Is Your Poop Normal?

Most Common Causes Of Abnormal Stool

Abnormal stools are usually caused by diet and certain medications, and they can also be an indication of an underlying health issue. Patients may notice changes in the color of their stool after eating certain foods. For example, eating blueberries, beetroot, or licorice could cause the stool to turn black, and patients might also notice a black stool during treatment with iron supplements. Changes in stool texture could be triggered by diet and medication as well. If the stool becomes hard or lumpy, this may indicate a lack of fiber in the diet. Watery, loose stools may occur after consuming artificial sweeteners or overly spicy food. Common medical conditions such as hemorrhoids and irritable bowel syndrome are associated with stool changes such as blood in the stool. Patients should mention stool changes to their physician.

Learn about how to keep stool healthy next.