Hi everyone. I am new to the forum but have already experienced some relief knowing their are other individuals dealing with some of the same things I am. For a few years now, I have had IBS. Many of my symptoms have gotten much better and my anxiety has decreased. However, one aspect I cannot seem to stop worrying about is the shape or consistency of my stools! I am vegan and have a very high fiber diet, consisting of oats, quinoa, buckwheat and a whole bunch of fruits, vegetables and legumes. That said, I usually go to the loo 4-5 times a day. Sometimes, my stool is completely formed and honestly could not be better. Other times, usually near the end of the day after I am done eating, I will get very loose stools. They are not watery or diarrhea like and still a normal color, they are just simply not well formed. Essentially, I am wondering why stools vary. I am always convinced that my loose stools mean that I am not properly digesting food, especially because there are little pieces of food - usually vegetables or the tails of quinoa. For as long as I can remember, I've assumed that everyone else has perfect stools and something must be wrong with me for having loose stools. I am sure that my body is properly absorbing food because I have no weight lose, lack of energy, or any other signs of malabsorption or malnourishment.
Thank you all in advance!