Why is the poop black

There are many reasons why the stool is black, including dietary factors, drug effects, gastrointestinal bleeding, etc. These reasons are explained in detail below.

1. Dietary factors

Ingesting a large amount of iron-rich foods, such as animal blood products or dark-colored foods, may cause the feces to appear black. This is because the iron in food combines with sulfide in the intestines to form iron sulfide, which turns the stool black.

2. Effect of drugs

Taking certain drugs may also cause the stool to turn black. For example, bismuth to treat stomach problems, iron to replenish blood, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs react with digestive juices in the intestines to produce black substances, thereby turning the stool black. Specifically, medications such as ferrous sulfate, bismuth potassium citrate, and aspirin may cause melena.

3. Gastrointestinal bleeding

When bleeding occurs in the digestive tract, the blood stays in the intestine for a long time and forms iron sulfide after oxidation, which can also lead to black stools. Gastrointestinal bleeding may be caused by gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, colitis and other diseases. At this time, patients should seek medical treatment promptly for diagnosis and treatment.

4. Indigestion or damage to the gastric mucosa

Overeating or damage to the gastric mucosa may cause gastrointestinal motility to slow down, digestive function to weaken, and food to stay longer in the intestines. If it is too long, oxidation reaction will occur, resulting in black stool.

5. Other diseases

Some systemic diseases, such as leukemia, may also cause melena. This type of black stool is usually accompanied by other systemic symptoms, such as fever, anemia, etc.

In short, there are many reasons why the poop is black, and it needs to be judged according to the specific situation. If the melena persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical examination in time.