Is green poop a sign of infection?
Green poop may or may not be a sign of infection.
The normal color of poop is brown, due to the bile pigment present in it. Any other color (green, red, black) needs attention. Abnormal colored poop may be due to changes in food habits, medicines or underlying medical causes.
The most common causes of green stools are diets rich in green vegetables, such as spinach and kale, which can cause green stool.
Sometimes during diarrhea, the food moves through the intestine rapidly. There isn’t enough time for the bile to break it down completely. Such poop may appear greenish.
What other symptoms might occur with green stools?
The green stool may be accompanied by symptoms depending on the causes. The most common symptoms accompanying green stool are
- Diarrhea
- Gas or flatulence
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Flu-like symptoms
- Unexpected weight loss
- Bloating
- Poor appetite
Seek medical attention, if the following symptoms are observed
- Rapid heart rate
- Irritability and confusion
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- High fever
- Light-headedness
- Dark urine
- Severe diarrhea
- Weakness
- Severe abdominal pain
Which other diseases cause green stools?
Diseases that may cause green stools are
- Celiac disease (malabsorption syndrome)
- Bacterial infection
- Parasite infection
- Intestinal cancer
- Food poisoning
- Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- Colon cancer
- Tumors in the intestine
- Viral gastroenteritis
SLIDESHOW
Super Tips to Boost Digestive Health: Bloating, Constipation, and More See SlideshowWhat food causes green stool?
Natural or artificial foods that are green in color may cause green-colored stool. Chlorophyll present in the green vegetables is a green pigment that allows plants to conduct photosynthesis. This pigment makes the stool green. However, if you still have green poop even 2 to 3 days after eating these foods, then it is a matter of concern. Foods that cause green stools include
- Green vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, spinach, zucchini and celery
- Green food coloring in ice pops and candies
- Iron supplements
- Green herbs, basil, parsley or cilantro
- Green fruits, such as jalapeno, avocadoes, green grapes or green apple
- Pistachios
- Hemp seeds
- Powdered green tea
- Blueberries or blackberries
- Red wine
Can green stool be treated at home?
Temporary change in stool color may recover on its own. As a rule of thumb, any episode of green stool stained with blood or accompanied by fever must not be treated at home. Avoid dairy products and caffeine. Make sure you drink plenty of water.
Certain low-fiber foods may help green stools associated with diarrhea
- White rice
- Potatoes
- Noodles
- Bananas
- White bread
- Fish
- Lean ground beef
- Applesauce
When should I worry about green stool?
Health News
- AHA News: This Tick Season, Beware the Tiny Bugs That Can Carry Lyme Disease – a Danger to the Heart
- Ticks Can Take a Licking From Really Tough Weather
- Drug Might Help Slow Nearsightedness in Kids
- Does Your Kid Need a Summer Vacation From Smartphones?
- Get in the Swim: Summer Pool Safety Tips
More Health News »
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
CDC
Cleveland Clinic
American College of Gastroenterology
Top Is Green Poop a Sign of Infection Related Articles
How to Make Yourself Poop: 12 Remedies to Do at Home
12 remedies to do at home that may help ease constipation.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a change in the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. Symptoms associated with diarrhea are cramping, abdominal pain, and the sensation of rectal urgency. Causes of diarrhea include viral, bacterial, or parasite infection, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, and drugs. Absorbents and anti-motility medications are used to treat diarrhea.
Poop Type and Color
The different shapes and colors of your stool can tell you something about your health.
Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis)
Most people with diverticulosis have few if any symptoms at all. When people do experience signs and symptoms of diverticulosis (diverticular disease) they may include abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Diverticulitis is a condition in which diverticula in the colon rupture. The rupture results in infection in the tissues that surround the colon. Treatment methods for diverticulitis include prescription medications, and in some cases, diverticulitis surgery.
How Can I Stop Blood in My Stool?
Bloody stools should be addressed, but there are many reasons for rectal bleeding that don’t warrant an emergency visit to the doctor.
How Often Should You Poop?
Pooping, otherwise known as defecation or bowel movements, is the end result of digestion. According to experts, it's normal to have bowel movements as often as 3 times a day or as infrequently as 3 times per week.
Intestinal Gas and Gas Pain
Intestinal gas and painful bloating are common. Learn about what causes gas pain and how eliminating certain foods from your diet can help relieve symptoms.
malt soup extract
Malt soup extract is used as a short-term treatment to relieve occasional constipation, maintain regularity of bowel movements and relieve anal itching (pruritus ani). Malt soup extract is available over the counter (OTC) as a tablet, powder, or liquid that is taken with plenty of fluids. Malt is used in the preparation of many foods and beverages. Common side effects of malt soup extract include gas (flatulence), excessive bowel activity, diarrhea, and rectal obstruction.
Stool Color, Changes, Texture and Form
Stool color changes can very from green, red, maroon, yellow, white, or black. Causes of changes of stool color can range from foods a person eats, medication, diseases or conditions, pregnancy, cancer, or tumors. Stool can also have texture changes such as greasy or floating stools. Stool that has a uncharacteristically foul odor may be caused by infections such as giardiasis or medical conditions.
The Truth About Poop: Test Your IQ
Everyone does it, but no one talks about poop! What do changes in your poop mean? Take this quiz to learn about how your body functions!
What Should I Do If My Poop Is Green?
Learn why your poop is green and what you can do to treat it. Black, bright red, and pencil-thin stools are red flags for colon cancer. Other signs and symptoms of colon cancer include changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea and constipation.
When Is Green Poop a Sign of Infection?
Green poop is a common issue, but sometimes it's a sign of infection. Learn green stool's signs, causes, and treatment options. Black poop is usually a common condition, but may signify underlying medical conditions.
When Should You Worry About Your Baby's Poop?
You may need to worry about your baby's poop when it is abnormal in terms of consistency, color, quantity, and other factors.
Why Do Babies Struggle Pooping?
When it comes to pooping and babies, you should be concerned with frequency and consistency. Babies may struggle with pooping due to dehydration, they anticipate discomfort or pain, or they experience infant dyschezia.Why Is My Poop Green?
Green stools are a common condition that affects many people. Learn the signs of green stools, what causes them, how doctors diagnose them, and what you can do to treat it.