There are two types of people: those who use the bathroom at the speed of light and those who love taking their time. No matter which one you are, it’s essential to pay attention to any changes that go on while on the toilet. While you relive yourself, your body might be trying to tell you something, which is why you’ve got to notice these changes. If you see something out of the ordinary, listen to your body and head to your doctor.
Your bathroom habits can give you great insight into the state of both your gastrointestinal and bladder health, sometimes we are not so in tune with the subtle changes to our bowel or bladder habits, but it’s so key to recognize changes and discuss them with your doctor to determine if there is an imminent health risk.
According to experts, these are the eight symptoms that could indicate something more significant to look out for:
Bloody Urine
When you see blood in your urine, it can be an indication of a variety of health issues. You should see a doctor as soon as you notice changes in the color of your urine since it could indicate anything from an infection in your urinary tract to something as serious as kidney disease. If you neglect these health issues, you run the risk of them becoming fatal.
Pink or red urine is common during a woman’s menstruation cycle, but it becomes a problem to worry about if you are not on your menstruation cycle.
Dark Urine
It is possible for some foods and medication to cause your urine to appear darker in color. But if darker urine is a common occurrence for you, this may be a warning sign of an unhealthy bladder.
It’s possible that if the color of your urine is darker than the usual shade of yellow, such as orange or brown, you are just dehydrated. The color will be lighter or darker depending on the amount of water you drink. A darker color, however, be a sign of liver disease.
Difficulty or Experiencing Pain When Urinating
If you have issues urinating, experience pain while urinating, or are not able to completely empty out your bladder, you may have an infection. In some cases, these symptoms can suggest the presence of prostate issues or even bladder cancer.
Incontinence
On the other side of the spectrum, we have the inability to control your urges to urinate for long periods of time. This may indicate that you are drinking too much water and are overhydrated, are simply anxious, are pregnant, have a bladder infection, or maybe even suggest that you have a type of diabetes.
However, it is also possible that constantly having to urinate is a side effect of your medication.
Bloody Stool
Just like with urine, the food you eat also influences the appearance of your stool. If you’ve recently been consuming foods like beetroots and carrots, then it might be normal to notice your stool take on a redder or orange hue.
However, if your stool is dark or reddish, it could signify that you have bloody stool. This blood may indicate internal bleeding, colon polyps, a kind of virus, or even a more serious medical emergency such as hemorrhoids.
Foul-Smelling Stool
Of course, stool commonly has an unpleasant smell. But if you’ve been noticing that your stool has been smelling unnaturally and extremely unpleasant, then that could be your gut trying to tell you that something is wrong. Possible causes could be an influx of bacteria or Candida yeast present in your gut. This may happen after the consumption of too many sugary foods or after taking antibiotics.
Eating more vegetables, high-fiber foods, or taking probiotics are great ways to bring your gut health back in balance and in minimizing the extreme foul odor.
Constipation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome may be a cause of constipation. It could also be attributed to the consumption of too much fiber or being too inactive since movement encourages bowel movement. It might also be due to any medication you may be taking.
Constipation is usually an issue that can be home-remedied or ultimately solved on its own. But staying constipated for an extended period of time calls for a visit to the doctor.
Diarrhea
Once again, on the opposite end of the stool spectrum, there is Diarrhea. Similar to Constipation, Diarrhea usually resolves itself over time or with medication. However, it is also a symptom of a stomach virus or a sign that you’ve eaten something that you were not supposed to.
If your diarrhea is accompanied by bloating, pain, or gas, then this may be a sign of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Fortunately, even though it is quite a challenge to deal with IBS, there are many treatments to help counteract these symptoms.
Conclusion
Always keep an eye on what goes on while you’re in the bathroom. It’s an easy and effective way to track any changes to your health. Since you’re relieving yourself of bodily waste, any changes in these wastes could be indicating something serious. Your body may be silently trying to tell you that there is something awry, so it is your responsibility to listen and respond accordingly.
Of course, these changes aren’t always severe. They may just be the effect of eating some foods, eating something you shouldn’t have, or a side effect of medication.
Urologists and gynecologists recommend that patients who notice a change in their restroom habits consult their primary care physician right away. People rarely pay attention to their bathroom habits, but a change in routines can be a sign of something more severe. These symptoms, as well as the usage of air fresheners or new colors or smells, may indicate that something is wrong with your body.
