Symptoms: Black stool What it could mean: Could be from iron supplements, diarrhea medications, black licorice or even blueberries. May also be caused by bleeding in the upper intestinal tract, from an intestinal infection, inflammatory bowel disease, or bleeding from hemorrhoids. What to do: Call your doctor right away

Symptoms: Frequent loose, watery bowel movements (several times a day) What it could mean: Diarrhea from a bacterial or viral infection What to do: Drink plenty of fluids; if the diarrhea is severe or lasts for more than a few days, sip an electrolyte beverage (also called a rehydration drink) such as Pedialyte, CeraLyte, or Infalyte or a sports drink. See your doctor if the diarrhea gets worse, if you don’t get better within 5 days (2 days for babies and children), if you have a fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit for children or if there is blood or pus i your stool.

Symptoms: Small, hard, dry stools that may even be little balls (like deer or rabbit poop!) What it could mean: Constipation What to do: Increase the amount of fiber in your diet, drink more water and get some exercise.

Symptoms: Soft (but not liquid), S-shaped bowel movement What it could mean: A normal bowel movement What to do: Keep on doing whatever you’ve been doing-a bowel movement like this is a good sign that you’re getting plenty of fiber and water.

Symptoms: Lots of mucus on a regular basis, sometimes with blood What it could mean: Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis What to do: See your doctor

Symptoms: Pink, red or brown urine What it could mean: Coloring from a medication you’re taking or from foods like beets or blackberries. Could also be a sign of a liver disorder or bleeding in the urinary tract. What to do: Call your doctor The Doctors 5-Minute Health Fixes 2010 by Stage 29 Productions. Permission granted by Rodale Books. Available wherever books are sold. NEXT: Mind Over Tummy Turmoil