Decoding Illness from Stool: 7 Tips for Checking Your Health via Stool Color

Have you ever gone to the bathroom and suddenly noticed an unusual stool color, and then wondered if your body was having problems? In fact, stool color can change due to food, medication, or supplements, but in some cases, it can also be a sign that needs attention. The Mayo Clinic states that normal stool is usually various shades of brown and sometimes green; conversely, black or red stool can be related to bleeding in the digestive tract and requires timely medical evaluation.

Knowing how to diagnose illness from stool doesn't mean self-diagnosing illness based on what's in the toilet, but rather recognizing notable changes to know when to monitor and when to seek medical attention. Specifically, black stools can simply be due to iron pills or certain foods, but if the stool is black and sticky like tar, it could also be a sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

In this article, Tiptory will guide you on how to recognize stool color, explain the common causes behind each color, and point out warning signs that should not be ignored.

Part 1: Meaning of Stool Color: What illness does unusual stool color indicate?

Tip 1: Red or black stool: When should you see a doctor?

1. Check stool color and shape

• Red or black stool color should not be ignored, as it can sometimes be related to blood in the digestive tract. However, stool color can also change due to food, medication, or supplements, so you cannot self-diagnose based solely on color.

• When diagnosing illness from stool, pay attention to color, consistency, frequency of bowel movements, and accompanying symptoms, rather than just observing once.

2. Black stool may be related to upper gastrointestinal bleeding

• Black stools, especially when dark black, sticky, and tar-like, can be melena—a common sign when blood is digested in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as in the stomach or duodenum.

• However, black stool is not always caused by bleeding. Iron pills, bismuth-containing medications, and some dark-colored foods can also turn stool black.

• If the cause of black stool cannot be identified, especially when the stool is tar-like, contact a medical facility for evaluation instead of prolonged self-monitoring.

3. Bright red stool is often associated with the lower gastrointestinal tract

• Bright red stool or red blood on toilet paper, in the toilet, or coating the stool often suggests bleeding in the rectum or lower part of the digestive tract.

• A relatively common cause is hemorrhoids, especially when bright red blood appears after a bowel movement. Anal fissures, constipation, and some bowel conditions can also cause bleeding.

• You should not assume that all cases of red bloody stools are hemorrhoids, especially when the condition recurs or is accompanied by changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or other abnormal symptoms.

4. Rule out causes from food and medication

• Before worrying about unusual stool color, recall what you have eaten and consumed in the past few days.

• Red foods like beetroot, cranberries, or some food dyes can make stool appear redder. Similarly, iron, bismuth, and some dark-colored foods can turn stool black.

• If the stool color remains unusual after ruling out these causes, especially when there is blood or tar-like black stool, it should be checked by a healthcare professional.

5. Seek immediate medical attention if there are warning signs

• Tar-like black stool or red blood requires timely medical evaluation, as gastrointestinal bleeding can range from mild to severe.

• Pay special attention if abnormal bowel movements are accompanied by:

  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.

  • Severe abdominal pain.

  • Vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like vomit.

  • Cold, clammy, pale skin.

  • Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or severe weakness.

• In these cases, you should not just diagnose illness from stool at home. Seek urgent medical care to determine the cause and extent of the bleeding.

Tip 2: Pay attention to white or pale stool

1. Watch out if stool turns white, gray, or very pale

• Normal stool color is primarily formed from bilirubin and bile pigments after the digestion process. Therefore, white, gray, or distinctly pale stool can indicate a reduced amount of bile entering the intestines.

• This condition is sometimes related to problems with the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, or pancreas, especially when pale stool appears repeatedly rather than just once.

2. Check if pale stool persists

• If you only see white or gray stool once, recall your diet and any medications or supplements you are taking.

• If stool continues to be very pale during multiple bowel movements, you should not just rely on diagnosing illness from stool but should see a doctor to find the cause.

• Evaluation usually requires a combination of symptoms, medical history, and necessary tests, rather than just relying on stool color.

