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In daily life, we often overlook the subtle signals that our bodies send, one of which is the condition of our stool. As the ancients said, "the spleen and stomach are the foundation of postnatal life." The spleen and stomach, as the core of human digestion and absorption, directly affect the overall function of the body. Stool, this seemingly inconspicuous daily product, is actually a mirror of the function of the spleen and stomach. By observing its color, texture, odor, and frequency, we can roughly judge the condition of the spleen and stomach. Can we tell if the spleen and stomach are healthy by looking at the stool? Below, let's uncover the secret connection between stool and gastrointestinal health from four aspects!
Normal stool color should be yellowish-brown, as a result of the mixture of food residue with bilirubin in the bile after digestion and absorption. If the stool color is light, approaching a clay-like color, it may indicate insufficient bile secretion or bile duct obstruction, reflecting a decline in the digestive function of the spleen and stomach. Conversely, if the stool is dark green, it may be due to food passing through the intestines too quickly, not fully digested, also signaling poor digestive function of the spleen and stomach. Of course, it is normal for stool to temporarily turn green after consuming a large amount of chlorophyll-rich foods such as spinach.
Ideal stool should be "banana-shaped," neither too hard nor too soft, easy to pass and with a smooth surface. If the stool is dry, hard, and resembles sheep dung, it often indicates insufficient body fluids in the spleen and stomach, with excessive absorption of intestinal moisture, suggesting the possibility of constipation and a decrease in the ability of the spleen and stomach to transport and transform dampness. Conversely, if the stool is loose, unformed, or even contains undigested food residues, it may be a sign of weakened spleen and stomach, poor digestive and absorptive functions, leading to the internal generation of dampness and causing diarrhea.
Normal stool has a certain odor, but if the odor is excessively pungent, it may be a sign of damp-heat in the spleen and stomach or poor digestion. Internal accumulation of damp-heat can accelerate food decay, producing more harmful gases. In addition, excessive consumption of meat and greasy foods can also exacerbate the burden on the spleen and stomach, resulting in an unusually strong odor in the stool. Conversely, if the stool has almost no odor, it may indicate extremely weak spleen and stomach function, with food unable to ferment and decompose normally.
The normal frequency of defecation is approximately 1-2 times a day, or at least once every two days, with a smooth and unobstructed defecation process. Prolonged constipation or diarrhea both indicate an imbalance in the spleen and stomach. Constipation may result from deficient spleen and stomach Qi, leading to weak propulsion and stool retention, while frequent diarrhea may be due to spleen and stomach cold-dampness or damp-heat, affecting the normal peristalsis of the intestines. In addition, the regularity of defecation timing is also important. Long-term irregular defecation habits, such as always needing to defecate in the morning, may also reflect a disturbance in the function of the spleen and stomach.
After understanding the above indicators, if you find any discomfort in the spleen and stomach, you can make adjustments in the following areas:
Eat more easily digestible and fiber-rich foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, and avoid excessive consumption of greasy, spicy, and cold foods.
Ensure an adequate amount of sleep, avoid staying up late, and establish regular daily habits, which can help the spleen and stomach restore normal physiological rhythms.
Moderate physical activities such as walking, yoga, and tai chi can promote gastrointestinal peristalsis and enhance spleen and stomach function.
Maintain an optimistic attitude, avoid excessive tension and anxiety, as emotional disturbances can also affect the digestive function of the spleen and stomach.
