What Causes Green Stool?
Any color stool other than brown can be alarming, especially when that color is green. Grass is green…dollar bills are green…your beloved’s eyes are green…but poop should never be green, right?
Believe it or not, green stool isn’t that uncommon. The liver secretes bright green liquid called bile. Bile works to soften stools and is what makes them appear brown in color. When bile is moved through the intestines, it changes from bright green to yellow to brown. When it moves through the intestines too quickly, the bile often remains green, resulting in green poop or green diarrhea.
There are multiple reasons bile may move through the intestines too quickly, including:
- Use of laxatives
- Food poisoning
- Celiac disease
- Medication side effects
- Malabsorption
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Crohn’s disease
Typically green stool is nothing to worry about unless it is accompanied by symptoms of other health issues.
When to See a Doctor
If you notice that your stool has gone from brown to green, don’t panic. Green stool can be alarming, but it isn’t always cause for concern. Seek medical attention if:
- Your poop remains green for several days
- You experience diarrhea and vomiting
- You know you have a medical condition such as Crohn’s disease, Grave’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
If something feels off, you should always trust your gut and call your doctor or visit your local FastMed Urgent Care. FastMed is a leader in offering medical care that is prompt, personal, and available when you need it. We accept all major insurance plans, offer discount programs to self-pay patients, and never require an appointment. Need to see a healthcare professional quickly? Check-in online!