How to Check Health Through Stool Color

The color of stool can indicate many illnesses and health problems that need attention. If you don’t want to feel confused by the change in stool color, you need to learn to understand each specific stool color and thereby avoid minor problems. In addition, you need to know when to see a doctor about digestive problems.

Table of Contents

Find out what different stool colors can mean

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Look for red or black stools. These can all be signs of digestive problems. Red or black stools can indicate bleeding in the intestines or a milder problem like hemorrhoids. ^{[1] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Bleeding from the small intestine often causes black or tarry stools. Bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract (eg, hemorrhoids) often produces bright red stools.
There are many other minor factors such as diet and medication that can cause stools to appear black or red. If you’re concerned, it’s best to talk to a dietitian.

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Look for white, gray, or pale stools. Bile contributes to the color of stool, so a lack of color in stools can be a sign of bile deficiency. In other words, something is blocking the bile duct and could be a sign of a serious health problem. You should see your doctor right away if you notice white or pale stools. ^{[2] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

White stools are usually caused by steatorrhea (fatty secretion) and it can be a sign of a problem with the pancreas.

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Remember that brown stools are most common. Although stool color can range from brown to yellow, to green and still be considered “normal” healthy, a neutral brown (akin to chocolate color) is the most common healthy stool color. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Stool turns brown through a complex process in the digestive tract, essentially, the brown color is from the protein hemoglobin broken down to make bilirubin in the liver.

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Keep in mind that certain foods can change stool color. Food coloring, vegetables and even beets can cause stools to change color and this is normal. For example, eating vegetables like kale, spinach (spinach) can make stools green, or eating beets can make stools slightly red. This phenomenon is not alarming, especially if you have eaten these foods recently. ^{[4] X Trusted Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Go to Source}

In only a few cases, red stools are a sign of a serious intestinal problem. Bright red stool color can simply be due to bleeding from common minor problems like hemorrhoids.

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Remember that foods high in fat can cause stools to turn yellow. If you notice yellow stools (fatty stools), it could be a sign of a lack of fat absorption in the digestive tract. There are many things that can cause problems with fat absorption, so see your doctor right away if yellow stools persist for more than 2 days. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Yellow or foul-smelling stools can be a sign of a problem with gluten (or an allergy to gluten). Your doctor can help you determine if this is the cause. ^{[6] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

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Consider the type of medication you are taking. Many medications, from vitamin supplements to anti-diarrheal medications to prescription medications, can change stool color. These changes are normal when taking these medications, so it’s important to read the warnings or side effects on the labels of regularly taken medications. ^{[7] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Iron supplements can turn stools green or black, while Bismuth Subsalicylate (the anti-diarrheal agent in Pepto Bismp) can turn stools black.

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Remember that babies often have black, tarry stools. In the first few days after birth, it is completely normal for babies to pass black stools. This usually goes away after 2-4 days, after all the meconium has left the child’s body. The stool will then turn green and have a soft texture. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Your baby’s poop during breastfeeding may have a soft, yellow or green texture. This is normal.
Formula-fed babies often have softer, browner stools than breastfed babies, but this is completely normal.

Know when to see a doctor

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Seek medical attention if stools are bright red or black. Even if it’s due to a change in diet or medication, black or bright red stools can be a sign of intestinal bleeding. If there is blood in the stool or bleeding during bowel movements, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. ^{[9] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

If your stools are bright red or black, and you’ve recently taken medicine for diarrhea, ate red foods, or started taking a new medication, you should see your doctor to make sure the change in stool color is not. must be a sign of a serious problem. Your doctor will run a variety of tests, such as a stool blood test, to determine the cause.

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Understand that the rare color of stool can be a sign of a serious health problem. Most stool color changes can be explained by treatable diseases, or simply by diet. You don’t need to go to the emergency room or panic when you see stools that change color. ^{[10] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Always check for recent changes in diet or medication side effects for a sudden change in stool color.

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See a doctor if you are concerned. Whatever the cause, if you are concerned about the condition of your stools or a change in your digestive system, the safest and most effective treatment is to see your doctor for advice. Your doctor can determine for sure if there’s anything to worry about or if stool changes are normal. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Even if you’re hesitant or nervous to talk about bowel movements, it’s still important to be specific with your doctor about your concerns. It is always better to be careful, and it is best to consult a medical professional.

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Consider other physical symptoms that accompany a change in stool color. Discolored stools with symptoms such as abdominal pain or sudden diarrhea could be a sign of something else, not simply a change in diet. In that case, you need to see a doctor.

For example, diarrhea with black or red stools could be a sign of a serious problem and should be treated immediately. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Maintain a healthy digestive tract

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Add enough water. Provide enough water for the body to help the digestive process go smoothly and easier. Water helps soften stools and helps you avoid problems like constipation. Not only that, water also helps you absorb some nutrients from food more effectively. ^{[13] X Research Source}

Always carry a water bottle with you. Fill up with water every time you drink it all and drink about 1-2 liters of water per day. ^{[14] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

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Maintain a healthy diet. A healthy diet is determined not only by the food you eat, but also by how often and how quickly you eat it. To ensure smooth digestion, you should eat slowly, chew thoroughly. Eating too quickly can cause stomach upset. In addition, you should eat many small meals throughout the day instead of just eating one large meal. ^{[15] X Research Source}

Of course the food you eat is also important. You should eat foods rich in fiber such as vegetables. Each meal should have half a plate of vegetables. In addition, you should limit or reduce your consumption of processed foods and alcoholic beverages. ^{[16] X Research Source}

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Exercise regularly. Maintaining a regular exercise routine can help improve overall health. For digestive health, exercise strengthens the abdominal muscles and stimulates the digestive process. You can go for a slow jog or brisk walk at least a few times per week. ^{[17] X Research Source}

Incorporate exercise into your daily routine with simple things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking far away, and walking to your destination.
Try to do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, 5 times per week, or 150 minutes in total.

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Control stress levels. Stress can negatively affect health in general and the digestive system in particular. Stress can cause constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even loss of appetite. If stress is high, you should try stress reduction methods that work for you, such as meditation, or eliminating unnecessary stressors. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

Warning

See your doctor for advice if you are concerned about stool color.

Steps

Find out what different stool colors can mean

Know when to see a doctor

Maintain a healthy digestive tract

Warning

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