Stool color can vary depending on a variety of factors, including what you eat, how much you drink, and even medications you may be taking. While the occasional change in stool color is typically not a cause for concern, persistent or drastic changes in stool color can indicate a medical issue. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of stool color change.
Diet
One of the most common causes of stool color change is diet. Certain foods can change the color of your stool. For example, eating beets can cause your stool to be reddish, while consuming leafy greens can make your stool appear green. Similarly, consuming large amounts of processed foods or food dyes can also cause changes in stool color.
Medications
Certain medications can also cause stool color changes. Iron supplements can cause your stool to appear black or dark green, while some antibiotics can cause green or yellow stools. Other medications, such as anti-diarrheal drugs, can cause constipation and lead to changes in stool color.
Bile duct obstruction
A bile duct obstruction can cause stool color to change. Bile is a fluid that is produced in the liver and aids in digestion. When the bile duct is blocked, bile cannot properly flow into the digestive tract. This can cause stools to become pale or clay-colored.
Liver disease
Liver disease can also cause stool color changes. If your liver is not functioning properly, bile production may be affected, leading to pale stools. Additionally, liver disease can cause jaundice, a condition where the skin and whites of the eyes become yellow.
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Gastrointestinal bleeding can cause dark or tarry stools. When blood is digested, it can cause stools to become black or dark brown.
Infection
Certain infections can cause changes in stool color. For example, a Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection can cause stools to be green or yellow.
If you experience persistent or significant changes in stool color, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider. They can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan.
