Discussing bowel movements might feel awkward, but the colour of your stool can be a crucial, often overlooked, report card for your internal health. Ignoring it could mean missing early warning signs of serious conditions. A recent explainer by a renowned gastroenterologist sheds light on this very topic, breaking down what each hue potentially signifies.
Why Your Stool's Colour is a Critical Health Signal
Dr Joseph Salhab, a board-certified gastroenterologist based in Florida and trained at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, emphasised in an Instagram video that paying attention to stool colour is more important than many realise. "Poop colour can be a surprisingly useful indicator of your overall health," he stated. While not a typical dinner conversation, understanding these colour codes is key to spotting potential problems early.
Decoding the Rainbow: What Each Poop Colour Means
The Normal: Brown
This is the gold standard for a healthy digestive system. Dr Salhab confirms that brown is the typical and desirable colour, indicating a well-functioning gut where bile has been properly broken down during digestion.
The Green Light (But Not Always Good)
Green stool can sometimes be harmless, resulting from eating large amounts of leafy greens or foods with green colouring. However, Dr Salhab warns it can also signal that food is moving too rapidly through your intestines, as in diarrhoea. This speedy transit doesn't allow bile enough time to break down completely, leaving your stool green.
The Yellow Caution
Spotting yellow stool is a reason to pause. This colour often points to an excess of fat in the stool, a condition known as steatorrhea. "This can be a sign of malabsorption disorders like pancreatic insufficiency, bile acid deficiency, and coeliac disease, where your body isn't absorbing nutrients properly," explained Dr Salhab.
The Pale or Clay-Coloured Red Flag
Light, pale, or clay-coloured stools are a significant warning. This colour arises from a lack of bile, which gives stool its normal brown pigment. Dr Salhab notes this "may be due to a blockage in the bile ducts or the gallbladder, along with some liver problems." The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases also links pale stools to gallbladder issues.
The Rare Blue or Purple
This unusual colour is almost always diet-related and not typically a medical concern. It's usually the result of consuming large quantities of foods or drinks with strong blue or purple artificial colouring.
The Concerning Black
Black or tarry stool demands attention. While iron supplements or medications containing bismuth (like Pepto-Bismol) can cause it, it can also indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as from a stomach ulcer. "This requires immediate medical attention," Dr Salhab stressed. The American College of Gastroenterology describes this type of bleeding as melena, producing jet-black, sticky stool often compared to 'roof tar'.
The Alarming Red
Red stool might come from eating beetroot or red-coloured foods. However, it can also signify bleeding in the lower GI tract, including the colon or rectum. "This is a serious concern and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional promptly," the doctor advised. Conditions like haemorrhoids, fissures, proctitis, or even colorectal issues can cause rectal bleeding. A 2012 study in the World Journal of Gastroenterology identified rectal bleeding as the most common symptom of haemorrhoids.
The Bottom Line: Listen to Your Body's Signals
Your stool provides a direct window into your digestive and overall health. Observing its colour is a simple yet powerful self-monitoring tool. While dietary factors often explain changes, persistent unusual colours—especially black, red, pale, or yellow—should not be ignored. Consulting a general physician or a gastroenterologist is the safest step if you notice anything odd or persistent.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis, before starting any new treatment, or making changes to your diet or medication.
