Your poop colour says a lot about your health. In fact, sometimes it could even give you warning signs of serious health issues that you are unaware of. Talking about poop may not be an easy conversation, but it is really important to pay attention. In a video shared on Instagram, Dr Joseph Salhab, a board-certified gastroenterologist trained at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, explained why the colour of your poop matters.
Why the colour of your poop matters
“Poop colour can be a surprisingly useful indicator of your overall health. While it’s not a topic most people like to discuss, understanding what different poop colours can mean is important for recognising potential health issues,” Dr Salhab, who is based in Florida, said. Brown to black: What each poop colour says about your health
Brown is normal
Let’s start with what’s normal. According to the gastroenterologist, if your poop looks brown, it means you have a healthy gut. He explained that brown is the ‘typical colour for poop’ and it ‘generally indicates a healthy digestive system,’ the doctor said.
Green is not good
What if your poop is green? The doctor stated that green leafy vegetables and green food colouring could contribute to the green colour of poop. However, it may also be caused by “food moving too quickly through the digestive tract, such as during diarrhoea, which doesn’t give bile enough time to break down completely,” Dr Salhab added.
Yellow is a warning sign
Ever noticed yellow-coloured stool? This isn’t a good sign. According to the gastroenterologist, a yellow colour is an indication of excess fat in the stool. ‘This can be a sign of malabsorption disorders like pancreatic insufficiency, bile acid deficiency, and coeliac disease, where your body isn’t absorbing nutrients properly,’ the doctor said.
Pale is not healthy either
Pale or clay-coloured poop is also a red flag. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, gallbladder attacks or other related ailments can result in pale-coloured stools. Dr Salhab revealed that pale-coloured poop occurs as a result of a lack of bile, “which may be due to a blockage in the bile ducts or the gallbladder, along with some liver problems.”
Blue/purple is rare
Now what about blue or purple poop? This is extremely rare. “It usually occurs due to consuming foods or drinks with strong blue or purple colouring,” he said.
Black could be an ulcer
Some people may also have black or tarry-coloured poop. This colour should be a cause for concern. The doctor shared that iron supplements or certain medications, such as bismuth (Pepto-Bismol), may lead to a black colour. You should consult a doctor if your poop colour is black. “However, it can also indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as from an ulcer, and requires immediate medical attention,” Dr Salhab said. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, if an ulcer is bleeding, it might show up as melena, which results in jet-black, sticky stool. This is often compared to ‘roof tar’.
Red could be bleeding
While eating red-coloured foods such as beetroot or foods with red colouring may make your poop red, “it can also signify bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract, including the colon or rectum. This is a serious concern and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional promptly,” the doctor said. Rectal bleeding may happen due to conditions such as haemorrhoids, fissures, proctitis, and anorectal malignancy. A 2012 study published in the journal World Journal of Gastroenterology found that rectal bleeding is the most common symptom of haemorrhoids. In short, your poop gives you a report card on your overall health. So you must pay attention to what it looks like and consult a GP if you notice anything odd.Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.
