Variations in the colour of a person’s stool can indicate a medical condition that may need to be investigated and treated. Orange poop is often a sign that a person should change something in their diet.
Stool colour
Healthy bowel movements typically produce stools that are brown in colour. Common colour changes that can indicate a problem include:
- Red:Blood smears when wiping could be a sign of haemorrhoids or an anal tear, known as a fissure. Bright red blood or maroon blood in the stool could signify internal bleeding.
- Black:A black stool may indicate excess iron consumption. However, bleeding from the oesophagus, stomach, or an ulcer can also make poop look black.
- Cream or light-coloured:A pale stool may be a sign that bile salts are absent. This deficiency could be caused by conditions that affect the pancreas, gallbladder, or liver.
- Green:Green stools commonly occur due to conditions that cause diarrhoea or a diet that is rich in leafy greens or heavy in artificial colouring.
A person’s diet and medication can also affect the colour of their stool.
What causes orange poop?
Diet is a common reason for a person’s stool to be orange.
Foods
Any food or drink with a distinctive colour can change the colour of a person’s poop.
For example, eating a lot of blueberries or drinking soda containing blue dye can make the stool appear blue.
When a person’s poop is orange, it could be because they have consumed excess beta-carotene, an orange pigment found in fruits and vegetables.
Foods that are high in beta-carotene include:
- carrots
- sweet potato
- squash
- mangoes
- apricots
- pumpkin
- some leafy greens
- some herbs
Foods and drinks that contain artificial dye can also make poop appear orange. These dyes may be yellow, orange, or red.
Products that often contain artificial dye include:
- candies
- soda
- popsicles
Consuming escolar, which is a fish that lives in tropical waters, can also make a person’s stool orange. This is because the fish contains an indigestible fat that is released into the bowel and affects the colour of the waste.
Digestive problems
Certain digestive issues can also cause a change in stool colour, usually making it appear pale, green, black, or red
One condition that affects the lining of the oesophagus and stomach is gastroesophageal reflux (GER). When the condition occurs long-term, it is known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
GERD occurs when the contents of the stomach repeatedly move back into the oesophagus, causing inflammation and damage.
This condition is also called acid reflux disease and often causes a person to experience heartburn. It can also cause a change in the colour of a person’s stool.
GERD is also associated with several other symptoms, including:
- heartburn
- belching
- nausea and vomiting
- a chronic cough and wheezing
- a sore throat, hoarseness, or change in voice
- difficulty swallowing
- chest pain
- sour taste in the mouth
Medications
Beta-carotene is also found in some supplements and medications, which can make poop orange in colour.
Also, having a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), or positron emission tomography scan (PET) may temporarily change stool colour.
Treatment
Treatment for orange poop will depend on the cause. A colour change in a person’s stool does not necessarily indicate a serious problem, but it is important to monitor it closely. People should seek medical advice if they have any concerns.
Diet
If a person notices their poop is suddenly orange, they should consider the food they have consumed that day or the day before.
A person may have consumed an excessive amount of products containing beta-carotene or artificial dye. Limiting the intake of these types of foods and drinks could stop the problem.
Some people report sensitivities to certain artificial dyes, so restricting the amount of foods and beverages with these substances may be beneficial.
GERD
If a person has GERD, the treatment will look to reduce acid reflux, reduce stomach acid, improve digestion, and protect the oesophagus.
Treatment will depend on the severity of the case. In some individuals, lifestyle changes can decrease episodes of acid reflux. However, not every person responds in the same way to foods and beverages.
Changes that may help some people include:
- not bending, lying down, or doing intense exercise soon after meals
- not overeating
- limiting alcohol, chocolate, or caffeine
- restricting fatty, salty, or spicy foods
- losing weight if overweight
- quitting smoking
- changing medications that cause symptoms
- raising the head of the bed by around 6 inches
- avoiding eating less than 2 hours before bed
- In more serious cases, medications or surgery may be required.
Underlying health problems
If the condition does not stop despite lifestyle and dietary changes, then it could be a sign of an underlying health problem.
This will need to be treated separately, so a person should visit a doctor for diagnosis. This may include stool analysis and blood tests.
When to see a doctor
If a person’s poop is continuously orange for 2 weeks, they should talk to a doctor.
Any concerns about changes in stool colour or consistency should be assessed by a healthcare professional, as it may indicate an underlying problem.
Source: Medical News Today