3. White stool with a lot of fat may suggest fat malabsorption

• White, pale stool that also appears greasy, floats in water, is difficult to flush, or has a very foul odor may be related to fatty stool (steatorrhea).

• Steatorrhea occurs when the body does not digest or absorb fat effectively. One possible cause is related to pancreatic disease, but it can also stem from other problems of the digestive system.

4. Pay special attention if pale stool is accompanied by jaundice

• If pale stool appears with jaundice, yellow eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain, or itching, these are signs that need early medical evaluation as they may be related to bile flow disorders.

• You should not self-conclude that this is liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or pancreatic disease based solely on stool color. An accurate diagnosis needs to be made by a healthcare professional.

5. When should you see a doctor?

• White, gray, or very pale stool appearing multiple times or persisting is a reason to contact a doctor for examination.

• You should see a doctor sooner if this condition is accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, jaundice, yellow eyes, dark urine, or unexplained weight loss.

• If you are looking to understand what stool color indicates, the most important principle is to view stool color as a warning sign, not a self-diagnosis tool.

Tip 3: Brown stool is usually normal

1. Brown stool is usually a normal sign

• Stool color in healthy individuals can range from light brown to dark brown. Among these, medium brown is the most common color and usually reflects normal digestion.

• Therefore, if stool is consistently brown, without accompanying abdominal pain, prolonged diarrhea, severe constipation, or bleeding, you generally don't need to worry too much just about the color.

2. Why is stool brown?

• The brown color of stool is primarily related to bile. Bilirubin is produced when hemoglobin from old red blood cells is broken down, then secreted by the liver into bile and further transformed in the intestines.

• Metabolic products of bilirubin, especially stercobilin, contribute to the characteristic brown color of stool. This is a natural part of the digestion and bile pigment metabolism process.

3. Stool can still change color without being a sign of illness

• Besides brown, stool can sometimes turn yellow or green due to food, digestion speed, and certain medications or supplements.

• Therefore, when diagnosing illness from stool, you should not conclude based solely on a single instance of unusually colored stool. Consider stool color in the context of your diet, medications, and accompanying symptoms.

4. When is brown color no longer the only notable thing?

• If stool color changes suddenly and persists, or if black, red, white, or pale stool appears, more attention is needed as some changes can be related to bleeding or problems in the digestive tract, liver, bile ducts, and pancreas.

• Specifically, tar-like black stool or stool with red blood needs medical evaluation instead of self-diagnosis based on color.

Tip 4: Food can change stool color

1. Don't worry too quickly if stool color changes after eating

• Stool color can temporarily change due to foods containing natural pigments or food dyes. This is usually a normal reaction and may return to normal after the body has digested the food.

• Therefore, if red, green, or unusually colored stool appears immediately after eating certain characteristic foods but without other abnormal symptoms, you can monitor it before worrying too much.

2. Green vegetables can turn stool green

• Green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, and other foods rich in green pigments can make stool color greener than usual.

• This change is usually not concerning if it is only temporary and not accompanied by abdominal pain, prolonged diarrhea, or other pathological signs.

3. Beetroot and food dyes can make stool red

• Eating beetroot or foods containing red food dye can make stool red or reddish-purple. This is one of the benign causes that should be considered when diagnosing illness from stool.

• However, you should not assume that all cases of red stools are due to food. Blood from the digestive tract can also make stool or toilet paper red.

4. Red stool can be related to hemorrhoids or bleeding

• Bright red stool sometimes appears due to bleeding in the anal and rectal area, with hemorrhoids being a common cause.

• If bright red blood recurs, appears frequently, or is accompanied by abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, weight loss, or fatigue, you should see a doctor to determine the cause instead of just relying on stool color.

5. Check what you ate before concluding

• When you notice unusual stool color, recall the foods you have eaten in the last 1–2 days, especially beetroot, green leafy vegetables, and foods with food dyes.

• If stool color returns to normal after stopping the suspected food, it is highly likely that the change is related to diet. Conversely, if the unusual color persists or signs of bleeding appear, it should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Tip 5: Yellow stool: When to pay attention?

