What makes poop colors?

Changes in the color, consistency, and frequency of bowel movements is known as a "change in bowel habits." Most people have experienced infrequent bouts of diarrhea, constipation, or a strange discoloration of their stool at one time or another. In some cases, an unusual stool color is harmless and can be attributed to a particular food or medication-but not always. Changes in bowel habits that persist can be a serious matter and should always be investigated by a physician. Black or red stools can indicate internal bleeding somewhere in the gastrointestinal tract. Causes of black colored stools (known as melena) * acidified blood * blood from higher in the digestive tract * iron supplements or foods high in iron * Pepto-Bismol or other medicines containing bismuth * black licorice * large amounts of spinach or other greens * blueberries * aspirin * other foods dark in color such as chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos) Causes of red colored stools (known as hematochezia) * blood * hemorrhoids * red Gelatin, popsicles, or Kool-Aid * Tomato Juice or soup * large amounts beets Causes of pale or clay colored stools * lack of bile salt (bile salt gives stool its brownish color) * antacids containing aluminum hydroxide * barium from a recent barium enema test * hepatitis Causes of green stools * large amounts of green, leafy vegetables * green or purple artificial coloring (popsicles, Kool-Aid, gelatin) * iron supplements * rapid transit or decreased colonic transit time Causes of orange colored stools * some medications (such as beta-carotene and rifampen) * foods high in beta-carotene: carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots, winter squash, pumpkin, cantaloupe, and mangoes If a change in stool color cannot be attributed to a dietary reason, or is accompanied by any other symptoms (such as diarrhea, constipation, weakness, or dizziness), a doctor should be consulted.