It is important for us to check what goes in our body and what comes out as well. If we are eating well, not only will our body stay healthy but also, remove enough toxins and waste. For example, the color of our urine fluctuates depending on what we are eating and drinking, what supplements we are taking, and how often we are exercising. Sometimes, the color and odor of urine can also indicate if we are suffering from any serious ailment. Poop is another result of our digestive health and can also indicate serious health issues.
Our diet is always responsible for good poop and bad poop. When we consume a diet high in processed foods, it leads to poor digestion and improper bowel function. On the other side, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables supplies the body with a lot of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, all of which work to promote a healthy bowel function. Drinking enough water is also essential for proper urination and good pooping. It is recommended that an adult human must consume at least 48 oz. of water or even more to help nutrients assimilate and promote good digestion and good bowel movements.
The Color Of Stool
Stool color depends on various factors. One of the biggest variable that determines the color of your stool is the food that we eat. When you consume dark colored vegetables and leafy greens such as spinach and kale, your stool can turn into a dark green color. Eating beetroot can turn the stool into a deep red color. Some medicines can turn your poop clay-colored or even white. However, it is a serious issue when your poop turns into a jet black color as it might be a sign of potential intestinal bleeding.
Health experts say that black-colored stool might be a result of taking supplements or binge eating black licorice as well, so if you notice your poop turn jet black, it is recommended that you check with your physician to rule out any potential ailments.
The Importance Of Eating Greens
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention have noted that an average American consumes fruits and veggies merely 1.1 times and 1.6 times respectively, which is much lower than the recommended amount of 6 to 8 servings per day. This can, of course, lead to potential health issues. While all kinds of fresh produces are essential, leafy greens are the most important of all due to their high fiber content and nutritional values. Leafy greens like lettuce are considered popular but other greens such as spinach, kale, and collards are equally or more nutritious to maintain good health.
Kale
Kale contains over 45 different flavonoids, which play an important role in guarding us against free radicals and lower inflammation. Inflammation must always be kept in check as chronic inflammation can lead to asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, as well as certain cancers.
The high fiber of kale, especially in its raw form, has been found to keep the digestive system in good shape and facilitate regular bowel movements. Kale also contains prebiotic properties, which ensure that the number of ‘good’ bacteria in the gut is high, balancing the ‘bad’ bacteria present in the gut.
Collards
Collards are considered to be a close relative to kale and one serving of collards contain more calcium than a glass of milk. Collards are known to be anti-cancerous and this leafy green is rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
Collards lower the levels of bad cholesterol, thus lowering the risk of getting heart diseases and other lifestyle illnesses. You can have collards by sauteing them for about 30 minutes in olive oil with onion and garlic to add flavor, taste, and more health benefits.
Spinach
Spinach, a versatile leafy green, is great for smoothies and can also be taken by lightly steaming, sauteing, and boiling in soups.
Spinach offers myriad vitamins and minerals and has a rich content of phytonutrients. This wonderful green has proved to be helpful in battling inflammation and oxidative stress, prevent cancer, support heart health, and promote bone health as well.
Some Other Greens
Other green vegetables that contain a high chlorophyll content are broccoli, Brussels sprouts, alfalfa, and sea vegetables, all of which can be added to your diet to stay healthy. Consuming these greens can also turn your stool green.
Greener The Stool The Better?
While a slight tint of light or dark green is a good indication of a healthy diet rich in greens, green stool can also indicate trouble in certain times. It is obvious that you do not consume only greens that would make your stool completely green, so when you are pooping green, check for a few points listed below:
1. Green stool might be an infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella or the parasite Giardia. This will be accompanied by diarrhea, cramps and fever.
2. Excessive iron in your diet can turn your poop slightly green.
3. Synthetic green dyes in processed foods such as cereals, drinks, and ice creams may turn the poop green.
It is important for us to remember that our stool can be a barometer of our overall health. If we pay enough attention to our bowel movements, we can prevent certain diseases and rule out potential health problems effectively. So, it is always important for us to pay attention our poop, as off-putting as it sounds!