1. Yellow stool is sometimes just related to diet

• Yellow stool color can appear temporarily after eating a lot of fat or due to dietary changes. A single yellow bowel movement is not enough to conclude that the body is sick.

• If stool color quickly returns to normal and there are no other symptoms, there is usually no need to worry too much.

2. Yellow stool with fat may suggest fat malabsorption

• If yellow stool persists and has characteristics of being greasy, fatty, floating in water, difficult to flush, or having a very foul odor, this condition may be related to fatty stool (steatorrhea).

• Steatorrhea occurs when fat is not fully digested or absorbed. Causes can be related to the pancreas, liver, bile ducts, or some small bowel diseases.

• If this condition recurs or persists, you should see a doctor to find the cause instead of just diagnosing illness from stool at home.

3. Yellow stool may be accompanied by digestive diseases

• Persistent yellow stool can appear in some conditions causing fat malabsorption, such as celiac disease, pancreatic disease, or disorders affecting bile flow.

• However, stool color cannot accurately determine the cause. A doctor may need to combine symptoms, blood tests, stool tests, or other examination methods to diagnose.

4. Do not self-attribute yellow stool to gluten allergy

• Yellow, fatty, and unusually odorous stool can occur in people with celiac disease, but based solely on stool color, it is not possible to determine if this is celiac disease or a "gluten allergy."

• If you frequently experience bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, or fatty stools after eating gluten-containing foods, you should consult a doctor for appropriate testing.

5. When should you see a doctor?

• If unusual yellow stool persists for several days, recurs, or is accompanied by diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, jaundice, yellow eyes, or signs of nutrient deficiency, you should see a doctor.

• Specifically, persistent greasy and foul-smelling yellow stool should not be viewed solely as the consequence of a high-fat meal. Identifying the correct cause will help choose the appropriate treatment.

Tip 6: Medication can change stool color

1. Check medications and supplements you are taking

• Stool color can change due to certain medications, vitamins, or supplements. This can be a normal side effect and does not necessarily mean illness.

• When you see unusual stool color, check the instructions for use or information about the side effects of the products you are regularly taking.

2. Iron can turn stool green or black

• Iron supplements can turn stool dark green or black. This is a common change when taking iron.

• However, if black stool is tar-like and sticky, especially when accompanied by dizziness, weakness, or abdominal pain, you should not assume it is just a side effect of the medication. It needs to be evaluated to rule out gastrointestinal bleeding.

3. Bismuth can turn stool black

• Medications containing bismuth subsalicylate, often used to relieve diarrhea or some digestive discomforts, can temporarily turn stool and tongue black.

• This change is usually not concerning if it aligns with the timing of medication use and there are no other warning symptoms.

4. Do not stop medication solely because stool color changes

• If you suspect medication is changing your stool color, do not stop prescribed medication on your own. Check the medication information or consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine if this is a known side effect.

• Diagnosing illness from stool only provides guidance. Stool color needs to be combined with the medications you are taking, your diet, and accompanying symptoms for a more accurate assessment.

5. When should you seek medical attention?

• If stool color changes but you have just started taking a medication or supplement that can cause color changes, you can monitor it according to the instructions for use.

• If you have black or red stools that cannot be explained by medication, food, or a prolonged condition, and it is accompanied by abdominal pain, dizziness, fainting, vomiting blood, or unusual fatigue, you should seek medical attention promptly.

Tip 7: Black stool in newborns is often normal

1. Black stool in newborns can be completely normal

• In the first few days after birth, infants often pass meconium, which is dark green or black, thick, sticky, and tar-like. This stool is formed from substances accumulated in the infant's intestines while in the womb.

• Meconium is usually passed in the first few days of life, after which the color of the newborn's stool will gradually change as they start feeding and their digestive system adapts to food.

2. Stool color usually changes after meconium has passed

• In the following days, the infant's stool may change from dark green to green, yellow, or brown, depending on their feeding regimen and digestion process.

