Poop Color Guide: What It Means for Your Health

6 MINUTES

Have you ever wondered what the color of your poop means? Your poop color can actually be an indicator of your overall health and well-being. While some colors of poop are completely normal, others can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. By understanding what the color of your poop means, you can take a more proactive approach to your health and seek medical attention if necessary. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different colors of poop, what they mean, and when you should consider talking to your gastroenterologist.

What does the color of my poop mean?

The color of your poop can vary depending on several factors, including what you eat, how much bile is present in your stool, and any medical conditions you may have. Here are some possible meanings behind different poop colors:

  1. Brown: This is the most common color for poop and is usually a sign of a healthy digestive system. The color comes from the bile produced in the liver and helps to break down fats in the food you eat.
  2. Black: This color can indicate that you are bleeding somewhere in your digestive system, possibly in your stomach or small intestine. Certain medications or supplements can also cause black poop.
  3. Red: If your poop is bright red or has streaks of blood in it, this could be a sign of bleeding in your lower digestive tract, such as your colon or rectum.
  4. Yellow or green: These colors can be caused by bile, which is produced in the liver and helps with digestion. If you have yellow or green poop and other symptoms like diarrhea or stomach pain, this could be a sign of an infection or other medical condition.
  5. White or gray: This color can indicate a problem with your liver or gallbladder, which produce bile. If you have white or gray poop and other symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), this could be a sign of a serious medical condition.

Light colored stool

Light colored stool can indicate a lack of bile in the stool. Bile, which is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder, helps break down fats in the small intestine and gives stool its brown color.

If the stool is pale or clay-colored, it may indicate an obstruction in the bile ducts, which can prevent the bile from reaching the small intestine. This can be caused by various conditions, including gallstones, liver disease, or pancreatic cancer.

In some cases, light-colored stool can also be caused by the use of certain medications, including antacids that contain aluminum hydroxide or by taking antibiotics.

It is important to speak with your gastroenterologist if you experience persistent changes in your stool color, especially if you also have other symptoms such as abdominal pain, jaundice, or nausea, as these could be signs of a serious underlying condition.

What does dark poop mean?

Dark poop can indicate several things, including the presence of blood in the stool, the use of certain medications or supplements, or the consumption of certain foods.

If the dark stool is black and tar-like, it could indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach or small intestine. This type of stool should prompt an immediate call to your gastroenterologist, as it could be a sign of a serious medical condition.

However, if the stool is simply darker than usual, it could be caused by medications like iron supplements, bismuth subsalicylate (such as Pepto-Bismol), or activated charcoal. Additionally, consuming foods that are naturally dark, such as blueberries or beets, can also cause the stool to appear darker.

It is important to note that if you are experiencing persistent changes in your stool color, it’s a good idea to speak with your gastroenterologist to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

How does blood color my stools?

When blood mixes with your stools, it can cause them to appear dark or black in color. This is because the blood is partially digested by your digestive enzymes, which can turn it from red to black or tarry in appearance. This type of stool is called melena and can be a sign of bleeding in the upper digestive tract, such as the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine.

On the other hand, if you notice bright red blood in your stools, this is a sign of fresh bleeding from the lower digestive tract, such as the rectum or anus. In this case, the blood has not been partially digested and is still bright red in color.

It is important to note that while blood in your stool can be a sign of a minor issue such as hemorrhoids, it can also be a sign of a more serious condition such as inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or colon cancer. If you notice blood in your stool, it is important to talk to your gastroenterologist to determine the underlying cause and get appropriate treatment.

What are some medications or supplements that can cause black poop?

There are several medications and supplements that can cause black poop. Here are a few examples:

  1. Iron supplements: Iron supplements are commonly used to treat anemia and can cause black or dark green poop.
  2. Bismuth subsalicylate: This is an over-the-counter medication used to treat diarrhea, nausea, and heartburn. It can cause black stools in some people.
  3. Pepto-Bismol: Pepto-Bismol is a common brand name for bismuth subsalicylate and can also cause black stools.
  4. Activated charcoal: This supplement is sometimes used to treat digestive issues like bloating and gas. It can cause black stools in some people.
  5. Certain pain medications: Some prescription pain medications, like iron oxides used in opioids, can cause black stools.

Can certain foods color my feces?

Yes, certain foods can color your feces. The color of your feces can be affected by the foods you eat and the pigments they contain. Here are some examples:

  1. Beets: Beets contain a pigment called betacyanin, which can cause your poop to be reddish or pinkish.
  2. Blueberries: Blueberries contain a pigment called anthocyanin, which can turn your poop blue or green.
  3. Carrots: Eating a lot of carrots can sometimes give your poop an orange tint.
  4. Spinach and other leafy greens: Eating a lot of leafy greens can sometimes give your poop a greenish tint.
  5. Artificially colored foods: Foods that contain artificial colors, such as blue sports drinks or candy, can sometimes turn your poop an unusual color.

Which color of my feces should prompt me to call my gastroenterologist?

Any significant changes in the color of your feces can potentially be a cause for concern and should prompt you to contact your gastroenterologist. If you notice black or tarry stools, this could be a sign of bleeding in your digestive tract and should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.

If you notice bright red blood in your stool or have stools that are consistently pale or gray in color, this could also indicate a problem that requires medical attention. Other concerning changes in color include yellow or green stools, which could indicate an infection or other medical condition.

It is important to note that while changes in the color of your feces can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which are harmless, it is always best to talk to a healthcare provider if you have concerns or experience persistent symptoms. Your gastroenterologist can evaluate your symptoms, perform any necessary tests or procedures, and provide you with the appropriate treatment or referrals as needed.

Also read:

What does green poop mean? Is it cancer?

What happens if you don’t poop for 2-3 days? Is it cancer?

Why is my poop blue?

Stinky Poop: Causes and Solutions

Flat Poop: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Stool Consistency: The Ultimate Guide and What To Do!

How can I contact gastroenterologist Dr. Zavos for an appointment?

Dr. Chris Zavos is a board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist, located in Thessaloniki Greece, and specifically in Kalamaria suburb, about 7 kilometres (4 miles) southeast of downtown Thessaloniki. His private office is at: Fanariou 8 street (near Aigaiou and Adrianoupoleos avenues), Kalamaria (Thessaloniki), Greece.

Thessaloniki International Airport is only 10 km away from his private office in Kalamaria and can be reached by taxi within 13 minutes from the airport.

Dr. Chris Zavos performs endoscopies at Bioclinic private hospital in downtown Thessaloniki (Mitropoleos 86 street).

You can contact Dr. Zavos at phone numbers: (+30)-6976596988 and (+30)-2311283833, or you can email him at czavos@ymail.com. Dr. Zavos responds to Greek and English languages.

Last update: 9 October 2023, 12:35

DR. CHRIS ZAVOS, MD, PHD, FEBGH

Gastroenterologist - Hepatologist, Thessaloniki

PhD at Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

PGDip at Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, The Netherlands

Ex President, Hellenic H. pylori & Microbiota Study Group