What are the causes of black stool?
Jun 29, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In general, black stool may be caused by food pigments, irregular lifestyle habits, hemorrhoids, colitis, gastric ulcers, or other reasons. If you experience any discomfort, please seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. It is also important to maintain regular eating and sleeping habits, and engage in appropriate physical activity to promote gastrointestinal motility.
Generally, black stool may be caused by food pigments, irregular lifestyle habits, hemorrhoids, colitis, gastric ulcers, and other conditions. If you experience any discomfort, please seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Food Pigment Influence
Consuming excessive amounts of foods rich in melanin or iron—such as pork blood, sheep blood, black sesame seeds, and black beans—may alter stool color, turning it black. It is recommended to adjust your diet and reduce intake of iron-rich or darkly pigmented foods.
2. Irregular Lifestyle Habits
Irregular eating or sleeping patterns can disrupt digestive system function, potentially affecting stool color. Adjusting lifestyle habits, increasing physical activity, and promoting gastrointestinal motility may help resolve the issue.
3. Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are often caused by prolonged consumption of greasy or spicy foods and may lead to bleeding, resulting in black stool. Symptoms typically include anal pain, itching, and bleeding. Follow your doctor's instructions for treatment with medications such as Zhisuining tablets, Qinghuo Zhimai tablets, or Huajiao pills.
4. Colitis
Colitis may result from improper diet or bacterial infection and can cause bleeding of the colon mucosa, leading to black stool. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, mucus in stool, and bloody or purulent stools. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as mesalazine enteric-coated tablets, azathioprine tablets, or montmorillonite powder.
5. Gastric Ulcer
Gastric ulcers may be triggered by poor dietary habits or bacterial infections, leading to bleeding of the gastric mucosa and causing black stool. Typical symptoms include upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Under a doctor’s guidance, medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated tablets, hydrotalcite tablets, or clarithromycin tablets may be used for treatment.
Maintaining regular eating and sleeping habits, engaging in moderate physical activity to promote gastrointestinal motility, and monitoring changes in stool color are important. Seek medical attention promptly if abnormalities occur.
