So, Why Is My Poop Green?

Believe it or not – the color, shape and consistency of your stool says a lot about your health. When your stool changes in one of these ways, there are a number of reasons why. When stool turns green, it can be a little alarming at first.

A common reaction is to assume the reason for green feces is that you are ill in some way, but that may not necessarily be the case.

Yes, there are certain situations in which you should contact your doctor when stool changes, but we’re going to explore some of the more common causes for green stool in adults that do not require medical intervention.* So, what causes green poop?

Medication

Antibiotics, iron supplements and laxatives are common causes for green stool. Your body should adjust to taking these substances after a day or two, and stool color will likely return to normal. If you continue to experience green or unusual stool after a couple of days, you can reach out to your provider and check on whether this is to be expected, given the particular medication.

Diet

Have you recently upped your intake of green (leafy) vegetables? Your cravings for green vegetables may be the reason why your stool has changed color. Don’t worry – it’s not something to be concerned about if you do not exhibit any other GI symptoms. Your body is simply not used to ingesting a larger amount of green foods, regardless of whether those foods are green naturally or dyed. Everyone’s sensitivity to food coloring is different – some people are simply more sensitive, and their stool may be affected accordingly.

Diarrhea Sometimes when diarrhea is severe it can turn a person’s stool green because any food you ingest is not being digested properly and nutrients aren’t being absorbed. If you experience diarrhea that lasts for more than 48 hours, or you also have a fever, abdominal/rectal pain, blood in stool, and/or dark urine, you should seek medical care.

IBS attack

An IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) flare-up can lead to changes in stool, including a green discoloration. It is important for those with IBS to keep track of what triggers their symptoms in order to avoid a flare-up.

*Generally, changes in stool such as discoloration tend to go away within a few days and are not a cause for concern. However, if your stool remains discolored or unusual for more than a few days or if you experience other digestive issues that also remain, please contact your doctor in order to determine if there is a need for an exam.