Symptom 7: Clay-Colored Stools
Clay-colored stools might not be something you expect to see when you hit the bathroom, but when it comes to gallstones, they’re a telling sign. Your stools take on a pale, clay-like appearance, leaving you wondering if you’ve just passed a piece of pottery.
But this change in stool color is far from an artistic expression; it’s your body’s way of saying that bile is not making its way into your intestines. Gallstones might be playing gatekeeper, blocking the flow, and leaving your stools lacking their usual color. You might find yourself doing a double-take, thinking, “Is this normal?”
For many men, there’s a reluctance to talk about changes in bowel habits. It’s not exactly dinner table conversation. But recognizing clay-colored stools as a potential sign of gallstones is crucial. It’s a clear message from your body that something’s not right, and it needs attention.
What’s important to grasp is that clay-colored stools, when linked to gallstones, are a symptom that demands medical evaluation. It’s not something to shrug off or wait out. So, if you’re noticing a pale, clay-like change in your stool color, don’t just flush and forget. Take it seriously, get to a healthcare provider, and get those gallstones checked out. Your body will be grateful, and you’ll be one step closer to sorting things out. (7)
