What Does Different Colors of My Poop Mean?
Q:
What does different colors of my poop mean?
A:
Probably youâd notice that your poop is a different hue than normal. But what does it mean if itâs green? Still what about red, yellow, white, and black?
The following is a chart of different colors of stool and the connection to food you eat.
| Stool quality | What it may mean | Possible dietary and other causes |
| Green | Food may be moving through the large intestine too quickly, such as due to diarrhea. As a result, bile doesn’t have time to break down completely. | Green leafy vegetables, green food coloring, such as in flavored drink mixes or ice pops, iron supplements. |
| Light-colored, white or clay-colored | A lack of bile in stool. This may also indicate a bile duct obstruction. | Certain medications, such as large doses of bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol) and other anti-diarrheal drugs. |
| Yellow, greasy, foul-smelling | Excess fat in the stool, such as due to a malabsorption disorder, for example, celiac disease. | Sometimes the protein gluten, such as in breads and cereals. It may also imply liver disease. See a doctor for evaluation. |
| Black | Bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach. | Iron supplements, bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol), black licorice. It can also be a sign of a more serious problem: bleeding in the upper part of your digestive tract. |
| Bright red | Bleeding in the lower intestinal tract, such as the large intestine or rectum, often from hemorrhoids. | Red food coloring, beets, cranberries, tomato juice or soup, red gelatin or drink mixes. Call your doctor if you see red thatâs probably not from food you ate. |
If the color you see before you flush worries you, call your doctor.
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* The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.