The color of stools can vary depending on several factors: hydration, physical activity, stress level, but above all… diet. In fact, what you eat directly influences the appearance of your stools, which are made up of residues not assimilated by the body.
Thus, it is not uncommon for certain unusual colors to appear after eating certain foods rich in pigments. Overview of the most common.
Minor red stools
If you notice red stools a few hours after eating beets, there is no need to be alarmed. This vegetable is rich in betanin, a natural red-purple pigment that the body does not completely break down. Result: a part is evacuated in the urine or stools.
This phenomenon is benign and temporary. However, if the red color persists for several days or occurs without consumption of beetroot, it is preferable to consult, as this may indicate the presence of blood.
Stools that turn green
Spinach, arugula, broccoli… All these vegetables contain a lot of chlorophyll, the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis. Large consumption can cause green stools.
No need to worry: this is a sign that your digestive tract is functioning normally. However, green stools can also appear in the event of accelerated transit (diarrhea, gastroenteritis), when the bile, naturally green, does not have time to be transformed.
Black stools
A black color of stools can be impressive, but it is often linked to the consumption of foods or supplements rich in iron: black pudding, blueberries, offal, liquorice, or even activated charcoal.
In these cases, nothing alarming. But be careful: if the stools turn black, smelly, and you haven’t eaten iron-containing foods recently, this may be a sign of digestive bleeding. A medical consultation is then essential.
Yellow or orange stools
Pale yellow to orange stools may indicate poor fat absorption, a phenomenon called steatorrhea. This can occur after a very fatty meal (fried foods, sauces, industrial dishes), but also be linked to a pathology such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease or pancreatic insufficiency.
If this type of stool becomes frequent, a medical check-up is necessary to check the proper functioning of the pancreas or bile ducts.
Remember that a temporary change in stool color is often linked to what you have eaten. It is generally safe. But if this change persists, is accompanied by other symptoms, or occurs without an obvious dietary cause, it is better to consult a health professional.