Decoding Your Doo-Doo: What Your Stool Colour Really Means (According to a Malaysian GP)
2025-06-07
Daily Record
Ever wondered if your stool is trying to tell you something? It might be! Your poo can offer surprising clues about your overall health. We spoke to a Malaysian General Practitioner (GP) to uncover the hidden messages in your toilet bowl. From the colour to the consistency, here's what your stool could be revealing – and when to see a doctor.
Why is Stool Colour Important?
Your stool’s colour is largely determined by bile, a fluid produced by the liver to help digest fats. As bile travels through the digestive system, it breaks down and changes colour. A healthy stool is typically brown, but variations can signal underlying health issues.
Decoding the Colours: A GP's Guide
- Brown: Generally a good sign! It indicates that your digestive system is working well and you're producing normal amounts of bile.
- Green: Often caused by eating a lot of leafy green vegetables or taking iron supplements. Sometimes, it can indicate that food is moving through your digestive system too quickly, not allowing enough time for bile to break down completely.
- Yellow: This could be a sign of poor fat absorption, potentially due to issues with the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas. It's worth getting checked out by a doctor.
- Grey or Pale: This is a cause for concern. As mentioned by our GP, grey or pale stools can be a sign of a blocked bile duct, which could be caused by liver or pancreas problems, including cancer or benign tumours. Medications for diarrhoea can also sometimes cause this change. Don't ignore this – seek medical attention.
- Black: Often associated with bleeding higher up in the digestive tract (like the stomach or esophagus). It can also be due to iron supplements or certain medications. If you notice this, particularly if you have other symptoms like abdominal pain, see a doctor.
- Red: Could indicate bleeding lower down in the digestive tract (like the colon or rectum). This could be due to haemorrhoids or other conditions. While sometimes not serious, it’s always best to get it checked out.
Beyond Colour: Consistency Matters Too
It's not just the colour that's important; the consistency of your stool can also provide valuable clues. Constipation (hard, dry stools) and diarrhoea (loose, watery stools) can both be signs of underlying issues. Changes in bowel habits, even if the colour looks normal, should be discussed with your doctor.
When to See a Doctor in Malaysia
While occasional changes in stool colour or consistency are usually nothing to worry about, here’s when you should consult a doctor in Malaysia:
- Persistent changes in stool colour (especially grey or pale)
- Black or red stools
- Significant changes in bowel habits
- Stool that is consistently watery or hard
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
