What causes your stool to turn black?

Stools, otherwise known as poop or excrement, come in a variety of colors and textures. However, when you see black stools in the toilet bowl or on the bathroom tissue paper, it can be cause for concern. But fear not! This article will delve into several reasons why your stool might turn black.

Iron supplements

Iron supplements are commonly prescribed by doctors to treat anemia – a condition that develops when red blood cells have insufficient hemoglobin levels. Unfortunately, one side effect of taking iron supplements is dark-colored stool (aka poo).

While this may seem like a daunting discovery, rest assured that it’s usually harmless (most times at least). If you’re experiencing nausea or vomiting along with darkened stools after starting iron supplement treatment though, check in with your doctor immediately.

## Drinking alcohol

Alcohol consumption affects many bodily functions including digestion and bowel movements. When taken excessively over time, alcohol causes inflammation throughout the gut causing various gastrointestinal disorders such as acid reflux (also known as gastroesophageal reflux disorder), gastroparesis (a condition where food stays longer than normal periods within the stomach after eating), among others. However one potential result often overlooked from heavy alcoholic beverage intake is…you guessed it- black stools.

Eating certain foods

Certain types of food can stain our feces different colors – some healthy and some harmful -such as fruits rich in antioxidants like blueberries; veggies high in fiber e.g., broccoli ; spices like turmeric; foods with artificial colorings /dye additives like match those found present feed given chickens –ironically serves to enhance yolk yellow colors. Hence , consumers needn’t necessarily panic seeing something abnormal lurking suspiciously inside toilets first thing every morning.

Pepto-Bismol

Pepto-Bismol ,often a go-to for anyone experiencing tummy troubles, also can make your stool appear black .This medication is composed of bismuth subsalicylate – able to decrease inflammation within digestive organs and calm down heartburn symptoms. Yet it’s byproducts lead directly to discoloration from the feces, darkening colors as time passes.

Medications

Many medications contain compounds that might, potentially darken human feces – or worse yet- disintegrate bowels lining leading up underlying health issues later on down the line.(Talk about multi-faceted complexity at work here!). Popular examples are antibiotics with tetracycline quality like doxycycline; anti-depressants & painkillers under umbrella SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and NSAIDs(nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) respectively.

Other causes

In some instances, liver disorders such hepatitis could mess with stool coloration ; gallstones leading into bile duct obstructions may subsequently influence excessive bilirubin levels buildups causing blackened stools; other secondary syndromes they may cause proper diagnosis impossible. In both cases seeing physician promptly is necessary – while your own internet research sleuthing urge ( We get this – you absolutely have doctor-level expertise) compels one try figuring out what potential ailments their bodies might bear-however treating oneself rarely results successfully.

When should you see a doctor?

As previously stated complications interfered with digestion /liver functioning tend to result in changings found within excrement to turn abnormally colored .Therefore if there’s been increased intake irregularities lately tied alongside sudden onset constipation/diarrhoea/heaviness and/or abdominal pains chances are high an underlying condition has developed.
Consequently warranting consultations along specialists improving treatment options drafted entailing taking dosage adjustment/ required co-existent lifestyles changes outcomes optimalized.

Which Diagnostics Tests to Expect?

A physical examination and comprehensive medical history gathering while discussing bowel habits/symptoms usually elaborate details needed. Since various examinations are able provided in-house e.g., blood tests measuring amounts liver enzymes; abdominal ultrasounds determining internal organ structural composition – such as bile flow obstructions , MRI evaluations detecting cancerous cell formations, fecal occult test examining small samples of your stools for presence of abnormal material there’s no better time than now scheduling a meeting with an officially accredited physician immediately!

Conclusion

While finding black-colored stool can be alarming, chances are it’s not something to worry about (most times). Factors that affect excrement coloration include iron supplements (large dose usage); medications associated with gut inflammation tend increasing bowel lining viability impairing optimal functioning ; alcohol consumption contributing dehydration causing different pathologic symptoms from stomach irritations &tissue damage.

Other potential causes may present themselves when under normal healthy dietary restrictions poop forms like diamonds shining bright outside toxic wastelands -think Pulp Fiction reference!(And what better way end things on high note? !!!) However, seeing physician when timely interventions implemented is always recommended best practices so we cannot agree more.

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