Dark Green Stool

The bowel movement for a healthy individual is usually yellowish brown in color. It comprises about 75 percent water and 25 percent solid matter, which may contain undigested food particles, intestinal bacteria and waste materials. However, at times, unusual colored poops like dark brown, green, black, white or reddish pass out due to several reasons. Green stools, either light or dark shade may be harmless. Nevertheless, it is to be borne in mind that it may be a sign of underlying digestive or intestinal problems, especially if you are passing dark stools frequently. Hence, it is advisable to identify the causes, risk factors and various treatment options for dark green stools.

Dark Green Stool Causes

Many a times, mothers report that their breastfed babies pass unusual green stools. In fact, dark green stools are observed most often in toddlers and babies. Also, occasional passing of dark green stools is quite common among adults. Speaking about the dark green stool causes, there are several possibilities that may result in dark green colored stools. Following is a list of the possible causes of dark green stools:

Diet Plan: One of the most common causes of dark green stools is consumption of ample amounts of green vegetables such as spinach, peas, broccoli and lettuce. Passing dark green black stool may also be an indication that the diet plan is enriched with food coloring, sugar and iron.

Digestive Problems: Dark green stools can be caused due to abnormal digestion process. In case of malabsorption of food particles in the intestinal tract, the stool may develop green coloration. Also, if the bile salts are passed to the rectum without undergoing changes in the intestines, then the stool turns dark green.

Medications: Dark green stools may also be resulted due to certain medications. Those individuals who administer laxatives and any type of antibiotics have high chances of passing dark green stools.

Excessive Bacteria: As already mentioned, the defecate normally consists of bacterial colonies. If there is an over presence of bacteria, particularly Salmonella in the stool, then the color turns unusual, possibly green.

Other Causes: Other dark green stool causes are food poisoning, starvation stools, intestinal problem, presence of Giardia (a protozoan), irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease and ulcerative colitis.

Dark Green Stool Health Risks

Dark green bowel movements is not a subject of concern, provided that the frequency of passing dark green stool occurs occasionally. In case, it occurs recurrently, then it is advisable to seek medical attention. If the dark green stool is related to ingested food items and/or therapeutic medications, then there is no need to worry about it. On the contrary, passing of dark green stools should be treated, if it is caused due to food poisoning or digestive disorders. One should consult a qualified physician in case dark green stool is associated with symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, rectal pain, fever and weight loss.

Dark Green Stool Treatment

Prior to treatment for dark green stools, the physician analyzes the stool sample for any abnormal changes. Some of the diagnostic procedures that are conducted for dark green stools are stool culture, X-ray, blood tests and colonoscopy. The therapeutic treatment options for dark green stools vary depending upon the associated symptoms, underlying health condition (if any) and diagnostic results. The doctor may prescribe a change in the diet plan and eating habits along with other medications to improve digestive health. Drinking ample amounts of water to keep the body well-hydrated is another effective home remedy to treat dark green stools.