Is dark stool dangerous?

When you make your daily trip to the bathroom, do you ever take a look at your stool and wonder what it all means? Many people do. You might find that sometimes your poop looks different than usual, and one of those changes is the color. A common concern among many individuals is whether or not their dark stool indicates something serious.

The scoop on poop

Before we dive into the particulars of dark stools, let’s talk about general characteristics of fecal matter. Poop can come in various colors ranging from brown to green, yellow or even red! That’s right; if you eat beets (or other foods with strong pigments), don’t be surprised if your poop comes out looking like raspberry jam (delicious!).

Why does my poop look like this?!

There are many reasons why our poo ends up looking how it does:

  • Food
  • Medications
  • Illnesses
  • Digestion issues

We will discuss these in more detail later in this article but for now just know there are ways where simple food choices could impact what comes out at the end! Let’s all be honest here folks… everyone loves ~talking~ reading about poop!

Dark Stool: Yay or Nay?

Dark colored stools can appear as black, tarry-looking substance, maroon-ish hues, or just plain ol’ very very dark brownish black — what some describe as “coffee ground” or “back tar”. In most cases, seeing darker-than-usual excrement shouldn’t cause immediate worry, but keep an eye for persistent occurrences.

The reason behind such a change mostly has to deal with blood that gets oxidized within the colon ~~from hemorrhoids~~[1]. Some medicines also turn poops ominously-colored by crushing them down until they become stuck on intestinal walls then broken back down which further discolors the matter [2]. Food can also be a culprit. Let’s circle back to that beet example.

What causes dark Stool?

As promised earlier, here is more detail on what could cause your stool to turn dark.

Medications

There are many pills and tablets that may have this as a side effect which appear as one of a very long list e.g. Pepto-bismol, iron supplements, aspirin or ibuprofen.

Food

Food plays an integral role not only in our bodies’ inner workings but also contributes to external manifestations such as poop colors! Foods like licorice/twizzlers, blueberries/bilberries, and beetroot are natural dyes that will stain your bodily expulsions with reckless abandon!

If you’ve eaten at one too many Indian restaurants with some beers over the past few days don’t be shocked if things go darker than normal (mmm samosas).

Although it’s possible that black colored stools indicate serious health issues–like bleeding ulcers / internal hemorrhages for instance–it’s highly likely they do not spell doom-and-gloom for most people! So relax Chuck, no need to crank out another issue of your Last Will & Testament..

Here is why:

  • Intestinal Bleeding Causes Bright Red Blood: When blood passes quickly through our system (think diarrhea), it prevent stains from becoming “oxidated”. Oxidization referes to how oxygen interacts with fluids in our body which makes them look darker similar to rust forming on metals because of exposure.
  • One Time Is No Crime: If defecating darkness turns out only being occasional thing , then there probably isn’t any reason for concern . And who knows? Your previous dietary habits might explain this strange occurrence!
  • It Might Be That Grocery List: You might seem insistent that what you picked up at the market isn’t to blame here, but research shows that foods and supplements we ingest can color stool. Thus it’s entirely possible for your coffee-ground-like poop appearances & M&M giddiness could be from eating black jellybeans or activated charcoal.
  • Liver On The Mend: A healthy liver secretes bile which gives our poo its characteristic brown hue. However some substances such as alcohol and fatty food items may harmfully affect this organ–ultimately resulting in a gamut of issues e.g. dark urine / yellowing skin.

When should I worry about Dark Stool?

Everyone gets scared witless every now and then.It’s inevitable, especially when it comes to health related matters . So if you find yourself shedding lots of tears over those pitch-black poops(even without an episode or two…) don’t panic!–instead get your phone ready; there is likely no need to call emergency helplines BUT hearing from medical professional would never hurt…

Here is what warrants “asking doctor time”:

  • Consistency Over Time: Seeing nasal torture come out with high frequency could most definitely point towards internal bleeding (caused by gastritis {2} which sends blood down into intestines). Followthrough any advice from medical professionals!
  • Pain-Ache Suffering – If feelings like sudden cramping / bloating (around rectum)consistently accompany bowel removal act , consult a doc as it points potentially serious problems within large intestine.
  • Hemorrhoids Prolapse – This condition can sometimes resemble darker colors stools indirectly alongside bright red blood on toilet paper while wiping oneself after visits so best just get them checked out .

So fellow readers, let us sum up today—that black poop/black tar appearing in stools does not per se indicate something serous-health-wise! Sure it might hint towards unusual dietary decisions made and/or being caused via supplements being taken, but still … better always consult doctor first for a more full assessment of the situation if symptoms are significant or getting worse over time. After all; none of us will want to be on those health-related shows where oddities amongst poo become the topic du jour and we’re left open-mouthed in surprise (or even shock)!!

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