Clay-Colored Stool
The clay-like stool is often a symptom of jaundice, indicating an issue with the drainage of the biliary system, composed of the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas.
Two different kinds of bilirubin may be found in the body. The body eliminates one kind of cholesterol via urine or feces, while the other type is bonded to protein (albumin), which allows it to remain in the blood vessels.
If a person’s liver or biliary system is not functioning correctly, bilirubin will not be eliminated in the stool. As a result, the stool loses its color, making it look lighter and more clay-like. However, excess bilirubin is excreted in the urine, which becomes amber.
The color of the feces is due to the liver’s production of bile salts, which gives them a brown appearance. Your feces may turn pale or clay-colored if the liver is not generating enough bile or if the bile flow is stopped and it is not draining from the liver.
Pale stools might not be concerning if it rarely happens. However, it becomes frequent and is accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, ascites, and gallbladder issues; it might signify hepatitis C.
