variety of foods, including some cookies, cakes, and even by Burger King's black Halloween Whoppers.

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Gluten -

If your hydration is on point and you're getting loose stools, especially after you eat gluten-rich foods, maybe get checked for celiac disease.

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Ulcerative colitis - It goes without saying that urgent (and constant) bloody diarrhea is not a good sign. A chronic inflammatory disease called ulcerative colitis might be the culprit, but it's always best to speak to your doctor.

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Crohn's disease -

Crohn's disease (a type of inflammatory bowel disease) can cause bloody stools, so do not hesitate to seek medical advice if you spot any traces of blood when you go to the toilet.

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Though it's not always serious -

Red stools don't always mean there's blood in them. If you eat beets, it can turn your poop red, for instance.

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Incomplete evacuation -

If you have to go again after a few moments, then this can be a sign of constipation, or indeed something like irritable bowel syndrome.

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Steatorrhea -

If your stool is particularly oily, then you might be experiencing a symptom called steatorrhea, which is essentially a result of fat malabsorption. It can be related to multiple conditions, so it's always a good idea to book an appointment with your physician.

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It stinks -

Poop smells. It's a fact. But if it has a really foul smell, then that might be a sign that something is not right. If it continues, get it checked out, as it can be related to an infection or disease.

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Mariko Aoki phenomenon -

Have you ever entered a bookstore, smelled a new book, and suddenly felt the urge to go? You might suffer from Mariko Aoki phenomenon, an expression named after the writer who first mentioned it in an article in 1985.

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Mucus -

All poop has mucus, though most of it is not visible as a thick layer. Excessive mucus may indicate that something is not right, namely that you are constipated or dehydrated.

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Floating poop is no good -

If your stools float, it can be a sign that you have an excess of fat in you poop. This can be a sign that your gut is not absorbing all the ingredients it should normally.

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Food chunks -

If you constantly spot food chunks in your stools, make sure you slow down the next time you eat. Take the time to chew food properly and this will aid your digestion. 

Sources: (The Healthy) (Redbook) (Food Matters) (List25)

See also: Phenomenal facts about flatulence

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