Why is my Poop Black?

The color of our poop can give us an indication of the state of our digestive system. Generally, the color of the stool should be brown or greenish-brown, depending on the individual’s diet. However, there are instances when the stool color deviates from the normal range, and black is one of the colors that may be observed. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why poop can be black, its potential implications, and when to seek medical attention.

What makes poop brown?

Before discussing the reasons why poop can be black, it is essential to understand the normal color of stool. Stool’s brown color is a result of the interaction between the bile, which is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, and the bacteria in the large intestine. Bile is a yellowish-green fluid that is responsible for breaking down fats in the food we eat. It is composed of various substances, including bilirubin, which is produced by the breakdown of old red blood cells. The bilirubin is eventually eliminated from the body in the stool, giving it a brownish hue. The longer the stool stays in the large intestine, the more it interacts with bacteria, and the darker it becomes.

Why is my poop black?

Black poop is usually a cause for concern, as it can indicate a health problem. There are several reasons why the stool can be black, and these include:

Iron supplements: Iron is an essential mineral required by the body to make hemoglobin, a protein that helps transport oxygen in the blood. Iron supplements can be taken orally to treat iron-deficiency anemia, a condition that occurs when there is a shortage of red blood cells due to low iron levels. However, iron supplements can also cause the stool to turn black due to the unabsorbed iron interacting with the bacteria in the gut.

Pepto-Bismol: Pepto-Bismol is an over-the-counter medication used to treat digestive problems such as heartburn, indigestion, and diarrhea. It contains bismuth subsalicylate, which can also cause the stool to turn black. Bismuth subsalicylate interacts with the bacteria in the gut, producing a compound called bismuth sulfide, which has a black color.

Food: Some foods can also cause the stool to turn black. These include black licorice, blueberries, blackberries, and beets. These foods contain pigments that can turn the stool black when ingested.

Gastrointestinal bleeding: Gastrointestinal bleeding occurs when there is bleeding in the digestive system. The bleeding can occur in any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. The blood from the bleeding mixes with the stool, causing it to turn black. The black color is due to the presence of partially digested blood, which has a dark color.

Medications: Some medications can cause the stool to turn black. These include certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline and doxycycline, and some antacids, such as aluminum hydroxide.

Cancer: Black stool can also be a sign of cancer in the digestive system, such as colon cancer. Cancer can cause bleeding in the digestive tract, leading to black stool. However, black stool alone is not an indication of cancer, and other symptoms may be present, such as abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue.

When to seek medical attention

Black stool can be an indicator of a serious health problem, and medical attention should be sought if it persists for more than a few days. In addition, medical attention should be sought if the stool is accompanied by other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, fever, or vomiting. The healthcare provider may recommend various tests to determine the cause of the black stool. These may include a fecal occult blood test, a colonoscopy, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, or a CT scan. These tests can help identify any underlying medical conditions and determine the appropriate treatment.

It is worth noting that black stool is not always an indication of a health problem. For example, black stool due to Pepto-Bismol use or food consumption is usually harmless and resolves on its own once the cause is removed. However, it is always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention if unsure.

Black stool can be a cause for concern, as it may indicate a serious health problem. It can be caused by several factors, including iron supplements, Pepto-Bismol, certain foods, gastrointestinal bleeding, medications, and cancer. If black stool persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, medical attention should be sought promptly. However, black stool is not always an indication of a health problem, and some benign factors may also cause it. If unsure, it is always better to consult a healthcare provider to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

References:

Sushrut Trakroo, Anshul Srivastava, and Abhinav Agrawal. (2017). Stool Colors: Overview and Implications. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 6(1), 73–78. doi: 10.4103/2249-4863.214973

Black Stool. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/black-stool

What causes black stool? Medical News Today. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321520

Black Stool. MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003130.htm