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Is Brown And Yellow Discolored Stool A Matter Of Concern While Under A Lot Of Stress And Anxiety?

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Posted on Tue, 11 Dec 2018
Question: I have been under a lot of stress and anxiety the last couple weeks. One thing I have noticed is a light brown/yellowish color of my stool. This even gives me more anxiety. It’s not all the time but relatively frequent in last few weeks. It’s soft but in solid chunks. I’m also not sleeping very well at all with stress.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Due to stimulation of autonomous nervous system.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The liver secretes a pigment called bile. During the process of digestion, the bile is broken into stercobilinogen pigment which imparts color to the stool.
When a person has high levels of anxiety or stress, the autonomous nervous system is stimulated causing an increase in the rate of peristalsis of the intestines. Hence, the bile passes through the intestine fast and is not properly broken down therefore the color of the stool may be light.

I would suggest you to get a prescription for anti-anxiety medication like Petril for a few days. As your anxiety levels go back to normal, your stool would return to its normal color.

Hope I was helpful. Feel free to follow up.

Thank you.

Regards,
Dr. Ramesh Kumar
Gastroenterologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (32 minutes later)
It’s not diahrrea but definitely on softer side. I can sometimes see little bit of undigested food in there too. Sometimes sinks and sometimes float. Is that all in line from your first recommendation?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (50 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Obviously yes, when the rate of peristalsis of the intestine increases, food will remain undigested and the absorption of water would not be full, hence symptoms would be there.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Regards,
Dr. Ramesh Kumar
Gastroenterologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (35 minutes later)
What can I take or eat to help slow down my digestion?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:.

Hi,

Take any anti-anxiety pill like Etizolam but if you can't get a prescription then try Lactium (natural stress reducer).

Hope I have answered your query.

Thank you.

Regards,
Dr. Ramesh Kumar
Gastroenterologist
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 2906 Questions

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Is Brown And Yellow Discolored Stool A Matter Of Concern While Under A Lot Of Stress And Anxiety?

Brief Answer: Due to stimulation of autonomous nervous system. Detailed Answer: Hello, The liver secretes a pigment called bile. During the process of digestion, the bile is broken into stercobilinogen pigment which imparts color to the stool. When a person has high levels of anxiety or stress, the autonomous nervous system is stimulated causing an increase in the rate of peristalsis of the intestines. Hence, the bile passes through the intestine fast and is not properly broken down therefore the color of the stool may be light. I would suggest you to get a prescription for anti-anxiety medication like Petril for a few days. As your anxiety levels go back to normal, your stool would return to its normal color. Hope I was helpful. Feel free to follow up. Thank you. Regards, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Gastroenterologist