• Therefore, when diagnosing illness in newborns based on stool, it is necessary to consider the infant's age, the type of milk being used, and the progression of stool color over time, rather than just looking at a single bowel movement.

3. Breastfed babies often have soft, yellow or green stools

• Breastfed babies often have soft or slightly loose stools that are mustard yellow, yellow-green, or green. These changes are usually normal if the baby is feeding well, alert, and developing appropriately.

• Soft stool consistency in breastfed babies does not necessarily mean diarrhea.

4. Formula-fed babies may have browner stools

• Formula-fed babies often have slightly firmer stools that are yellowish-brown, brown, or greenish-brown.

• Differences in infant stool color between breastfed and formula-fed babies are quite common and do not automatically indicate a digestive problem.

5. Black stool after the meconium phase needs attention

• Black stool in the first few days of life can often be meconium. However, if the stool remains tar-like black after the meconium phase has passed, or if the black color reappears, parents should contact a doctor for evaluation.

• If the infant has abnormal stool accompanied by refusal to feed, vomiting, abdominal distension, fever, lethargy, or appears unwell, parents should not rely solely on stool color for home monitoring but should take the infant to a doctor.

Part 2: When to see a doctor? Dangerous signs from stool color

Note 1: Red or black stool: When to see a doctor?

1. Bright red or black stool needs attention

• Bright red or black stool color can appear due to food, dyes, or certain medications, but it can also be a sign of blood in the digestive tract.

• In particular, black, sticky, tar-like stool or stool with red blood should not be taken lightly.

2. Bright red stool can be related to gastrointestinal bleeding

• Bright red stool can appear when there is bleeding in the lower part of the digestive tract, rectum, or anus.

• Hemorrhoids and anal fissures are common causes, but rectal bleeding can also be related to other medical conditions. Therefore, it should not be assumed that any red blood in the stool is due to hemorrhoids.

3. Tar-like black stool can be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding

• Black, sticky, tar-like stool is called melena, often related to digested blood from bleeding in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract.

• However, iron pills, bismuth-containing medications, and some foods can also cause black stool. Determining the cause requires considering current medications, diet, and accompanying symptoms.

4. Don't self-diagnose based solely on stool color

• When diagnosing illness based on stool, consider recent changes such as:

  • Whether you have eaten red or very dark-colored foods.

  • Whether you are taking iron pills or bismuth-containing medications.

  • Whether the stool color appeared once or repeatedly.

  • Whether you have abdominal pain, dizziness, fatigue, or vomiting blood.

• If no clear cause is found or the condition continues, you should see a doctor for evaluation.

5. A doctor can check if there is blood in the stool

• If gastrointestinal bleeding is suspected, the doctor may order a fecal occult blood test along with other tests or exploratory procedures depending on the symptoms.

• If you are actively bleeding during bowel movements, have a large amount of red or black stool, or experience dizziness, fainting, severe abdominal pain, significant weakness, or shortness of breath, you need urgent medical attention instead of continuing to monitor at home.

Note 2: Stool discoloration is not necessarily a serious illness

1. Not all changes in stool color are alarming

• Stool color can change due to diet, medication, supplements, or digestive speed. Most temporary changes do not indicate a serious medical condition.

• Therefore, if you notice unusual stool color, you should not panic or self-diagnose based solely on color.

2. Review what you have eaten recently

• Before worrying, recall the foods you have consumed in the last few days. Leafy green vegetables, beets, foods with dyes, or dark-colored dishes can all affect the color of your stool.

• If the stool color returns to normal after dietary changes, the cause is most likely related to food.

3. Consider medications and supplements

• Some medications and supplements can also change stool color. For example, iron supplements can make stool green or black, while bismuth-containing medications can make stool black.

• When diagnosing illness based on stool, compare the change in stool color with the time you started taking new medication rather than hastily assuming it is a sign of illness.

4. Evaluate accompanying symptoms as well

• An isolated change in stool color is usually less concerning than when accompanied by symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, dizziness, fainting, or bleeding.

