With the fast pace of modern life, people often overlook their body signals due to work stress, irregular eating habits, and high pressure, especially regarding bowel movements, which are a direct reflection of health. An old saying goes, “Observe stool to know the body.” Different forms of feces reveal different body conditions: loose stools may indicate weak spleen and stomach, black and hard stools suggest heat in the spleen and stomach, and pellet-like stools indicate a deficiency of yin and excessive fire. Do you truly understand your own body condition?
Soft, pale-colored, and frequent stools accompanied by bloating, decreased appetite are mostly attributed to weak spleen and stomach. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the spleen is responsible for digestion and absorption, and a decline in its function can lead to poor digestion. Adjustment strategies should include a light diet, choosing foods that are easy to digest like Chinese yam, millet, Job’s tears, which are beneficial for the spleen, and ensuring adequate rest.
On the contrary, dry, hard, and dark-colored stools, difficult defecation accompanied by bad breath, and dark urine indicate heat in the spleen and stomach. Heat consumes body fluids and leads to constipation. The improvement method involves reducing intake of spicy, fried foods, and increasing consumption of foods with cooling and moistening properties such as cucumber, watermelon, spinach, etc.
Spherical, dry stools resembling sheep feces are usually associated with deficiency of yin and excessive fire, manifesting as inadequate body fluids, internal heat, often accompanied by night sweats, hot hands and feet, and dry mouth. Adjustments require nourishing yin and reducing fire, consuming foods like tremella, lily, goji berry, mulberry, while maintaining a calm mood to restore internal balance.
Observing stools is a part of self-health management. The above viewpoints are based on traditional Chinese medicine theory, but actual circumstances need to consider individual differences, and seeking medical advice when necessary. The key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is regular routine, balanced diet, moderate exercise, and a positive mindset.
Additionally, stool color also conveys information: sustained yellow-green stools with diarrhea or red-black stools respectively indicate digestive issues or possible internal bleeding, requiring timely medical attention. Ensure adequate daily hydration to prevent constipation, establish regular bowel habits, manage stress through methods like meditation, yoga for relaxation, all of which are effective ways to promote overall health.
In conclusion, in a fast-paced life, paying attention to and listening to the body’s subtle language, giving appropriate care, because health is the most valuable wealth.
