COLOR OF STOOL Noting the color of one’s stool is one of the easiest ways to tell if there are any problems. According to Bernard Aserkoff, MD, a physician in the GI Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, the product of bowel movements is generally brown in color because of bile, a compound produced in the liver that is important to the digestion process. Usually, shades of brown and green are considered normal colors for feces. Here is a chart that details different stool colors and what they can mean:
pale-yellow, greasy, foul-smelling stool When these conditions appear, there is probably excess fat in the bowel, which means the fat is not being properly absorbed in the body. It can indicate a serious medical condition and one should seek a physician immediately.
red but not bloody stool This can come from food items that contain red coloring. These items include beets, strawberry ice cream, red velvet cake, chili peppers, and many more. However, it is difficult to be certain whether the red coloring is a result of food colorings or blood without a professional medical opinion. Contact a physician if stool looks like it may contain blood.
bloody stool This warrants concern as it can be a sign of cancer or an injury to the digestive track. A doctor should be contacted immediately.
brown stool This is the expected color of stool!
pale grey stool This can suggest that something is wrong with the digestive tract. Since bile gives stool its natural brown color, a blockage of it may leave the feces pale in color.
This can be dried blood that results from bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. A visit to the doctor is recommended if this occurs. Black stool may also be a result of ingesting iron supplements.
green stool Normally, green stool is caused by food items that are rich in chlorophyll (such as spinach). Taking certain medications can also result in this coloring. Thus, for the most part, green stool is not a cause for concern. Note: Food coloring can affect one’s stool, so if one were to eat a blue cake or drink blue Kool-Aid, blue stool can emerge. After a few days, it should return to normal.
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center: petek arici/istockphoto.
total wellness ▪ winter 2013
black stool