Poop Color Chart: What Each Color Means and When to Worry

What does the color of your poop mean? - Hyaluxe Body

Most of the time, poop color simply reflects what you ate and how fast food moved through your gut. Brown is normal, green is usually fine, and red, black, pale or greasy yellow stools are worth paying attention to, especially if they last more than a couple of days. Here is a simple color guide and the signs that mean it is time to call your doctor.

What does normal poop look like?

Stool is mostly water, undigested food, fiber, bacteria and bile. Healthy poop is usually some shade of brown, soft to firm, easy to pass without straining, and you are done within a few minutes. The brown color comes from bile, a digestive fluid your liver makes, as it breaks down on its way through your intestines.

Poop color guide

Brown

Normal. Any shade from light to dark brown is typical.

Green

Usually normal. Leafy greens, green smoothies, food coloring and iron supplements can all turn stool green. Green can also mean food moved through quickly, for example with loose stools, so bile did not have time to fully break down.

Yellow or greasy

Yellow, greasy or foul-smelling stool that floats can mean your body is not absorbing fat well. A one-off after a fatty meal is common. If it keeps happening, see your doctor, since it can be linked to digestive conditions that need proper testing.

Red

Beets, cranberries, tomato juice and red food coloring can turn stool red, and the color goes away within a day or two. Red can also be blood. If you have not eaten red foods, or it happens more than once, contact your doctor.

Black

Iron supplements, bismuth stomach remedies, activated charcoal, blueberries and blackberries can make stool very dark. Black, tar-like, sticky stool that is not explained by these can be a sign of bleeding higher in the digestive tract and needs medical attention quickly.

Pale, white or clay-colored

Some medicines, such as antidiarrheals, can lighten stool. Pale stool that continues can mean bile is not reaching the intestines, so it should be checked by a doctor.

When to see a doctor

  • Black, tarry or bloody stool that is not explained by food or supplements.
  • Pale or clay-colored stool that lasts more than a day or two.
  • Any color change that lasts two weeks or more.
  • Color changes together with belly pain, fever, weight loss, vomiting or dizziness.

Everyday habits for comfortable digestion

  • Fiber and water together: vegetables, fruit, legumes and whole grains, with enough water to keep things moving.
  • Regular meals and movement: a daily walk helps your gut as much as your mood.
  • A calm evening ritual: many women like a gentle belly massage with castor oil before bed. Read how in our guide to castor oil in the belly button, and see how stress affects your gut in how stress sabotages your digestion.

Frequently asked questions

What color should healthy poop be?

Brown, in any shade from light to dark. Occasional green is also normal.

Why is my poop green?

Usually because of leafy greens, food coloring or iron supplements, or because food moved through quickly.

Is black poop dangerous?

It can be harmless after iron supplements, bismuth or dark berries. Black, tarry stool without one of those reasons needs medical attention.

Why is my poop yellow?

Often after a fatty meal. If it is greasy and keeps happening, talk to your doctor.

How long should a color change last before I worry?

Food-related changes usually clear within a day or two. See your doctor if a change lasts two weeks, or right away for black, bloody or pale stool.

This article is for general information and is not medical advice. If you are worried about a change in your stool, contact your doctor.


Sculpt and Decongest Lymphatic/Metabolic Body Bundle Overnight Bundle for Lymphatic, Liver and Gut detoxification and restoration Body Sculpt Bundle for Cellulite and Stagnant Lymph The Belly Debloat Bundle Skin Repairing, Immune boosting, Detoxification Bath Pods (10 Pods)

Body Favorites

Why You're Here

Take a look at some of our favorite body bundles each one curated to meet your needs in a way that is unique to your body.

Explore Collection Take the Quiz

Long Term Wellness.

Join our exclusive membership