• In particular, tar-like black stool or red stool with blood should not be taken lightly, even if you suspect the cause is food or medication.

5. Know when to see a doctor

• If stool color changes suddenly but without any unusual symptoms, you can monitor it and re-check your diet and current medications.

• If abnormal stool color persists, recurs, or its cause cannot be identified, you should consult a doctor for evaluation.

• If signs of significant bleeding, dizziness, fainting, severe abdominal pain, or marked weakness appear, seek emergency medical care.

Note 3: If you are concerned about your stool, see a doctor

1. See a doctor if stool color or digestion changes unusually

• If stool color changes persistently, recurs, or causes you concern, the safest approach is to consult a doctor rather than self-diagnose at home.

• A doctor can evaluate stool color along with digestive symptoms, medical history, diet, and current medications to determine if the change is normal or requires treatment.

2. Don't be afraid to share bowel issues

• Talking about stool and bowel habits can make many people uncomfortable, but this is important information that helps doctors identify problems with the digestive system.

• When you see a doctor, describe the stool color, when it appeared, the frequency of bowel movements, and any accompanying symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or bleeding.

3. Do not rely solely on looking at stool to self-diagnose

• Diagnosing illness by looking at stool is only for guidance and cannot replace medical diagnosis. The same stool color can arise from many different causes.

• Your doctor may order stool tests, blood tests, or other diagnostic procedures if necessary to find the exact cause.

4. Pay special attention to red or black stool

• Tar-like black stool or red stool with blood needs medical evaluation, as it may be related to gastrointestinal bleeding.

• If accompanied by dizziness, fainting, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, significant weakness, or substantial bleeding, seek emergency medical care.

5. Be proactive in checking instead of worrying yourself

• Instead of constantly observing stool color and self-diagnosing, note any unusual changes and consult a doctor when necessary.

• A timely examination can help rule out serious causes and provide peace of mind when a change in stool color is actually just a normal bodily reaction.

Note 4: Stool discoloration with symptoms requires examination

1. Don't just observe stool color

• A change in stool color alone is not necessarily a sign of illness. It's important to see if other unusual symptoms appear.

• When diagnosing illness by looking at stool, also pay attention to abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, fatigue, or sudden changes in bowel habits.

2. Abdominal pain or diarrhea accompanied by stool discoloration needs attention

• If abnormal stool color appears with abdominal pain, sudden diarrhea, or new digestive symptoms, the cause may not be simply due to food.

• A prolonged or worsening condition should be evaluated by a doctor to determine the cause.

3. Red or black stool with diarrhea requires prompt action

• Black or red stool during diarrhea can be related to gastrointestinal bleeding and requires timely medical evaluation.

• In particular, tar-like black stool, red stool with a lot of blood, or bloody diarrhea should not be self-monitored for an extended period at home.

4. Pay attention to accompanying warning signs

• Seek immediate medical care if changes in stool color are accompanied by:

  • Severe abdominal pain or rapidly increasing pain.

  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.

  • Fatigue, significant weakness, or pale skin.

  • Vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like vomit.

  • Bloody diarrhea or significant bleeding during bowel movements.

5. A comprehensive evaluation helps avoid missing illnesses

• Do not rely solely on looking at stool to diagnose illness. Stool color should be considered along with symptoms, current medications, foods eaten, and progression over time.

• If a change in stool color appears suddenly along with a new symptom, the safest option is to contact a doctor for evaluation rather than trying to treat it yourself.

Part 3: Tips for a healthy digestive system at home

Tip 1: Drinking enough water helps digestion better

1. Stay adequately hydrated every day

• Drinking enough water helps the body maintain digestive function and supports proper stool softness, thereby reducing the risk of constipation.

• When the body is dehydrated, the colon tends to absorb more water from the stool, making the stool dry and hard, causing difficulty with bowel movements.

