Stool color can indicate different diseases, suggesting specific and probable problems that require medical attention. Avoid getting confused by the strange colors in your stool. By learning to recognize the clues, you can interpret the meaning of the different colors and potentially avoid minor disturbances. It also allows you to understand when it is appropriate to consult a doctor for problems related to the intestinal and digestive systems.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Understanding What Different Stool Colors May Indicate
Step 1. Check if the stools are red or black
Both of these colors can potentially be associated with a digestive system problem. When they appear black or red, they indicate that some part of the gastrointestinal tract or a minor structure, such as hemorrhoids, is bleeding.
There are other minor factors, such as nutrition or medication, that can change the color of stools and make them red or black, but if you are concerned, it is always a good idea to see a doctor
Step 2. Check if they are white, gray or light in color
Bile contributes to the color of the stool; for this reason, if they are "pale", the cause could be attributable to the absence of bile. All of this can be a sign of a blockage of the bile duct, a potentially serious problem; if you notice white or clear stools, see your doctor right away.
Step 3. Remember that brown is the normal color
Although in general the shade of the stool can change from brown to yellow to green and still be considered "normal" and healthy, the standard brown is the one that most often indicates a condition of good health. The droppings should be the same color as a chocolate bar.
Stools turn brown as a result of a complex process of the digestive tract; the culprit is essentially hemoglobin, a protein that is broken down to create bilirubin in the liver
Step 4. Remember that some foods can lead to discolouration
Particularly colorful ones, leafy greens and even beetroot can "dye" the stool in different colors. This is a completely normal event; for example, when eating green leafy vegetables, such as kale or spinach, droppings can turn green, while eating beets can potentially become reddish. This need not be a cause for alarm, especially if you've recently eaten these foods.
Only rarely is red stool an indicator of serious intestinal disease; any bright red droppings could simply result from bleeding from some minor ailment, such as hemorrhoids
Step 5. Remember that very fatty foods can sometimes make your stool yellow
If you notice this color, you may have difficulty absorbing fat in the digestive tract. There are several factors responsible for fat malabsorption; therefore, if you produce yellow stools for more than two days, you should contact your doctor.
If in addition to being yellow, they are greasy or emit a particularly unpleasant odor, you may be allergic or intolerant to gluten; your doctor can confirm if this is the cause
Step 6. Consider the medications you are taking
Many medications, from vitamin supplements to prescription antidiarrheals, can change color. Change is normal when associated with taking medication, so be sure to read the warnings or side effect list of whatever active ingredient you need to take regularly.
Iron supplements can potentially change stool to green or black, just as bismuth subsalicylate (an antidiarrheal such as Pepto Bismol) can impart a black color
Step 7. Know that babies often produce black or tarry droppings
During the first few days after birth, it is quite normal to see some black stools in the diaper; it is a natural occurrence that generally disappears within 2-4 days, once the baby has expelled all the meconium from the body. After this stage, the stool may also take on an earthy green appearance and remain a mushy consistency.
- When the baby discharges during breastfeeding, the stools are likely to have a soft consistency and the color is green or yellow; know that it is completely normal.
- Infants who are formula-fed will likely produce softer, more brown stools than those who are breastfed, but even then this is completely normal.
Part 2 of 3: Knowing When to See Your Doctor
Step 1. Seek medical attention if the stool has a bright red or black color
While these discolourations may be due to changes in diet or medications, they could actually indicate bleeding in the intestinal tract as well. If you see any traces of blood or are actively bleeding when you bowel, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
If your stools are these colors and you have recently taken anti-diarrheal medications, food with red dyes, or have started a new drug treatment, make an appointment with your doctor to make sure these changes are not caused by more serious health problems
Step 2. Be aware that a discolored stool is rarely a symptom of a serious condition
In most cases, the cause is due to a completely treatable pathology or to nutrition. It is very unlikely that you will need to rush to the emergency room or panic about a change in the color of the droppings.
If the color changes suddenly, always check if you have made any changes to your diet or if the change in appearance is a side effect of drug therapy
Step 3. See a doctor if you are worried
Regardless of the cause, if you have concerns about stool or digestive changes, the best and safest thing to do is to seek advice from your doctor. He is able to identify with certainty if there is cause for concern or if it is a normal situation.
While you may be embarrassed to talk about your bowel movements, it is important to let your doctor know if you are unsure. It is always best to take no risks and get professional advice
Step 4. Evaluate other physical symptoms associated with the discoloration
For example, if this anomaly is accompanied by abdominal pain or sudden diarrhea, it could be something more than a phenomenon due to diet; in this case, you must contact your doctor.
Black or red diarrhea, for example, could be a sign of a serious condition that needs to be addressed immediately
Part 3 of 3: Maintain a Healthy Digestion
Step 1. Stay hydrated
By introducing the right amount of liquids you help digestion to proceed smoothly and easily. Water often softens the stool and helps solve problems such as constipation; it also allows you to absorb certain nutrients from food more effectively.
Try to always keep a bottle of water on hand; fill it up every time you finish it and make sure you take between one and two liters of fluids a day
Step 2. Respect a healthy diet
What makes a diet healthy is not just the type of food, but also the speed and frequency with which you eat. To allow for a smooth digestive process, try to feed yourself slowly. Don't rush and don't eat too fast, as this could potentially cause stomach problems. Try to eat small meals throughout the day instead of bingeing on one occasion.
Of course, food is also important! Choose foods rich in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables; do your best to reduce or limit your intake of alcohol and processed foods
Step 3. Exercise regularly
Maintaining a consistent workout routine improves overall health. As for the gastrointestinal tract, movement strengthens the abdominal muscles and triggers the digestive process. Try to take a brisk walk or light jog at least a couple of times a week.
You can also insert a little exercise into your daily tasks with simple actions, such as taking the stairs instead of taking the elevator or parking the car a little further away instead of in the pitch under the house
Step 4. Keep stress under control
Emotional pressure can wreak havoc on the body and cause a variety of severe digestive upsets; it is responsible for constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and even loss of appetite. If you are very stressed, look for remedies to regain calm that are suitable for your situation, such as a daily meditation session, or eliminate the unnecessary factors that trigger stress.
