Poop is also called stool. It is solid-waste coming off your body. It is discharged from your anal tract – after foods you eat are digested well. People poop once or twice within 24 hours. Poop is discharged smoothly – with no discomforts. More than 70% of poop has water in it. At times, poop may be of different color. But why is my poop orange? It is of use to know more on this.
Orange poop is largely considered harmless. It is due to the type of foods you take; for example, a diet with high level of beta carotene (an orange-colored food ingredient) or food-dyes may lead to this. At times, a few types of medications can lead to this. If you are witnessing frequent changes in poop color, it can be due to a medical condition. Often, it may have something to do with your gastric or digestive system.
You are advised to check if stool color gets back to a normal. If the change in color persists for more than 3 days, it is a good practice to see your qualified caregiver.
What causes my poop to turn orange?
Intake of foods rich in beta carotene viz., carrots, pumpkin, papaya, apricots and sweet potatoes can make poop orange. Additives present in drinks, candies and popsicles can also lead to this discoloration. As part of side effects of drugs – like antacids which have aluminium hydroxide in them – can turn poop orange.
Those living with severe ailments such as bile-acid-related conditions and / or gallbladder disorders are more likely to discharge orange-colored poop. You need to remember orange-colored poop can also be a sign of Crohn's disease, liver problems like cirrhosis or irritable bowel syndrome.
Poop discoloration
Poop of dark or light brown is considered normal. This also signifies a regular bowel-movement.
But greening of poop may occur due to infections or faster rate of digestion; it may show up when you take leafy-greens. On the other hand, reddening of poop can be because of taking juice of tomato, intake of beet, etc. Red-colored poop may also be due to internal bleeding through the gastric tract or due to onset of hemorrhoid(s).
In some cases yellowing of poop can occur owing to poor absorption of foods, intake of fat-rich food products or it can be due to celiac disease. Blackened-poop can show up when you eat grapefruit, chocolate, etc.
Dark-colored poop may also be due to bleeding from upper abdomen, presence of peptic ulcer(s), etc. But pale-colored poop may be indicative of internal blocks in liver or gallbladder.
How Long Does GERD Last? GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a chronic condition that can last for years or even a lifetime without proper treatment. Symptoms like heartburn may come and go, but they often return without lifestyle changes or medication. With treatment, symptoms may improve within a few weeks, but ongoing management is usually needed to keep GERD under control.
You are advised to check if your poop is soft as well as consistent in texture. Poop tells a lot about your overall wellbeing; so, report to your doctor of changes in its color, shape or structure.
Caveat: Discoloration of poop can be medical condition; your doctor may order a few tests to rule-out conditions like a microbial infection or problems in your digestive tract.
Home remedies for poop discoloration
It is possible to try out a few home-based remedies when you see a change in poop color. If you are having a digestive condition, you can take probiotics like yogurt. You can take milder foods such as kefir.
It also pays to look into your sleeping cycles, as a good night’s sleep helps digest foods with ease. You can also pursue daily workouts to enable better movement of bowels.
So when to see a doctor?
Foremost of all, discoloration of poop is not a worrisome condition. But, blackened or reddened poop needs to be taken more seriously. In such cases, seek clinical assistance without much delay. You are advised to rush to a local healthcare setting if you find traces of mucus or blood in poop.
Your doctor may order a panel of tests to assess your medical condition. This diagnostic panel often includes blood test(s), an endoscopy or an ultrasound scan.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.