Hello, cbalamuralee, Black stool can be due to a number of causes. If some one is taking Iron supplements (Vitamin) that can make the stool black. Also, large doses of Bismuth (Antidiarrheal drug-Over the counter) can give that color to the stool. Charcoal sometimes is used for food poisoning can also give black color to the stool. More importantly, if there is slow bleeding inside the stomach , the digestive process makes the blood black when it shows up in the stool. You state that you have had stomach pains for the past two years. Also, spicy foods make the condition worse. To me, it suggests that you indeed have stomach issues. It is possible that you have significant irritation of the lining of the stomach, may be small ulcers.If you are using any aspirin, Ibuprofen or other NSAIDS , I would recommend that you discontinue these. Sometimes bleeding could be intermittent, so your stoll may not always show black color. If you are over 45-50 years of age, I want you to see a gastroenterologist. You might need endoscopy to look for small ulcers. If you have significant weight loss , if you are anemic, these are warning signs and stomach cancer has to be considered. Please follow through with your doctor. Wish you good health.