Let’s talk about something that everyone does, but no one really wants to talk about – poo. We all know it’s a normal part of life, but did you know that the colour of your stool can tell you a lot about your digestive health? If you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), you’re probably already familiar with the ups and downs of your gut, but knowing what your poo’s colour is saying can help you understand your body and manage your symptoms.
So, grab a seat (preferably not on the toilet), and let’s chat about the rainbow of poo colours you might encounter and what they could mean for your gut health.
Brown – Any Shade is Good
What it means: Brown is the most common and the healthiest colour for your poo. Any shade of brown is generally considered to be good. The reason for this brown hue is bile, which is a digestive fluid produced by your liver. As bile moves through your intestines, it changes colour from green to yellow to brown, which is why a healthy stool is usually this classic colour.
For IBS sufferers: If your poo is brown, it’s a sign that your digestive system is working fairly well, even if you have IBS. However, fluctuations in stool consistency (like having harder or looser stools) are also common with IBS, so keep an eye on how your brown poo behaves.
Green – Leafy Greens Say Hello
What it means: You might see green poo after eating a lot of leafy greens (like spinach or kale), or foods with green food colouring. If you haven’t been eating these foods, then green poo could be a sign that food is moving quickly through your intestines and there might not have been enough time for bile to break down fully.
For IBS sufferers: Green stools can be linked to IBS symptoms like diarrhoea, where food moves too quickly through the digestive system. If you are having green-tinted stools on a regular basis, then it’s a good idea to check your diet for trigger foods that are causing diarrhoea (if you need help, check out our FODMAP Made Easy program). It also might be time to check your fibre intake to make sure you are getting enough fibre to form stable bowel motions.
Yellow – Excess Fat Alert
What it means: Yellow stool can happen when there’s excess fat in your stool, which might be the result of malabsorption (when your body isn’t absorbing nutrients properly). This can occur if your body isn’t fully breaking down fats or if there’s an issue with the pancreas or bile production. If the poo is yellow and particularly greasy, then it could also have an unpleasant and foul smell.
For IBS sufferers: Yellow stools can sometimes be associated with IBS, especially if you have the type of IBS that involves frequent diarrhoea. It can also occur if there are issues with fat digestion. If you experience yellow stool along with stomach cramps or bloating, it might be time to talk to your doctor.
Black – Iron Tablets or Something More?
What it means: Black stool can look alarming, but it’s not always a cause for concern. Sometimes, eating certain foods like black licorice, blueberries, or foods with dark food colouring can turn your stool dark. Iron tablets can also be a common cause of black poo. However, if your stool is black and tarry, it could be a sign of internal bleeding (often from the upper gastrointestinal tract, like the stomach or esophagus), so it’s important to seek medical advice quickly.
For IBS sufferers: Black stool might be a little scarier for people with IBS, but it’s most often caused by something you ate. If your stool is black and you haven’t eaten any foods or medications that could cause this, or if you’re experiencing other symptoms like vomiting or dizziness, it’s best to get checked out by your healthcare provider.