2. Prioritize plain water and drink steadily throughout the day

• Instead of waiting until you're thirsty to drink, divide your water intake into several times throughout the day. You can carry a water bottle to easily track how much you've drunk.

• Fluid needs are not the same for everyone and depend on weather, activity level, diet, and health status.

3. Combine water with fiber to aid bowel movements

• Drinking enough water is more effective when combined with a fiber-rich diet from vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.

• Fiber helps increase stool bulk and improve its softness, while water helps fiber work more effectively in the intestines.

4. No need to force yourself to drink a fixed amount

• About 1-2 liters of fluid per day can be a reference point for some people, but it should not be considered a mandatory amount for everyone.

• Adjust your water intake according to your body's needs, especially in hot weather, during intense physical activity, or when dehydrated due to vomiting or diarrhea.

5. Drink enough water but don't ignore abnormal stool color

• Stool color is influenced by many factors, and drinking water primarily supports the digestive process, it is not a treatment for all causes of stool discoloration.

• If black, red, white, or pale stool persists, especially when accompanied by abdominal pain, diarrhea, or bleeding, you should see a doctor instead of just increasing your water intake.

Tip 2: Eat healthy for good digestion

1. Eat slowly and divide meals into smaller portions

• A healthy diet depends not only on the food itself but also on how and at what pace you eat.

• Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly helps you recognize when you're full, while also limiting eating too quickly which can cause bloating and discomfort.

• Instead of eating too much in one meal, you can divide your food intake reasonably throughout the day to avoid burdening your digestive system.

2. Increase fiber-rich foods

• Prioritize green vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains to supplement fiber for digestion.

• A simple way is to dedicate about half your plate to vegetables at each meal, and also combine diverse fiber sources instead of focusing on just one type of food.

• When increasing fiber, do so gradually and drink enough water to limit bloating or intestinal discomfort.

3. Limit processed foods

• Reduce processed foods high in added sugar, saturated fat, or salt and prioritize minimally processed foods.

• This eating approach not only supports digestive health but also helps build a more balanced and sustainable diet.

4. Limit alcohol consumption

• Excessive alcohol consumption can affect the digestive system and overall health. Therefore, limiting alcohol is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

• If you frequently experience problems such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or changes in bowel habits, you should consider your alcohol intake and consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

5. Diet can affect stool color

• Stool color can sometimes change depending on what you eat. Leafy green vegetables, beets, and foods containing dyes can temporarily change stool color without necessarily being a sign of illness.

• However, if abnormal stool color persists or is accompanied by abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, or weight loss, merely adjusting your diet is not enough; you need to find the appropriate underlying cause.

Tip 3: Exercise helps improve digestion

1. Maintain regular physical activity

• Regular exercise is not only good for cardiovascular and overall health but also supports the functioning of the digestive system.

• Physical activity helps the body maintain intestinal motility, thereby assisting the movement of food and stool through the digestive tract.

2. Start with simple activities

• You don't necessarily need high-intensity training. You can start with:

  • Brisk walking.

  • Light jogging.

  • Cycling.

  • Moderate full-body exercises.

• If you're new to exercise, gradually increase the duration and intensity to allow your body to adapt.

3. Incorporate movement into daily life

• Increase daily activity with small changes like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking when possible, or parking further from your destination.

• Short bursts of regular activity still contribute to increasing your total physical activity level throughout the day.

4. Aim for approximately 150 minutes of activity per week

• Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, which is equivalent to about 30 minutes a day for 5 days.

• You can break down your exercise time into shorter segments throughout the day if that helps you maintain the habit more easily.

5. Combine exercise with healthy digestive habits

• Exercise, adequate hydration, and sufficient fiber intake are simple habits that can support intestinal motility and promote smoother bowel movements.

• However, exercise is not a treatment for the underlying cause of abnormal stool color. If black, red, white, or pale stool persists, especially when accompanied by abdominal pain or bleeding, you should see a doctor to find the cause.

Tip 4: Reduce stress for better digestion

1. Manage daily stress

• Stress and digestion are closely linked through the gut-brain axis. When stress is prolonged, some people may experience changes in bowel movements, leading to constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or abdominal pain.

