Photo: Laura James

What does silver poop mean?

White or clay-like stool is caused by a lack of bile, which may indicate a serious underlying problem. Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Stool gets its normal brownish color from bile, which is excreted into the small intestine during the digestive process.

mayoclinic.org - White stool: Should I be concerned? - Mayo Clinic

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What would cause a person to have white stool? Should I be concerned? Answer From Elizabeth Rajan, M.D.

Multimedia Gallbladder and bile duct

White stool isn't normal and should be evaluated promptly by a doctor. White or clay-like stool is caused by a lack of bile, which may indicate a serious underlying problem. Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Stool gets its normal brownish color from bile, which is excreted into the small intestine during the digestive process. If the liver doesn't produce bile or if bile is obstructed from leaving the liver, stool will be light colored or white. Often the problem occurs in the tube (duct) that delivers the bile to the small intestine. This tube can be squeezed shut or blocked — for example, by a tumor or a gallstone — which prevents the bile from entering the small intestine. You may also experience abdominal pain, fever, nausea, itching and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Some babies are born with constricted bile ducts, a condition known as biliary atresia. Liver diseases, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, also can sometimes cause white stool. Barium, a white substance used for X-rays of the digestive tract and certain medications that contain aluminum hydroxide, for example antacids, can also turn the stool white.

With Elizabeth Rajan, M.D.

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How do you reverse a fatty liver?

Research suggests that losing weight is the single best thing you can do to control or reverse NAFLD. A good goal is to lose 10% of your total body weight, but even a loss of 3% to 5% can improve your liver health. ... Options can include: Diet. Exercise. Weight loss surgery. Weight loss medication.

webmd.com - How to Reverse Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease - WebMD

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) means there’s a buildup of fat in your liver. But unlike other types of liver disease, there’s no damage to the organ in NAFLD. So you can take steps to reverse the condition before it becomes a more serious problem. Weight Loss Research suggests that losing weight is the single best thing you can do to control or reverse NAFLD. A good goal is to lose 10% of your total body weight, but even a loss of 3% to 5% can improve your liver health. Talk with your doctor about the best way for you to lose weight safely and effectively. Options can include: Diet

Exercise

Weight loss surgery

Weight loss medication

Treat Other Health Problems A fatty liver is linked to several other health conditions. Treat those issues and you can help reverse NAFLD, too. Conditions might include: Diabetes

High cholesterol

High triglycerides (fat in the blood)

Sleep apnea

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism

Underactive pituitary gland, or hypopituitarism

Change How You Eat Shifts in your diet may help you lose weight, but there are other payoffs as well. They can improve your general health and lower the amount of fat in your liver. Some adjustments you can make: Eat more fruits and vegetables.

Eat more fish.

Eat more high-fiber foods.

Don't eat too many carbohydrates.

Limit sugar.

Limit saturated and trans fats.

Limit salt. And savor your morning cup of coffee. Scientists believe it may lower liver inflammation, though they need more research to know for sure.

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