Why Is My Poop Black?

Author
By shirley
Reviewed
Reviewed: dr. stavarache
Article Sources Article Sources
  • 1. Michael F. Picco, M.D. 'Stool Color: When to Worry.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 10 Oct. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/stool-color/expert-answers/faq-20058080.
  • 2. 'Iron & Oral Supplements for Anemia: Types & Benefits.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14568-oral-iron-supplementation.
  • 3. 'Iron Supplement (Oral Route, Parenteral Route) Side Effects.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 1 Mar. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/iron-supplement-oral-route-parenteral-route/side-effects/drg-20070148.
  • 4. 'Bismuth Subsalicylate: MedlinePlus Drug Information.' MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607040.html.
  • 5. 'Bismuth Subsalicylate (Oral Route) Side Effects.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 1 Feb. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/bismuth-subsalicylate-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20068521?p=1.
  • 6. 'Stools with Blood.' University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, 9 Nov. 2018, uihc.org/health-topics/stools-blood.
  • 7. Commissioner, Office of the. 'Black Licorice: Trick or Treat?' U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/black-licorice-trick-or-treat.
  • 8. 'Rectal Bleeding: Causes, Colors, Tests & When To Call The Doctor.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/14612-rectal-bleeding.
  • 9. 'Peptic Ulcer.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 Aug. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peptic-ulcer/symptoms-causes/syc-20354223.
  • 10. 'Esophageal Cancer.' NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders), 15 Aug. 2019, rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/esophageal-cancer/.
  • 11. 'Colon Cancer Symptoms.' Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/colon-cancer/colon-cancer-symptoms.
  • 12. 'Mallory Weiss Syndrome.' NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders), rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/mallory-weiss-syndrome/.
  • 13. 'Esophageal Varices.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 20 Feb. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/esophageal-varices/symptoms-causes/syc-20351538.
  • 14. 'Arteriovenous Malformations.' Seattle Children's Hospital, www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/avm/.
  • 15. 'Black or Tarry Stools: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.' MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003130.htm.
  • 16. 'Gastrointestinal Bleeding.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 15 Oct. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastrointestinal-bleeding/symptoms-causes/syc-20372729.
  • 17. 'Gastrointestinal Bleeding or Blood in the Stool.' Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/gastrointestinal-bleeding-or-blood-in-the-stool.
Medical Expert Medical Expert

3. Foods That Cause Black Poop

Eating large quantities of certain foods may cause bowel movements to appear black. Common culprits include blueberries, black licorice and dark leafy vegetables.6‘Stools with Blood.’ University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, 9 Nov. 2018, uihc.org/health-topics/stools-blood.

For people over age 40 with a history of heart disease or high blood pressure, or both, consuming two or more ounces of black licorice daily for two weeks or more may lower potassium levels in the body, leading to heart rhythm abnormalities, elevated blood pressure, lethargy, swelling and congestive heart failure. Side effects end with no long-term impact when consumption of black licorice ceases.7Commissioner, Office of the. ‘Black Licorice: Trick or Treat?’ U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/black-licorice-trick-or-treat.

Black Stool

Home | Privacy Policy | Editorial | Unsubscribe | | About Us

This site offers information designed for entertainment & educational purposes only. With any health related topic discussed on this site you should not rely on any information on this site as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or as a substitute for, professional counseling care, advice, treatment, or diagnosis. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.