Health

Is Your Poop Abnormal?

Everyone poops — but are some poops healthier than others? Find out what every kind of dump indicates about your health

by Rose Curiel | COMMENT

PHOTO 10/12

Diarrhea What It Looks Like: If you don't know what this looks like, lucky you. The most shapeless of stools, this waste is loose, watery and usually occurs so frequently that you dare not stray from a toilet. It can come on quite suddenly and may — in extreme instances — arrive before you're even able to make it to a toilet, otherwise known as the unglamorous phenomenon of sh*tting your pants.

What It Means The bad news is that you probably have food poisoning or some sort of 24-hour gastrointestinal bug. The good news is that diarrhea disappears almost as suddenly as it appears, usually taking two to three days to run its course. Caused by a virus or bacteria, diarrhea does not signify anything is amiss with your GI tract or regular diet (unless you habitually reach for potentially compromised food that's been sitting out for too long). Sheth advises sticking to a bland diet of easily digestible foods, like bananas, rice and applesauce, as well as drinking lots of fluids to maintain hydration while the bug runs its course.

SEE NEXT PAGE: The Extra-Long Poop

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