What does it mean you have black stool?

If you’ve ever taken a peek in the toilet bowl and noticed your stool is black instead of its usual brown color, it can be a little unsettling. Is it something you ate? Should you call your doctor? Don’t fret – we’re here to break down what might be causing this strange phenomenon.

The Basics

First things first: let’s talk about poop (yes, really). Poop gets its brown hue from bile – a substance produced by the liver that helps break down fats. As food moves through the digestive system, bacteria in the colon help to further break it down into nutrients and waste products. This ultimately results in feces, which pass out of the body via the rectum and anus.

But why would poop turn black?

Well…

Causes of Black Stool

There are several reasons why your stool may appear black:

1. Blood

If there is blood present anywhere along the intestinal tract, it can cause stool to appear dark or tarry (medical term alert!). This happens because blood contains iron, which oxidizes over time as it passes through your gut.

So what might be causing bleeding around your gi-tract?

Ulcers

Ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of either the stomach or intestines due to damage from acid or bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori for short).

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches called diverticula form in weakened portions of your digestive tract walls-in particular colon-which then become inflamed or infected with organisms like E.coli resulting bloody stools

Colorectal cancer

The bad news: colorectal cancer is a serious condition that warrants immediate medical attention.
The good news: most people who experience changes in bowel habits have non-cancerous causes, but it still requires medical attention.

2. Medications and Supplements

Certain medications and supplements may also turn your poop black:

Iron Supplements

Iron supplements (such as the kind used to treat anemia), can make stool appear darker or even completely black, depending on the dose.

Bismuth Subsalicylate

You know this as Pepto-Bismol – a go-to for upset stomachs. It contains bismuth subsalicylate, which can turn your poop dark/black in color.

3. Foods & Beverages

Finally, there are certain things we eat and drink that could cause our stools to darken in color including,

Blueberries

If you’ve recently downed a lot of blueberry pie (or any other food containing fresh blueberries) don’t be surprised if your morning toilet visit yields some unexpectedly inky surprises (we like to keep things interesting around here).

When To See A Doctor

Most cases of black stool aren’t serious (and will likely resolve themselves with time), but if you’re experiencing extreme pain or have other concerning symptoms such as fatigue or unexplained weight loss along with discolored stools then it’s time to schedule an appointment with your doctor! Sometimes medical intervention is necessary – don’t ignore potentially dangerous signs.

Summary

Black stool – while uncommon – can happen for many reasons: from something benign like what you ate, taking certain medications or supplements all eventually affecting the body’s waste disposal system; however, it can also indicate serious issues ranging from gastrointestinal bleeding due to ulcers/diseases/cancers etc.. Consequently never underestimate need of immediate diagnosis / treatment by consulting physician when presented with these symptoms so they won’t escalate into larger problems later on!

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