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If you’ve ever noticed — with great alarm — that your stool isn’t exactly a “normal” color, you’re not alone… poop can be all manner of colors, from yellow to green. And, if you’re wondering, “Why is my poop green?”, take heart. Many different things can cause this issue.
Let’s get to the (ahem) bottom of things!
Now, any change in the color or texture of your bowel movements can cause alarm. But the answer to the question, “Why is my poop green?” can often be quite simple. And many times, green poop is nothing to be concerned about.
Other times, the answer can be a bit more involved and may require the advice of a doctor.
Alright, ready for some answers?
When Is Green Poop Okay?
There are some common — and innocuous — reasons why your poop may be green. Here are some things to consider when determining the cause of a green bowel movement:
Chlorophyll Foods:
Sometimes, a green stool is simply the product of a diet that’s heavy on the greens. And that’s not a bad thing! Certain foods contain high amounts of chlorophyll – a pigment that gives green plants their color. Foods like spinach, parsley, green beans, and arugula are all examples of high-chlorophyll foods. Certain plant-based supplements — like spirulina or green algae — are also high in chlorophyll. High consumption of these chlorophyll-rich foods can result in green poop.1 So, have you been drinking a lot of green juice? You may not have anything to worry about.
Food Coloring:
Food dyes can also alter the color of your poop.2 So, if you’re passing green stools the day after St. Patrick’s Day, there’s no need to be alarmed.
Certain Medications:
Antibiotics can decrease the number of healthy bacteria in your gut that are responsible for turning your stools brown. You can increase the number of healthy bacteria in your intestines and improve your digestion by taking a probiotic.
The Occasional Bout of Diarrhea:
If you have greenish diarrhea, it’s likely caused by the presence of a substance known as bile. What’s bile? It’s a fluid manufactured by your liver that helps break down the foods you eat, so that your intestines can absorb them and convert them into energy.3 When food moves through your digestive system too quickly — like when you experience diarrhea — bile may not have the chance to break down completely, resulting in that characteristic greenish color. Keep in mind, this is okay for the occasional bout of diarrhea. Anything beyond that may be cause for concern.
When Is Green Poop Cause for Concern?
If you’re regularly experiencing diarrhea and green stools, it may be time to take a closer look. As mentioned above, green stools can indicate the presence of bile. Now, bile plays an essential role in digestion, helping your intestines absorb nutrients. Most of this bile — about 95 percent — is recycled so that your body can use it again. The remaining 5 percent is excreted during bowel movements.5 But if there’s a noticeable amount of green bile in your stool, that may be evidence of a hiccup in your digestion.
So what can cause such a hiccup? Quite a number of things! It can take a bit of detective work, but here are some possible causes you may want to keep in mind:
1. Viruses and Bacteria
Interestingly, a course of antibiotics can lead to an overgrowth of the bacteria Clostridium difficile, which causes severe diarrhea.6 Other bacterial causes are often transmitted by food, like salmonella and E. coli.7 And certain viruses, like Norwalk virus and rotavirus, can also cause diarrhea. You will likely feel other symptoms with viral and bacterial infections, like extreme fatigue or fever.8
2. Parasites
No one likes the idea of parasites feeding off their body, but it does happen. You can pick up diarrhea-causing parasites when drinking untreated water, while traveling in developing countries, or from eating undercooked foods.9
3. Food Intolerances
Food intolerances are a big culprit when it comes to digestive disturbances. Some common intolerances include lactose, fructose (natural sugar found in fruits and honey), and artificial sweetener. You may want to try eliminating these from your diet to see if your stool returns to a normal color and texture.
4. Digestive Disorders
Certain digestive disorders, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome, can all cause chronic diarrhea. If you’re concerned you may have one of these disorders, be sure to make an appointment with your doctor.
A Healthy Stool: What It Looks Like
According to The Bristol Stool Chart, a healthy stool will range in color from light to dark brown. The texture should be firm, smooth, and easy to pass. When your digestive system is working properly, you can expect approximately 1-3 bowel movements a day.11
A healthy diet and lifestyle — along with probiotics and digestive enzyme supplements — can help encourage a worry-free digestive system.
Why is my poop green? Oh… THAT’S why
Green poop is totally normal if you’re eating lots of green veggies, or if you’ve recently enjoyed a green St. Patrick’s Day beer. But if your green stools are accompanied by recurrent diarrhea or other uncomfortable symptoms, it may be time to make an appointment with your doctor.
As always, a medical professional is the best source for answers to your health-related questions.
Learn More:
What Does Mucus in My Stool Mean? Should I Be Concerned?
5 Signs Your Gut is Out of Whack
The Great Truth About Colon Cleanses (pros and cons to know)
Sources
1. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/chlorophyll-chlorophyllin
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17463151
3. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002237.htm
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4629214
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18480330
7. https://www.hhs.gov/answers/public-health-and-safety/what-is-the-difference-between-salmonella-and-e-coli/index.html
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16083161
9. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/travelers-diarrhea
11. https://www.continence.org.au/pages/bristol-stool-chart.html
