Why Is My Poop Black?
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.
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- 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.
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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.
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