The process of digestion in human beings has many stages, which starts with the mouth. It involves the breakdown of food into smaller components which can be absorbed by the body. Several organs are involved in the digestion of food. These are liver, gall bladder and pancreas. Other components are mouth, teeth, epiglottis. The largest structure of the digestive system is the gastrointestinal tract which starts at the mouth and ends at anus. Its major part is large intestine. Here water is absorbed and the waste matter is stored for later defecation. Most of the digestion takes place in small intestine. Stomach plays a major role by virtue of its gastric glands and its secretions which help in digestion of food.
Human stool is the solid waste product of the digestive system. It varies in size, colour, appearance, depending on the state of digestive system, diet and health. Normally the stool is semisolid in state with mucus coating. A normal human bowel movement is around 129 grams with a ph value of 6.6. An average fresh solid stool contains water, bacterial biomass, protein, plant matter or carbohydrates and undigested fat. The proportions of these constituents vary depending on the diet and the health of the person. The non-organic solids include mucus, iron and calcium phosphates, marginal amounts of dried epithelial cells and secretions from the intestine.
The seven types of stool are:
- Separate hard lumps, like nuts (hard to pass)
- Sausage-shaped but lumpy
- Like a sausage but with cracks on the surface
- Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft
- Soft blobs with clear-cut edges
- Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool
- Watery, no solid pieces. Entirely Liquid.
The analysis of human stool can help in detecting the state of digestive system and health of the person. Like above type 1 and 2 indicate constipation, type 3 and 4 are easy to pass, type 5 and 6 indicate increasing possibility of diarrhea.
Causes of black dots in stool
Normal stool appears brown in color because of its composition. Bacteria, bile, water, indigestible plant matter such cellulose, broken down red blood cells, and amount of fats and proteins all contribute to the color of stool. The change in the physical appearance may indication some malfunctioning inside the body. The black dots in the stool may appear for several different reasons as follows:
- Due to intake of certain food, fruits like banana. It is quite common.
- Bleeding in upper gastrointestinal tract.
- Blood form duodenum and stomach: Intake of aspirin may cause small areas of stomach mucosa to bleed and this can result in black spots.
- Undigested seeds of some fruits may also be present in the stool in form of black dots.
- Duodenal ulcer, or duodenal inflammation
- Due to clumps of bacteria, which commonly appear in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
- Infection in the small intestines.
- Intake of iron supplements.
- Infection in oesophagus, which connects the throat to the stomach.
- Allergy from certain medication which may include bismuth.
- Any kind of blood clot within the body.
- Certain abnormalities may occur in the blood vessels of large intestines.
- Insufficient oxygen supply to the intestines which has resulted from a reduced blood flow in the intestines.
- Extra growths which may develop on the colon and can lead to bleeding.
- Taking of Pepto-Bismol for stomach upset.
- Hemorrhoids.
When to visit doctor
- When black dots in stool is accompanied by pain in abdomen, cramps,
- Change in bowel movement.
- Lack of appetite.
- Weight loss.
Several tests can be conducted to find out the cause of these black dots in stool. If it is due to the intake of certain food or fruits, then it can be easily detected by avoiding the food and fruits. But if one discontinue eating the food or fruit, and still finds black dots in stool, then one need to consult a doctor and conduct the medical tests accordingly. Proper testing of the stool and proper attention is needed.
Remedies
If one is aware of the cause of black dots in stool , and the cause is minor, then certain natural and home remedies can be employed.
- Drink plenty of water to prevent constipation and to cleanse intestines and the whole system.
- Coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages to be avoided.
- Fruit juices can be taken to boost the immune system.
- Eat a well balanced diet with large portion of fibrous fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Regular exercise which will largely improve the bowel movement and digestion process. Walking few miles a day is good.
- To cleanse the intestines, one can drink half cup of lemon juice in the morning before taking breakfast.
- If one is taking iron supplements, then reduce its intake.
- Whole grain foods to be preferred.
- Take good amount of rest and avoid doing heavy tasks.
If the cause behind the black dots in stool is severe and cannot be treated by natural remedies, then there is an urgent need to see a doctor. Proper tests are to be conducted in order to reach to the root cause. After the cause is detected, then proper medication is to be taken according to the doctor’s advice.
