Colors of poop can indicate a number of illnesses, suggesting specific, possible problems that may need attention. Stop being puzzled by amorphous colors of bowel movements.
By learning how to scan the specific color indicators, you can read the poop colors and might avoid minor issues. You can also learn when you should see your doctor about issues with your digestion.
Below are 8 ways to read stool/poop colors and avoid minor issues
1. Check For Red Or Black Stools
These could both potentially be a sign of something going wrong in your digestive system. Both black and bright red stool could be an indicator of bleeding somewhere in the intestines, or from something more minor like hemorrhoids.
Bleeding from the small intestines usually produces melena, or black, tarry stools. Bleeding that originates in lower gastrointestinal tract such as bleeding from hemorrhoids usually results in bright red blood.
There are other minor factors like diet and medications that could color stools black and red, but if you are concerned, it’s always best to talk to your healthcare provider.
2. Look Out For White, Gray, Or Light-Colored Stool
Bile contributes to the coloring of stool, so this lack of color could actually indicate the absence of bile. This could mean there’s something blocking a bile duct, which could potentially be an indicator for a serious medical problem.
If you ever notice white or light colored stools, make sure you talk to your doctor right away. White stools to usually result from steatorrhea excretions of fat which can may indicate pancreatic issues.
3. Brown Poop Is The Most Normal
While stool colors can range from browns to yellows to greens and still be considered normal and healthy, a medium brown color is the most common in healthy stool. It should be about the same color as a chocolate bar.
Stool turns brown through a complicated process in the digestive tract. Basically, the color comes from the protein hemoglobin being broken down to create bilirubin in the liver.
4. Certain Foods Can Cause A Change In Stool Color
Food coloring, leafy vegetables, and even beets can tint stool different colors. This is normal. For example, eating leafy green veggies like kale or spinach could give your stool a green color, and eating beets could potentially turn stool a reddish color. This shouldn’t be cause for alarm, especially if you’ve recently eaten these foods.
Only rarely is red stool a serious indicator of an issue in the intestine. Even bright red stool could simply be caused by bleeding from minor and common conditions like hemorrhoids.
5. Remember That Foods High In Fat Can Sometimes Cause Yellow Stool
If you notice your stool is yellow in color steatorrhea, this could be a sign of a lack of fat absorption in your digestive track. There are many things that could cause problems with absorbing fats, so if this yellow stool persists for more than two days, give your doctor a call.
Yellow stool that is also especially smelly or greasy could also be a sign of a problem with or allergy to gluten. Your doctor can confirm whether or not this is the cause.
6. Consider What Medications You’re Taking
Many medications, from vitamin supplements to anti-diarrheal medications to prescription medications, can cause changes in stool color. These color changes are normal when associated with the use of those medications, so make sure to read the warning or side effects label on anything you take on a regular basis.
Iron supplements could potentially turn your stool green or black, while bismuth subsalicylate the anti-diarrheal found in Pepto Bismol can also turn stool black.
7. Seek Medical Attention For Bright Red Or Black Stool
Even though these colorations could be caused by dietary changes or medications, these colors could also be indicators of blood in the intestinal tract. If you have blood in your stool, or are actively bleeding when you have a bowel movement, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If your stool is bright red or black and you recently ingested anti-diarrheal medications, food with red dye in it, or started a new medication, make an appointment with your doctor to make sure the change in your stool color isn’t indicating anything more serious. Your doctor will run various tests on your stool like a fecal occult blood test to determine the cause.
8. Consider What Other Physical Symptoms Are Associated With Your Change In Stool Color
If the change in color is associated with abdominal pain or sudden diarrhea, for example, it could be a sign of something more than just a dietary change. If your stool color change is associated with any other sudden symptoms, see your doctor.
Black or red diarrhea, for example, could be a sign of a serious condition and should be addressed immediately.
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