Having Abnormal Bowel Movements? Here’s What to Know

Have you noticed that your bathroom visits feel different lately? Maybe your stool is harder than usual, more watery, or a color you don’t recognize. Normal bowel movements can be slightly different from person to person. But when things deviate from your usual pattern, it matters because it could signal that something inside your gut is off-balance. 

That said, abnormal doesn’t always mean severe: a one-off odd stool after a strange meal or a change in travel is usually nothing to panic about. But if the changes stick around, it could signal the need for a closer look. 

Read on to learn what might be causing a change in your bowel habits, when you should worry, what you can do to get things back on track, and where to find the best gastroenterologist in Los Angeles. 

How to Know if You Are Having Abnormal Bowel Movements

A healthy bowel movement is usually soft, shaped like a smooth log, and brown in color thanks to digested stomach bile. Most people have regular bowel movements anywhere from three times a week to three times a day. What’s considered abnormal depends a lot on what’s normal for you, but there are some clear signs that something might be off: 

• If your stool is hard, dry, or comes out in small lumps, that could be constipation 
• Loose, watery stool that leaves you rushing to the bathroom may indicate diarrhea
• Color changes to black, pale, or bright red could mean there’s bleeding somewhere along your digestive track or a problem with how your body is digesting food

It helps to pay attention not just to a single weird trip to the toilet, but to patterns. Tracking what’s normal for your body is a simple but powerful way to stay in tune with your gut health.

What are the Common Causes of Abnormal Bowel Movements

Abnormal bowel movements can show up for many reasons, and often they’re connected to everyday habits: 

• A diet low in fiber can leave your stool dry and hard, making each trip to the bathroom feel like a battle. Not drinking enough water, sitting most of the day, or carrying constant stress can also slow things down. 
• On the flip side, anxiety or sudden changes in routine, like travel or a big change in your life, might send you running for the nearest restroom with loose stool. 
• Medications, including antibiotics or iron supplements, and reactions to certain foods, like dairy or gluten, can cause abrupt changes in how your body digests and moves waste. 

Some people live with ongoing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or celiac disease, where the gut often feels unpredictable. If these changes persist, especially if the stool appears greasy, extremely dark, or clay-colored, it may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as an intestinal blockage or a problem involving the liver or gallbladder. 

When Should You Be Concerned About Abnormal Bowel Movements?

It’s normal for your bowels to behave a little differently from time to time, but certain changes should be investigated, especially if you notice: 

• Bright red streaks or the stool turning black and tar-like. This can mean bleeding somewhere in your digestive tract. 
• Stools that are pale, greasy, or float may mean your body isn’t breaking down fats properly. 
• A sudden change to pencil-thin stools or a pattern of loose, watery bowel movements that stick around for more than a couple of weeks.
• Unexplained weight loss, stomach pain that doesn’t let up, persistent gas and bloating, nausea after eating, or the urge to vomit are also signals that something deeper could be going on. 

Diet and Lifestyle Habits that can Improve Bowel Movements

Improving your bowel habits often starts with what’s on your plate and how you move through your day: 

• Adding more fibre-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, beans, and whole grains can give your stool bulk and softness, making it easier to pass without strain. 
• Drinking enough water throughout the day helps this process along, turning dry, stubborn stool into something smoother and more manageable. 
• Building regular physical activity into your routine, even something as simple as a 20-minute walk, encourages your bowels to stay active as well. 
• Listening to your body is key: don’t ignore the urge to go, and give yourself time in the bathroom without rushing or straining. 
• If stress tends to tie your stomach in knots, try calming practices like deep breathing or stretching. 
• If you’re in your 40s or have a family history of colon cancer, getting regular colonoscopies as directed by your doctor is important. 

If you’ve already tried these steps and your bowel habits still feel out of sync, it's time to consult a GI doctor for a closer look. 

Finding the Best Gastroenterologist in Los Angeles for Abnormal Bowel Movements 

Digestive issues can significantly impact your daily life in subtle yet exhausting ways. At Elite Digestive Health, we bring answers to the symptoms that have you second-guessing every meal or moment in the bathroom. From stubborn bloating to unexplained bowel changes, we use precise diagnostic tools to uncover the root cause of what’s going on in your gut. 

Our approach is thoughtful and thorough, guided by Dr. Basseri’s expertise and a real commitment to helping you feel like yourself again. We take the time to listen, to learn your story, and to tailor diagnostic studies and treatment paths directly to your needs. 

With a private, modern Beverly Hills clinic that prioritizes clarity over confusion, we’re here to turn worry into knowledge and relief.

Ready to get help understanding your bowel movements with the best gastroenterologist in Los Angeles?