Our body gives us many indications of our health and determining them in the initial stages is very important. Fortunately, the stool is the window into our health. This article will help you evaluate your body’s physiological state in regards to various poop colors and causes associated with it.
Usually, poop is brown and based on what you eat and amount of bile in it. You might question that bile is yellow then why poop is brown? The reason is after bile is discharged from liver it will undergo several chemical changes in the process and turns brown which is standard. At times, the food intake may influence the color. If you experience an occasional change in stool color, do not worry. However, if your stool is red or black, or any other stool color and lasts for longer than two to three weeks; can be a cause of concern.
So, you must be aware of what you had and if it is food affected, then no worries, if is it not then we must consider appropriate medical supervision. Each shade of poop has a definite reason, and it is mandatory to know your poop color. Read below to know more:
Poop Colors and Causes
1. Green: If you find your stool is green then the first thing you should do is analyze your previous diet. Mostly green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, mustard greens etc., green food coloring, such as flavored drink, iron supplements are responsible. Also, bile needs some time to metabolize the food in the large intestine. But if you think you didn’t have color causing food and still it is green, kindly don’t go green, consult your physician.
2. White/Clay: If you are suffering from diarrhea, and you are under medication, then don’t worry certain medicines may influence this color such as bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol). The prime cause for this is may be due to lack of bile in the stool, as we know bile will help in metabolism. Due to hepatitis, gallstones, tumors or biliary atresia, bile is not reaching the intestine. So, consult your doctor immediately right after flushing. Other reasons for having pale white stool is an unbalanced diet, high in fat. As a result, large amounts of undigested fat passes through the digestive system which can sometimes create a light, whitish appearance in the stool.
3. Yellow: This shade is although typical for many people, one should consider it due to malabsorption or Celiac disease. Because people with Celiac will have less tolerance to gluten which is in wheat, barley, and rye and has fluctuated intestinal function. So, going for gluten-free diet might be helpful. Do seek immediate doctor’s attention if needed.If your diet is rich in carrots, sweet potatoes or yellow artificial food coloring then your poop might have a yellow effect. As a side note, if you eat tons of corn then all the kernel in your stool may cause the poop to look yellow in color.
4. Black: You ate something very dark, or you had supplements like Iron, bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol), and as a result your poop is black then don’t worry it is supposed to be. But you should consider seeing your doctor if you have continuous black stools, this might be due to bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract (stomach). Upon untreated this can lead to cancers as well. Don’t own too much black. Excess consumption of black licorice, blueberries and dark chocolate can also lead to black poop.
5. Orange: This color is often caused by beta-carotene. This compound can be found in many vegetables, fruits, or grains. Foods rich in beta-carotene include carrots, sweet potatoes, and winter squash. Blocked bile ducts can also be a reason behind orange stools.
6. Bright Red: Don’t worry upon seeing red poop, think what you had last night because there are many foods which influence this shade. A more serious cause is due to the presence of blood in the stool, and it may be a result of bleeding caused by the Tumours, Rectal Cancer, Colorectal polyps, inflammation, and Hemorrhoids. You may also have red or pink-colored stool from eating certain foods such as beets and turnips, as they are red or pink in color. Call your physician if it is not food influenced, RED ALERT!
There are few things in our hand and health is one of them. So kindly don’t lose the grip on your health, try to find the signals your body is giving and stay healthy “Better late than Never.”
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