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Step 1
Understand that feces frequency varies from person to person. Some healthy people make feces only once per week while others have a bowel movement multiple times in a day. It's the change in frequency that might signal a problem. If you consistently make feces once per day and this changes to once per week, talk to your primary care physician.
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Step 2
Expect a normal bowel movement to present as a medium brown color, due to the bacteria that breaks down waste mixing with bile from the liver. Drastic, consistent changes in color could signal illness. Black feces with a consistency of tar signifies the presence of blood in the feces. If you notice this in your bowel movement, call your primary care physician immediately. White or very pale feces could point to a liver condition.
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Step 3
Realize that feces is comprised mostly of fat. If your feces presents as consistently sticky, soft and has a particularly foul odor, this means there is too much fat and could signify a digestive disorder.
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Step 4
Know that water is present in feces. Too much water makes the feces soft (when a person has diarrhea, bacteria prevents the large intestine from extracting the water necessary for a normal bowel movement) and not enough water makes the feces hard (dehydration), leading to constipation.
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Step 5
Observe for consistency in your feces. A few instances of discoloration, loose stools or high odor doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong. Foods can discolor feces and make bowel movements sticky and soft. Too much (or not enough) fiber can alter how soft or hard feces becomes. If you know you haven't eaten something to change the appearance of feces, call your primary care physician and be prepared to submit a sample of your feces for tests.
