Have you ever gone to the bathroom and noticed your poop was a greenish-blue color?
While many of us think that poop should always be brown, there are many colors and textures for this bodily function.
If you’re experiencing this for the first time, you may wonder why this happens, and should I be concerned?
This article will answer these questions by discussing why some people’s stools turn a specific color and how you can understand what is causing this change.
Why Is My Poop Greenish?
If you’re experiencing green stools, there are a few different possible explanations.
One of these is that your dietary intake has caused a change in color and texture.
Another common cause for green stool is related to bile production.
Healthy bile should turn brown or yellow-green depending on its concentration, but sometimes an excess can lead it to seep into your intestines, where it mixes with other digested food matter.
When too much bile reaches the large intestine, it turns poop greenish-blue.
What Should I Do If My Poop Is Green?
If you experience green stool, try increasing fruits and vegetables in your diet to help regulate bowel movements.
Hydration is another helpful tool for healthy digestion.
Lastly, do your best to exercise regularly, as this can help speed up your digestive system and promote a healthier bowel movement.
Why Is My Poop Blue-Green And My Stomach Hurts?
If your stools are green and you’re also feeling nauseous, it may indicate a food poisoning infection.
In this instance, the harmful bacteria may have entered your small intestine, where they can release toxins that cause diarrhea.
In some cases, this results in an infectious illness, with nausea being one of the side effects.
Should I Be Worried About Green Poop?
If you’re experiencing green stool for the first time, don’t panic.
There are several reasons why your poop is this color, and most of them aren’t serious or life-threatening.
If the color change persists for more than a few days, speak with your doctor to ensure there isn’t some underlying cause that needs to be addressed.
Does Green Poop Mean Infection?
Green stool color does not always mean infection.
If your stools are naturally dark in color, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a healthy bile color and one caused by illness or food poisoning.
The best way to determine if you have an infection is through blood work that looks for antibodies associated with specific types of bacteria, including salmonella, shigella, E Coli, and campylobacter species.
If your results return positive for any of these infections, you may require antibiotics, but this also depends on your overall health condition and immune response.
Can Liver Problems Cause Green Stool?
Yes, liver problems can cause green stool.
If your liver is either diseased or struggling to process toxins, these substances may build up in the digestive system and lead to diarrhea or greenish-blue poop.
In this instance, you should be concerned with fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the abdomen, which could indicate a severe condition requiring immediate medical attention.
What Does Unhealthy Poop Look Like?
Unhealthy poop will typically have an unpleasant odor and be thin and runny rather than thick and sticky like healthy bowel movements usually are.
If you’re concerned about the health of your digestive system, speak with a doctor.
They will be able to use their medical expertise and resources to help determine if there is something wrong with your body.
Your doctor may order lab tests and stool samples that can find a parasitic infection or other types of issues like colon cancer.
When Should I See A Doctor For Green Poop?
As we all know, occasionally, something weird like greenish-blue poop happens.
In general, if you are not in pain, it’s not a huge concern.
Here are a few circumstances where it is critical to talk with your doctor about your concerns:
- You experience green stools for more than three days in a row
- You experience abdominal pain during bowel movements
With this in mind, you know your body best.
If you are worried about the color of your stool or digestive health, don’t hesitate to contact your primary medical provider.
Summary
Whether your poop is green, blue-green, or any other color of the rainbow, it’s essential to know what could be causing the change in your bowel movement.
It can be perfectly normal or a sign that there are health issues present such as liver problems.
If you notice anything strange about your bowel movements, such as blood in your stool, stomach pain, or unexpected weight loss, we recommend seeing a doctor immediately for further assessment.
You can also try taking a probiotic. Here’s our list of the best rated probiotics on the market.
