Talking about poop or as we call it in bemba (AMAFI) is not exactly dinner-table conversation. But maybe it should be. One day your poop is brown, the next it’s green, and you can not help but wonder what’s going on down there?
Funny fact, the color of your stool can tell you a lot about your digestive health.According to Dr. Curtis Blomfield, a medical expert from the University of Zambia’s School of Medicine, stool color is a subtle but powerful clue.
“Stool color can be a useful indicator of digestive health,” Dr. Blomfield explains.
In one of his articles on gastrointestinal health, Dr. Blomfield notes that brown stool is usually normal.
But if it turns green, it could mean that food is moving too quickly through your digestive system-possibly due to diarrhea or certain foods.But what about the more alarming colors?
“Red stool can be a sign of bleeding in the lower digestive tract, possibly caused by hemorrhoids-or something more serious like colon cancer,” Dr. Blomfield warns.
“It’s essential to seek medical attention if you notice any unusual changes in your stool color,” he added.
We also spoke to Mr. Geoffrey Chikoti, a medical practitioner based in Kabwe, who explained how stool can reflect deeper health concerns.
“In clinical medicine, stool examination remains a foundational diagnostic tool,” Mr. Chikoti said.
“The color of feces is not just a surface detail-it’s a biological marker that can signal problems with the liver, pancreas, intestines, or even the circulatory system.”
Let’s put it into everyday situations we might face.Imagine you are at your aunt’s house for a traditional Sunday lunch.
You have had a generous plate of nshima and vegetables, and later that evening, you notice your stool looks…off. Maybe it is greenish, or has bits of red. You brush it off, assuming it is just the food. But what if it is more than that?
“The bowel rarely whispers- it speaks clearly when disease is present,” Mr. Chikoti emphasized, “The question is, are we listening?”
It might not be attractive, but paying attention to your poop could save your life.
Changes in stool color can be a warning sign of underlying health issues, some of which may need immediate medical attention.
So next time nature calls, take a peek before you flush.Don’t be shy- check your poop. Your health might depend on it.