My stool has changed color. What does it mean?
Your poop (stool) can come in a range of colors. All shades of brown and even green are considered normal.
The two main causes of poop color change are diet and conditions that change how fast food travels through our intestine. The speed that food travels through our intestine is important, because a substance that mixes with food, called bile, doesn't have enough time to break down if food is moving too fast through the intestine.
Bile is a yellow-green fluid produced by our liver and stored and released by our gallbladder. Anytime we eat food that contains fat, even a small amount of fat, a signal is sent to our gallbladder to release bile, which flows into the upper part of our small intestine through two small tubes (the cystic duct and common bile duct). As bile travels down our intestine it is chemically altered by enzymes, and the color changes from yellowish-green to brown. However, this process takes time and several different conditions can quicken intestinal transit time, meaning that bile retains some of its yellowish-green color.
The table below summarizes the most common color changes and possible reasons. Only rarely does stool color indicate a potentially serious intestinal condition. Generally, a color change accompanied by other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, cramps, weight loss, or fever should be investigated further. Bright red or black poop may indicate the presence of blood and you should talk to your doctor straight away.
| Color | Medical Causes | Dietary Causes |
|---|---|---|
| Black stool |
|
|
| Blue/purple stool |
|
|
| Green stool |
|
|
| Light-colored or clay-colored stool |
|
|
| Red stool |
|
|
| Yellow stool |
|
|
Related questions
- Is it normal to have discharge on Depo shot?
- What are my birth control options and how effective are they?
- How long after having a Depo Provera shot can you have unprotected sex?
Read next
Can you give Pepto Bismol to kids?
Several formulations of Pepto-Bismol can be used in children. The original strength of Pepto-Bismol liquid (“the pink stuff” or “Pepto”) can be given to children 12 years and older. Kids from 2 to 12 years can take Pepto Kids, a chewable, bubblegum-flavored tablet that contains the antacid calcium carbonate. Continue reading
What is the fastest way to stop diarrhea?
To stop diarrhea quickly, take an over-the-counter medication like loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), drink fluids with electrolytes to prevent dehydration, and follow a bland diet such as the BRAT diet. Avoid dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and high-fiber or spicy foods during recovery.
Continue reading
Why does Pepto-Bismol turn your tongue black?
Bismuth found in the active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol interacts with sulfur found naturally in your mouth and digestive tract to create bismuth sulfide, a substance that may turn your tongue black. It’s a harmless side effect and usually clears up a few days after you stop treatment. Continue reading
See also:
Related medical questions
- How long does it take for Pepto Bismol to work?
- Does Pepto-Bismol help with diarrhea?
- What causes black hairy tongue?
- Pepto-Bismol - How long will your stool be dark for?
- How to stop diarrhea - any medicine or remedy suggestions?
- Is using expired Pepto-Bismol a hazard or health risk?
- Over the Counter Medication for Pets
Drug information
- Depo-Provera (1,969 reviews)
- Pepto-Bismol (35 reviews)
- Medroxyprogesterone (2,474 reviews)
- Kaopectate (5 reviews)
- Prussian Blue
Related support groups
- Depo-Provera (151 questions, 1,496 members)
- Pepto-Bismol (31 questions, 15 members)
- Medroxyprogesterone (14 questions, 124 members)
- Kaopectate (6 questions, 7 members)
- Prussian Blue (1 questions, 4 members)
- Cancer (197 questions, 645 members)
- Ulcerative Colitis (75 questions, 188 members)
- Crohn's Disease (62 questions, 286 members)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (135 questions, 590 members)
- Stomach Ulcer (40 questions, 94 members)
- Hemorrhoids (26 questions, 98 members)