​What your poop colour says about your health and risk of serious diseases​

Talking about poop (stool), especially its colour and consistency, is not really one of the most comfortable dinner-table conversations. However, you must pay attention to bowel movements. Because your poop can really offer clues about your health and any underlying conditions. From gut health to liver function, your poop colour could hint at your overall health.

The colour of your poop really matters, regardless of whether you like to discuss it or not. This is why paying attention to your poop matters. "Everyone has one at some point: a weird colored poop. Some of them come from something you ate, but others might indicate something worrisome," Dr Trischa Pasricha, a double board-certified Harvard physician and scientist, told The Washington Post.

Let’s start with the basics. What is the colour of normal poop? Brown. Yes, that’s right. Brown is the ideal poop colour for adults. According to Dr Joseph Salhab, a board-certified gastroenterologist trained at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, if your poop colour is brown, it means you have a healthy gut. In a video shared on Instagram, he said that brown is the 'typical colour for poop' and it 'generally indicates a healthy digestive system.’

According to Dr Salhab, each poop colour tells you something about your health.

Yellow: If your poop looks yellow, it means excess fat in the stool. “This can be a sign of malabsorption disorders like pancreatic insufficiency, bile acid deficiency, and celiac disease, where your body isn’t absorbing nutrients properly,” the doctor said.

Pale: If your poop is pale or clay-coloured, it could be due to the lack of bile. Dr Salhab explained that this may be due to a blockage in the bile ducts or the gallbladder, along with other liver issues.

Green: If your poop looks green, chances are you have ingested green leafy vegetables or green food colouring. Dr Salhab added that sometimes, when food moves too quickly through the digestive tract, in cases of diarrhea, it doesn’t give bile enough time to break down completely, resulting in the colour.

Blue or purple: If you notice your poop in hues of blue or purple, know that it's rare. Yes, that’s right. This only happens when you consume foods or drinks with strong blue or purple colouring.

Black: If your poop looks tarry or black, it could be a cause for concern. When you take iron supplements or some medications such as bismuth, Pepto-Bismol, your poop could look black. “However, it can also indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as from an ulcer, and requires immediate medical attention,” the gastroenterologist warned.

Red: Ever saw a red hue in your poop? Dr Salhab revealed that it might be caused by eating red-colored foods like beets or food colouring. But it could also mean something serious. Bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract, including the colon or rectum, may cause red poop. “This is a serious concern and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional promptly,” he said.

Though discussing poop may feel odd at first, you must talk to your doctor if your poop colour is not normal. This could probably save you from serious illnesses, and expensive medical bills in the future.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.