• Therefore, taking care of mental health is also part of maintaining a healthy digestive system.

2. Recognize signs that stress is affecting your gut

• Pay attention if digestive symptoms often appear or become more pronounced during periods of high pressure.

• Some common symptoms include:

  • Constipation or diarrhea.

  • Abdominal pain, bloating.

  • Poor appetite or changes in appetite.

• However, you should not attribute every digestive symptom to stress if the condition is prolonged or accompanied by warning signs.

3. Choose a suitable relaxation method

• Stress reduction doesn't have to be a complex method. You can try:

  • Meditation or slow breathing exercises.

  • Walking or light exercise.

  • Getting enough sleep and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.

  • Spending time on activities that help your body relax.

• The important thing is to choose a method you can practice regularly rather than looking for a "quick fix" that is hard to sustain.

4. Proactively reduce unnecessary stressors

• Identify factors that often cause you stress and find ways to reduce or rearrange them when possible.

• Maintaining a stable daily routine, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly can also help your body adapt better to daily pressures.

5. Don't use stress to explain abnormal stool color

• Stool color can change due to various reasons. Stress can affect bowel function, but it should not be considered the default cause when stool color becomes abnormal.

• If black, red, white, or pale stool persists, or if the change in stool color is accompanied by bleeding, severe abdominal pain, weight loss, or other abnormal symptoms, you should see a doctor to determine the cause.

Black, tarry stools require medical attention

1. Do not ignore completely black stools

• Black stools can be caused by food, medication, or supplements, but they can also be a sign of digested blood from bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

• Specifically, if stools are black like tar, sticky, and have an unusual odor, you should not just monitor them at home.

2. Check for benign causes first

• Recall what you've eaten and any medications you've been taking recently.

• Iron supplements and bismuth-containing medications can cause stools to turn black without necessarily indicating bleeding.

• However, if there is no clear cause or black stools appear continuously, you should be checked by a doctor.

3. Pay attention to accompanying symptoms

• The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding is more concerning if black stools are accompanied by:

  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.

  • Weakness, pale skin.

  • Abdominal pain.

  • Vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

• If these symptoms appear along with signs of bleeding, seek emergency medical care.

4. If you are concerned about stool color, consult a doctor

• Examining stool to diagnose illness only helps identify warning signs; it cannot pinpoint the exact cause.

• If abnormal stool color worries you, especially if the change is prolonged or recurrent, discuss it with your doctor for appropriate assessment and advice.

• Proactive early checking helps differentiate a harmless change due to food or medication from digestive issues that require treatment.

References

1. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024). Stool color: When to worry. Mayo Clinic.
2. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2026). White stool: Should I be concerned? Mayo Clinic.
3. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2026). Gastrointestinal bleeding: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic.
4. Cleveland Clinic. (2025). What does my stool (poop) color mean? Cleveland Clinic.
5. Cleveland Clinic. (2025). Clay-colored stool: Causes & when to see a doctor. Cleveland Clinic.
6. Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Poop shape, color and smell: What’s healthy and what’s not. Cleveland Clinic.
7. Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding: Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment. Cleveland Clinic.
8. Kim, B. S., Li, B. T., Engel, A., Samra, J. S., Clarke, S., & Norton, I. D. (2014). Diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding: A practical guide for clinicians. World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology, 5(4), 467–478.
9. Feldman, M., Friedman, L. S., & Brandt, L. J. (Eds.). (2021). Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management (11th ed.). Elsevier.
10. Suneja, M., et al. (Eds.). (2020). DeGowin's Diagnostic Examination (11th ed.). McGraw Hill.
11. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2024). Symptoms & causes of gastrointestinal bleeding. National Institutes of Health.
12. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2025). Colon cancer stool: What to look for and how to test at home. Mayo Clinic.

Content edited by: Rowan Hudson Le.

Information reviewed and verified by expert: Mia Taylor.