Crystell Harty
Black or tarry stools can be caused by a number of factors, including internal bleeding in the upper digestive tract, iron supplements, or certain foods such as black licorice, blueberries, or beets. While laxatives are commonly used to treat constipation, they are not typically associated with black stool. However, it is important to note that laxative misuse or overuse can lead to health complications, and it is always advisable to consult a doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects.
What You'll Learn
Laxatives can cause black stool by increasing the amount of iron in your system
It is important to note that laxatives do not typically cause black stool. However, if you are experiencing black stool after taking laxatives, it is best to consult a doctor as it may be an indication of a more serious issue.
That being said, laxatives can cause black stool by increasing the amount of iron in your system. This is because laxatives can speed up the movement of food through the digestive tract, which can result in less time for the body to absorb iron from the food. As a result, excess iron can remain in the digestive tract and form complexes with other compounds, leading to black-coloured stools.
Iron supplements are a common cause of black stool, and this is due to the body only being able to absorb a certain amount of iron at a time. The excess iron in the gut can react with other compounds produced by gut bacteria, resulting in black stool. This is a harmless side effect and is not an indication of too much iron.
However, it is important to be aware that while black stool may be caused by iron supplements, it can also indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract, stomach, small intestine, or right side of the colon. Therefore, if you are experiencing black stool and are concerned, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional.
To summarise, while laxatives can contribute to black stool by increasing the amount of unabsorbed iron in the digestive tract, it is not a direct cause-and-effect relationship. If you are experiencing black stool, there may be other factors at play, and consulting a doctor is recommended to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Black stool is a sign of internal bleeding
Black or tarry stools are a sign of a problem in the upper digestive tract. This is often an indication of bleeding in the stomach, small intestine, or right side of the colon. The term melena is used to describe this finding.
The black colour of the stool is due to the oxidation of blood haemoglobin during the bleeding in the ileum and colon. Melena also refers to stools or vomit stained black by blood pigment or dark blood products and may indicate upper GI bleeding.
The colour of the blood in the stools can indicate the source of the bleeding. Black or tarry stools are indicative of bleeding in the upper part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as the oesophagus, stomach, or the first part of the small intestine. In this case, the blood is darker because it gets digested as it passes through the GI tract.
Peptic ulcers are the most common cause of acute upper GI bleeding. Black and tarry stools may also be caused by:
- Abnormal blood vessels in the oesophagus, stomach, or duodenum
- A tear in the oesophagus from violent vomiting (Mallory-Weiss tear)
- Blood supply being cut off to part of the intestines
- Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis)
- Trauma or a foreign body
- Widened, overgrown veins (called varices) in the oesophagus and stomach, commonly caused by liver cirrhosis
- Cancer of the oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, or ampulla of Vater
If you are experiencing black or tarry stools, it is important to contact your healthcare provider right away. They will be able to advise on the necessary tests and treatment options.
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Black stool can be caused by bleeding in the upper GI tract
Black stool, or melena, is a symptom of internal bleeding, usually in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The blood turns black as it travels through the digestive system before being excreted. The medical term for this is melena, which is diagnosed when a healthcare provider has confirmed that the colour of the stool is, indeed, from internal bleeding.
The black colour of the stool is due to the blood being digested on its way through the GI tract. The digestive chemicals interact with the blood, changing its colour and texture. The longer the blood has travelled, the darker it becomes. The colour of the blood in the stool can indicate the source of the bleeding.
Black or tarry stools with a foul smell are a sign of a problem in the upper digestive tract. It often indicates bleeding in the stomach, small intestine, or right side of the colon. The term melena is used to describe this finding.
Peptic ulcers are the most common cause of acute upper GI bleeding. Black and tarry stools may also occur due to abnormal blood vessels in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum; a tear in the esophagus from violent vomiting (Mallory-Weiss tear); the blood supply being cut off to part of the intestines; inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis); trauma or foreign body; widened, overgrown veins (varices) in the esophagus and stomach, commonly caused by liver cirrhosis; or cancer of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, or ampulla of Vater.
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Black stool can be caused by constipation
Black stool can be indicative of a more serious health problem, but it can also be caused by something as simple as constipation. Constipation occurs when stools become hard, making them difficult or painful to pass. This can be caused by not consuming enough fibre or drinking enough fluids. Constipation can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as calcium channel blockers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
If you are experiencing constipation, you may also have abdominal cramps, feel bloated or sick, or have difficulty passing a bowel movement. In this case, your stool may appear dark or black, and it may be hard and dry, looking like small, hard pellets.
To treat constipation, laxatives can be used to help empty the bowels. However, it is important to be cautious when using laxatives, as they can have side effects such as abdominal cramps and dehydration. Improving your diet and increasing your fluid intake can also help reduce constipation.
If you are experiencing black stool, it is important to determine the cause. Black stool can be caused by something as simple as consuming dark-coloured foods or drinks, such as beets, dark beer, black licorice, or blueberries. It can also be a side effect of iron supplements or certain medications. However, black stool can also be a sign of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which can be caused by a peptic ulcer, gastritis, inflammation, colon polyps, or colon cancer. If you are experiencing any other symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or a foul-smelling stool, it is important to contact your healthcare provider right away.
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Black stool can be caused by medication side effects
Iron supplements are another medication that can cause black stools. Iron pills are often taken to treat anemia, a condition that occurs when there is a lack of red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body.
It is important to note that while these medication side effects are harmless and temporary, any concerns about black stool should be discussed with a doctor. Additionally, if you are experiencing any other symptoms or if the black stool persists after discontinuing the medication, it is important to seek medical advice.
Furthermore, laxatives, which are commonly used to treat constipation, can also cause side effects such as abdominal cramps and dehydration, which can lead to lightheadedness, headaches, and darker urine. However, there is no direct evidence that laxatives cause black stools.
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Frequently asked questions
Laxatives themselves do not typically turn stool black. Black or tarry stools are often a sign of bleeding in the upper digestive tract, stomach, small intestine, or right side of the colon. However, some laxatives contain iron, which can cause black stool.
Increasing daily fibre intake, consuming more water, and adding bulking agents such as bran to the diet are natural ways to alleviate constipation without resorting to laxatives. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, can also help move food through the colon more quickly.
Laxatives can have various side effects, including abdominal cramps, dehydration, and darker urine. More serious but rare side effects include intestinal obstruction, electrolyte shifts, and diarrhoea. Long-term use can lead to laxative dependency and internal organ damage.
Several foods and beverages can result in black-coloured stool, including beets, dark beers, black liquorice, blueberries, and blood sausage. Consuming iron supplements or medicines containing bismuth, such as Pepto-Bismol, can also lead to black stool.
