Is it bad if your poop is dark?
Most of the time, poop that’s a different color from what you’re used to isn’t something to worry about. It’s rare for it to be a sign of a serious condition in your digestive system. But if it’s white, bright red, or black, and you don’t think it’s from something you ate, call your doctor.
Are dark brown stools normal?
Normal poop is generally: Medium to dark brown: This is because it contains a pigment called bilirubin, which forms when red blood cells break down. Strong-smelling: Bacteria in excrement emit gases that contain the unpleasant odor associated with poop.
What does it mean when your poop is dark dark brown?
It can indicate blood in the stool and may be a more serious gastrointestinal tract issue. But stool that simply seems darker than normal may be the result of dehydration, constipation, or eating dark-colored foods or iron-rich foods or supplements.
What foods cause black stools?
Eating black licorice, blueberries, blood sausage or taking iron pills, activated charcoal, or medicines that contain bismuth (such as Pepto-Bismol), can also cause black stools. Beets and foods with red coloring can sometimes make stools appear reddish.
What medication causes dark stools?
Considerations. Eating black licorice, blueberries, blood sausage or taking iron pills, activated charcoal, or medicines that contain bismuth (such as Pepto-Bismol), can also cause black stools. Beets and foods with red coloring can sometimes make stools appear reddish.
When should you worry about black stool?
Black stool can be caused by a serious or life-threatening disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as a bleeding ulcer. It is important to contact your health care provider if you develop black stools, bloody stools, rectal bleeding, or a color change in your stools.
Is black stool a bad sign?
Black stool is often a symptom associated with other gastrointestinal complaints and can potentially indicate a stomach related problem. Black stool often appears tarry, can have a foul smell and may show abdominal discomfort too.
What can dark stool be an indication of?
Dark brown stool is considered a normal color for a bowel movement, however very dark brown poop can indicated diet changes from certain foods or iron supplements, or mild internal bleeding located in the upper digestive tract. Dark brown stool can also indicate dehydration , usually after drinking alcohol, or infection.
What foods cause stools to be black?
The body may not completely digest some foods, which can result in black specks in the stool. Examples of foods that can cause black specks include: bananas. blueberries. cherries. figs. foods that use food coloring to darken them, such as chocolate puddings or licorice candies.
What causes black or dark stools?
A black stool could be caused by food, supplements, medication, or minerals. Iron supplements, taken alone or as part of a multivitamin for iron-deficiency anemia, may cause black stools or even green stools. Foods that are dark blue, black or green may also cause black stools.